Davin40

Hey guys,
I already posted a question about swapping a 351w into my Bronco and using a stock fuel injection set-up (by the way, thanks for your input Sean) but I've since found a 1978 lincoln mark V (Donor car) that has a 1972 429...From the research I've done I've learned that the 1972 429's are turds, but it seems that the biggest problem they have are the heads (low compression ratio 8.00:1)and timming gears, I've read that I can easily install 1970 or earier timing gears (which offer better timing) and throw-on a differant set of heads, But I'm a little confused about what heads to use, Keep in mind I don't want to go over 9.5:1 compression I've heard a set of DOVE heads are great but the compression ratio would end up being too high and CJ or SCJ heads are good for low to mid range (CJ)"or" mid to high range (SCJ) but i've heard that the 429 police interceptor heads are best from low all the way to high r.p.m. range. Is what I've read all just B.S. or what is the best set of heads? I plan on useing this rig for pulling my boat (appox. 5500 lbs.) a little agressive wheel'n and surpriseing some of the smaller competition around town...Question: could I gain much by porting the stock 1972 heads or should I go for one of the other above metioned heads and if soo...what would be best for my application???.....any suggestions Sean?

Well I think I'm done with this novel for now, all help will be appreciated

whitecrystal1

I'll move this to classic section for you so it will get more visibility.

Good old Bill

You seem to be doing your home work, I remember the 429 as a small 460 and the 428 as a big 390. Two different engine families. From your home work and not giving up two cents for aftermarket stuff I would choose the police interceptor heads. I am assuming those are heads from Ford. The 460 was a great engine with a 4 barrel. Don't have data with the fuel injection. Late 70's, a real pulling machine in motor homes. Question for you, was the 429 a shorter stroke or just a head and piston change?

transmaster

The high compression 429 was a sweet engine, and the Boss 429 was a monster. You have an excellent foundation to build on. In my opinion the 429 Ford is one of the best, if not the best V8 Ford ever built, I include the High compress 460. The 460 is indeed a punched out 429. In the 60's there was a cubic inch war between Linclon and Cadillac, which Cadillac won with the 500 CID V8 which, as much as I like Cadillacs, was a slow turning, gas eating turkey. Take a gander over at Ford Racing they have some really nice goodies for the 429. You can get big horse power from a 429. One thing I would do is see if you can get your hands on a set of Thunderbird valve covers. The Thunderbird was fitted with the 429 in 1968 it was rated at 360 horsepower for insurance purposes but it actually put out 400-460 hp. Custom labels with the logo "F150 Thunderbird" would be sweet. My friend you have a potentional monster on your hands The one thing you need to check is to see if you have the four bolt mains, this will determine how far you can go with the HP.

Bill here is nice site which has the spec's for all of the V8's
http://www.fordclassics.com/enginespecs.html

mitchalvin

The 429 has the same bore as a 460 but a smaller stroke. All the 429 have a high compression around 10:1 if I remember right. These use the same bell housing as the 351C, 351M and 400M. The 460 have low compression and a messed up timing chain to supposedly meet emissions and fuel economy. They do make a 10:1 flat top piston for the 460 and if you use the 429 timing set with a decent RV cam you will have a monster motor that pulls from idle and gets halfway decent mileage.