429/460 vs. everything else

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Oct 25, 2000 | 02:05 PM

hpguy

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429/460 vs. everything else

I've been told about a scrap yard, 5 hrs. from home, that sells mostly complete motors for $25. The problem is, that they don't have any idea what they have. When I drive 5 hrs. to get there, how would I know, without dismantling the engine, what I'm looking at? I'm looking specifically for a 429/460 engine.

Thanks!
-Andrew

If It ain't broke, you're not tryin'!

Oct 26, 2000 | 07:06 AM

Chuck P.

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From: SE PA

429/460 vs. everything else

For what it's worth, the "385" series has 7 valve cover bolts, 4 on the exhaust side and 3 on the intake side. The distance between the top two bolts for the bell is appx. 7 7/8", the water outlet/T-stat housing is in/on the manifold. There is an "extra" piece between the block and the water pump about 2-3 inches thick. The only other engines that will match the bell are the 351M/400's. These have 8 valve cover bolts and the water outlet is in the block, no water goes thru the intake. These both also have 4-bolt balancers/dampers. Most 429/460's have 4v carbs, most 351m/400's have the 2v. Don't forget there is one other engine in the family, the 370(385 series), but, I've never come across one. Sounds like a great place to go "shopping"!! Good luck Big Block hunting!

Oct 26, 2000 | 11:25 PM

Junkyardslug

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429/460 vs. everything else

hey HPGuy, where is this junkyard at? I'd drive 25 hours for a $25 engine. To bad I already got a 460, but I need a transmission for it, and they might have what I need. That 7 bolt valve cover is a real easy way to ID the 385 series. The 370s were only put in big trucks like F600-F700's as far as I know. Good luck finding the right engine for you.

George
86' Bronco W/ 78-460-C6-NP205

Oct 27, 2000 | 12:00 AM

hpguy

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429/460 vs. everything else

The yard is in Nampa, Id. ph# (208)466-3164.
Phone number courtesy of a reply I recieved to my wanted ad for a 460. Thanks Bruce!

If It ain't broke, you're not tryin'!

Oct 30, 2000 | 10:53 PM

hpguy

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429/460 vs. everything else

Now, I've been told that for the engine I want to build, I will want the earlier 460, as the crank is beefier. I've also been told that the one I want will have an external balance on it, either on the damper or the flywheel. Is either of these visible without disassembling the motor? It will probably be lying on the ground or something; i doubt it will be in a car. Also, what would one of these external balances look like? How would I know what I'm looking at?

Thanks!

If It ain't broke, you're not tryin'!

Feb 28, 2001 | 10:45 PM

davesford

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429/460 vs. everything else

The early 460 crank that uses internal balancing is suposedly more desireable. It DOES NOT have the weight behind the balancer on the spacer. The later, I believe it's '79 and up has the weight. They also have a weight on the flywheel/flexplate that the early engine does not have. Also, 429 truck engines have a weight on the flywheel but it isn't the same, they look different, the crank is steel with a very large front snout, much like a 361 or 391 truck engine.

Mar 13, 2001 | 11:14 PM

78bigblock

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429/460 vs. everything else

I am not sure if this was already said or not but if the engine is complete up front, look for the dipstick that is put into the timing cover as opposed to the usual into the oil pan beside the exhaust. This is for the 385 series only (pretty sure ne-way)