I have a D1VE block, which is a '71 I think, I am putting it in a '85 ford f-250, it has a ford motorsport holly 4-barrel on it, a 4 stick, and since the truck i am putting it in was a diesel I think it has 4:10 gears. So far I have done new oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, timing cover, water pump gaskets, and put a new timing chain on it. I dont have the money or time to do a complete overhaul on it now. but I will in the future.

It has stock manifolds, 73 heads and abunch of mixed parts.
I am VERY curious to know what the HP and torque ratings are and the best RPM's to run to get the most torque and HP. So if any of you know and ahve a chiltons to look it up in I would appreciate it. THNX.

Now I keep hearing good things about 429 cobra jet heads and that they are hard to dind and expensive. what else can you tell me about these heads? I am VERY interested.

 

Yes the block is a '71 designed block but they(Ford) used this casting # for many years after '71. The H.P. & torque #'s vary depending on which manual you read, which car or truck/van it was installed in, what type of emissions it had and so on. A "ball park" figure for both are: 200 to 275 H.P. and 320 to almost 400 ft. lbs. torque, I know there is alot of varience in the #'s, but remember Ford was reducing compression in the early-mid '70's and choking the motors with all emissions CRAP. I'm not sure if the '73 car manifolds will fit(about 90%) your '86, I'd opt for aftermarket headers instead(more h.p. & torque, usually better mpg also) a set of Hedman # 89340 or # 89280 are about $125-$140 a set(go price a set of '83 460 factory manifolds if you can find them). As for the old cast iron Cobra Jet heads, yes they are scarce and expensive, save your money, your stock heads will do fine unless you want to run it above 5500rpm. If you still want better heads on your engine you can look at other Ford designs(Dove-c heads, Police interceptor heads, or the newer 460 EFI heads #E7TE, with a little work these heads are supposed to be pretty darn good). If you need an aftermarket head, go with the new aluminum heads from Edlebrock they are a hell of alot better than their 30 year old cast iron counterpart. The Cobra Jet heads are decent pieces to have, but compared to the new heads out there (Blue Thunder, Fueling, Edlebrock, Ford's SVO Cobra Jet & etc.) they are lacking. I hope this helps in any way.

Todd
BB79RANCH

 

Todd,

You mention that the newer EFI heads are not too bad with a little work. I've a 95 460 EFI. I was wondering what work you are referring too. I'd like to see a bit of an improvement.

Perry

 

The 460 EFI heads were designed to optimize port velocities and not overall flow(they really just filled in the ports with cast iron, then redesigned the ports with higher port velocities in mind). The intake port is fine in design, as are all 429-460 heads, but it is way too small in stock form for mid to hi-performance use(as are the exhaust ports). The intake valves are small as well @ 1.975", compared to a DOVE-C @ 2.08" and a CJ's @ 2.19". The exhaust port redesign makes it look like a miniature CJ port, much, much better than the "base" 460's in the past, but it to is too small to flow any decent #'s. The exhaust valves are 1.65" same as a DOVE-C or D3VE-A2A, but it does flow alot better than these heads due to it's better exhaust port shape. The saving grace for these heads are the large, induction hardened, valve seats that allow you to install larger valves and still avoid valve recession with unleaded fuel. With a GOOD 3 or 4 angle valve job and installation of bigger valves(In. 2.19" & Ex. 1.76") and a little bit of port work(remember, Ford filled these ports with cast iron to get velocity, a head porter can now take advantage of the better port shapes to increase flow) these heads will almost outflow a set of ported 429 CJ heads(@ .50" lift- CJ In. 301 vs EFI In. 289.1 CJ Ex. 187.8 vs EFI Ex. 190.9). Anytime you can get the exhaust port to flow 70% of the Intake port, you will make more power, more efficiently.
Todd
BB79RANCH

 

Todd,

Thank you for the information. I missed your reply the last time I was on this sight. But, I got it now... and will consider having the work done... I'm just a little reluctant to open things up as the engine doesn't drip oil, doesn't use oil, doesn't lose oil. I hate to open up an engine and chance any leaks developing.

I'll get the work done sooner or later.

Perry