[PilotDave]

I saw this old 429 engine from an early 70's truck. Is this not a great motor to rebuild for a Cobra? The motor is out of the vehicle and the guy that has it says it came out of a truck or t-bird. Clearly he has no ideal and who knows what it needs.

 

[dDUBb]

429 is a great engine if its one of the very first years it was made (68-72). I think after 72 they didnt have as much compression and lost alot of horsepower.
Check the casing number on the heads / block. Make sure its not a 460 since they have the same exact block. The TBirds came with 429's at that time.

- Dan

 

[_95badbird]

429 is a great engine if its one of the very first years it was made (68-72). I think after 72 they didnt have as much compression and lost alot of horsepower.
Check the casing number on the heads / block. Make sure its not a 460 since they have the same exact block. The TBirds came with 429's at that time.

- Dan

not exactly true.....my 73 bird has a 460 in it.(if you were referring to all 70+ model years)

but....the 68-71 429-460's had a ton more power than the 72+(besides the interceptors)....the 72+ would of had anywhere from 208-275 HP.

 

[icantdrive55]

The heads should say DOVE-C. They are good for using on a 460 with cheap dish pistons for 9-1 compression and have screw-in studs. I gave $40.00 for a 429 longblock a few years ago. The heads are now on a 460 in a friends truck.

I think a stroked smallblock would be alot more fun in a Cobra. If you are just after the wow factor get the big block.

 

[dDUBb]

Yeah I was talking about the very first years the 429 was made. After that they changed the deck height on the block and lost the 11:1 compression.

- Dan

 

[_95badbird]

Yeah I was talking about the very first years the 429 was made. After that they changed the deck height on the block and lost the 11:1 compression.

- Dan

okay...gotcha.

I wish Ford would have never made the heads in a 91cc configuration....I guess its at least good for Forced Induction...

 

[jfsram]

I think a stroked smallblock would be alot more fun in a Cobra. If you are just after the wow factor get the big block.

I agree. Big block Fords suck wind.

 

[Jimbobicus]

Just FYI, you can get a 427 side oiler from Ford, both iron and aluminum blocks. They are making an updated block that looks just like the originals, complete with 1965 casting date. That would be fantastic if you're going for a 427 S/C Cobra replica. Or for anyone that wants a classic FE engine. I'd put one in my Bird, but shoehorning an engine that big in.... wow.

 

[_95badbird]

I'd put one in my Bird, but shoehorning an engine that big in.... wow.

Its been done.....