Hi,
I am planning on building a big block ford, as big as I can make it. Of course, right now, I don't have enough funds to do as much work as I plan on, but this would be a long term project. My question is what is the stoutest big block ford that was made? I know that the 385 series 460 429 were stout blocks (from 68-69). I'm looking for 390's or bigger blocks. What years and such were the strongest? I am trying to figure out what year that they started detuning them and taking out the webwork between the main bearings and the cam. I want to have a block that will handle 1200+ hp if I ever get enough money to build it that big. I am looking for a solid base to start from that has potential.

advice?

 

I don't know of any factory Ford block that will handle 1200+HP. I thought Cammers cracked the blocks at around 1000hp. I would think two bolt blocks are definitely ruled out, so that leaves Cross-Bolted FEs and 4 Bolt 429s. I'd start saving for a SVO block. I would think you would need 500+ cubes to make that much power. That's just my opinion, don't hold me to it.

 

.....Please do not feed the Trolls

 

what's that supposed to mean?

 

First off what are your intentions for the truck? Is this going to be a drag truck or a mud truck? Not only do you have to have a block to handle that kind of power, but also brakes, transmission, axles, frame. Are you running power adders which I assume you will be. It would be best to map out what you want to do with that power before you start allocating money to the wrong parts. If you want some good information of the 385 series big blocks check out 460ford.com. Also have you considered a cummins swap. A good friend of mine has a nicely built cummins that puts down 1476HP and 2084 lb/ft or torque to the wheels. Of course thats with a 250 shot of funny juice.

 

You should check out John Kasse Racing. He is the God Father of the Big Block Ford. He says a factory 429/460 block can stand up to about 1000 HP. He builds them way beyond that, but it depends on your budget.
I have a 500 ci. in my 71 Mustang. I knew it was going to make lots of power, big roller cam, aluminum heads, 950 carb. But it's not till I drove it that I realized... It will ignite the tires at 60 mph. It is scary. It's probably around 550 HP, it must be all the torque.

 

460ford.com

 

Just fyi, this would be going in a 1967-79 ford 2 wd, or a full size ford car. (or perhaps a mustang). I'm not sure what it will be going into, but I am attempting to find an engine with good bones to build from.

 

Here you go, Ford GAA tank engine in a mustang.

 

Determining what its going into first will be the easiest thing then build the motor. The powerband of the motor will differ from a car that is 2400 lbs versus one that is 5000lbs. Gearing, type of transmission all have to be considered. 1200 ponies isnt just a mild 550hp 466 build. Your talking boo qoo money. Also something that more then likely is not really streetable. A 550hp 466 big block would propel a stripped down fox body in the quarter around a low 10 maybe even a high 9 if you get your suspension set up right.

 

Yeah, to start off I'm going to go 'mild' as you say, but I want to invest in a block that I CAN build much much bigger.

 

well first off, the 67-69 blocks weren't any stronger then any other 385 series block. actually the 70 blocks had larger main webbing for instance and thus were easier to convert to 4 bolt mains and the D9TE late model blocks had longer cylinder walls which made for better base for a stroker. I ran a 2 bolt main D9TE block at over 900hp for 5yrs and now someone else has been running it for another couple and it's still going so don't buy into the hype you have to have an early block to handle hp it's not true. You just have to know what your doing and how to tune it.

Pretty much any stock 429/460 block will handle 600hp with ease (ford just used production blocks in their 514 crate motors at 612hp) and I would say honestly with nothing more then good fasteners 750 wouldn't scare me on any of the production blocks. I can't make that claim on any of the other engine series, yes SOME of the castings might be able to but you can take any 429/460 block and it will.

Now with that being said, and if you don't have a class rules limit then why mess around with a stock block at all. Buy a FRPP A460, or IDT block from the gitgo and be done with it, those will EASILY handle 1200hp and are setup with better oiling system, 18 bolt headbolt patterns (on most) and almost all can go 598cid easily.

 

would a later model 460 429 hold that same amount? From 1970-79? I would be plenty happy with 600-750.

 

yes any 429/460 block from 67-97 would hold 600+ easily enough and I personally wouldn't be scared at 700.

BUT if your building a stroker I would pick the D9TE block OVER the D1VE block (71-79) just because of the longer cylinder walls which better support the piston at BDC.

 

What are a good pair of heads to look out for? I am looking for some good flowing heads. I'm not looking to be crazy hp, I just don't want to buy junk heads. I don't have enough money to buy a set of alum heads, but could afford some port work on some old cast iron heads. I might be able to nab a pair of thunderjet heads form the early 1970's, would those flow pretty good? thanks!