429 engine, your thoughts?
Thread Starter
|
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 20
From: Caracas, Venezuela
429 engine, your thoughts?
Well, i have in my hands a 429 from my 69 T-bird, wich my father has abandoned (the engine is in perfect working order and low miles). I wonder: is this a good swap? 302 EFI out / 429 carbed in. Wich waters am i getting into, regarding Transmisions and reliability, etc?.
Personally i think this is just a dream, and i would actually hate to take the engine of that totally original and restorable T-bird (only needs some rust and a paintjob to be taken care, mechanically it's a 9.5). I even heard the rumor this engine is a 460 because this was an special edition for Venezuela, how could i check that?.
Personally i think this is just a dream, and i would actually hate to take the engine of that totally original and restorable T-bird (only needs some rust and a paintjob to be taken care, mechanically it's a 9.5). I even heard the rumor this engine is a 460 because this was an special edition for Venezuela, how could i check that?.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,957
Likes: 592
From: Greater Austin, Texas
People put 460s in our Broncos all the time, it's the same deal for a 429. Both are "385" motors, same exterior dimensions, same bellhousing, etc. The only thing different would be the compression ratio on a '69 motor, it's probably gonna need premium fuel, and some sort of lead additive since it won't have hardened valve seats.
Thread Starter
|
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 20
From: Caracas, Venezuela
Premium fuel is no issue around these parts, a Bronco 3/4 tank fill-up of 95 octane costs around 1US$. I guess i would have to check the info on a 460 swap.
And? nobody else has an opinion? recomendations?... I most probably won't do it but still want to know what you guys think about it, and about that engine in particular.
And? nobody else has an opinion? recomendations?... I most probably won't do it but still want to know what you guys think about it, and about that engine in particular.
Thread Starter
|
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 20
From: Caracas, Venezuela
They're cheap and plentiful in the US monkei, not here, here they ask for an arm and a leg for any engine, and well, that's whats available to me right now 
.
.
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Its a bunch of work to pull the EFI engine since none of the electronics will be needed or work properly. The fuel issues and lead-substitute additives have already been mentioned. If the EFI 302 works and you are happy with it, I say don't fix what isn't broken.
On the other hand if you want the kick in the pants that an additional 127 cubic inches of displacement will give you, then its a viable option. The transmission situation is something I cannot speak to but should be considered since I am certain the AOD or E4OD in yours will not bolt to it.
Personally, I'd rather have the 429 in the T-bird and a 300 in the Bronco. Trucks benefit from torque before they see HP benefits typically.
On the other hand if you want the kick in the pants that an additional 127 cubic inches of displacement will give you, then its a viable option. The transmission situation is something I cannot speak to but should be considered since I am certain the AOD or E4OD in yours will not bolt to it.
Personally, I'd rather have the 429 in the T-bird and a 300 in the Bronco. Trucks benefit from torque before they see HP benefits typically.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 20
From: Caracas, Venezuela
Yes, i knew the E4OD would have to be taken out and a C6 bolted instead, i still prefer a 302 over a 300, even though the 300 is bulletproof. And well, this was a very hipotetical situation. Yours is one of the opinions i wanted to hear, thx.
P.S.: Personally i too think that engine belongs were it is, but it's still a good choice. still, a car that remained original so long should stay that way.
P.S.: Personally i too think that engine belongs were it is, but it's still a good choice. still, a car that remained original so long should stay that way.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,751
Likes: 3
From: Sin City
Premium fuel is no issue around these parts, a Bronco 3/4 tank fill-up of 95 octane costs around 1US$. I guess i would have to check the info on a 460 swap.
And? nobody else has an opinion? recomendations?... I most probably won't do it but still want to know what you guys think about it, and about that engine in particular.
And? nobody else has an opinion? recomendations?... I most probably won't do it but still want to know what you guys think about it, and about that engine in particular.
Thread Starter
|
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 20
From: Caracas, Venezuela
1$ a tank, but you get Mr. chavez as president, i tell you that swap doesn't worth it. Still, a very nice place to visit, come any time and i'll do my best to be a good host (that goes for everyone around here). Also... having US$s makes you kind of a god around here... hehehe with 2000$ you'll have a GREAT vacation.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: Upstate New York
I would definitely run a 429 in a Bronco. Those motors are awesome. Yes, the 460 is mostly identical other than stroke, and because of the greater stroke, the 460 is a better choice due to low speed torque, but as you said, the 460s are hard to find down there, so go with what you got. I knew a guy years ago who had a Bronco with a built 429 in it, and it would smoke both tires until he let off the throttle. A real animal. My brother's 69 Ford 4-door Custom Police car that he picked up at an auction was ridiculously fast, and it probably weighed in close to that of a Bronco.
Go for it.
p.s. Agreed on using an additive when running '69 heads with unleaded fuel. Those old valve seats will rapidly wear away without a layer of lead on them. When you get the time, you can pull the heads off and have them freshened up with nickel seats and 3-angle cuts on the valves for more power. A little pocket porting and smoothing wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Go for it.
p.s. Agreed on using an additive when running '69 heads with unleaded fuel. Those old valve seats will rapidly wear away without a layer of lead on them. When you get the time, you can pull the heads off and have them freshened up with nickel seats and 3-angle cuts on the valves for more power. A little pocket porting and smoothing wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,441
Likes: 5
From: Muskegon, MI (home)
I recently picked up a 79 Bronco with a 460 in it. I haven't been able to drive it much because I am fixing all the previous owner's goof ups. I do have it up and going under it's own power, yeah I'll have to say it's a "little better" than the 351m that originally came in it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 24
From: ME
I say go for it. 
IMO 69 T-Birds are ugly, I'd keep the engine and sell the rolling chassis.
I'm sure the car has sentimental value to you because it's been in your family for a long time.I grew up around Ford trucks my whole life.I just never had much love for the old T-Birds.Some years look better than others but the 69 isn't the most appealing body style.
IMO 69 T-Birds are ugly, I'd keep the engine and sell the rolling chassis.
I'm sure the car has sentimental value to you because it's been in your family for a long time.I grew up around Ford trucks my whole life.I just never had much love for the old T-Birds.Some years look better than others but the 69 isn't the most appealing body style.