429 vs 428

mike knight · #1 (**permalink**) 08-02-2002, 02:42 PM

i'm new to the cobra scene having just completed mine with a modified 351 462 dyno at 5950. i have an oportunity to pick up a 429 and i'm considering it as my winter project. the engine has the following: svo crank. wild cam.crower rods. solid rollers.yates heads ported flowing 475cfm. titanium valves.gear set,frpintake with 1250 dual pumper,429 block bored60 over. this package for 3800.00. the engine will need pistons,rings.rockers and the cam ground. any suggestions and would i be better to consider a 428.

BANDIT 1 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2002, 08:22 AM

The 429/460 engine family has been the Ford Big Block of choice for the last 30 years. They have been in Nascar, Pro Stock, Monster Trucks, Boats, and even the ford "crate engines". While I like the 427/428 FE engine family (I have owned a 427 S.O. and my brother had a 428 Cobra Jet and they both were very reliable and powerful) I would never pick one over the 429/460 engine family. The only 427's I would want at this point would be a "cammer" or Shelby's new 1,300 horsepower 427 "stroker". I would also only want a 428 Cobra Jet engine in a 1969 0r 1970 Mach 1 if that was the original engine (if they came with a 351, I would have a "stroker" 460 engine installed.

Good Luck...

bmalone · #3 (**permalink**) 08-03-2002, 09:21 AM

Well since you already have a Windsor, I'll assume you have come to your senses--just kidding.

The motor you mention seems like a good buy. The 385 engine family is known for the ability to produce horsepower and you can do it cheaply.

The only question to answer it seems to me is whether you care about having the correct engine (FE) in the car. I don't think this matters to most people.

If I were going FE, I would go 427, but as you know, the prices are high. FE typically is quite a bit lighter than 385, but use of aluminum will make the 429 as light or lighter than an FE.

I wanted to put a Cammer in my Contemporary--one of the few kits that you can actually do this, but decided against it for parts reasons. Went w/ the next best thing, a Tunnel-port.

mike knight · #4 (**permalink**) 08-03-2002, 01:27 PM

thanks for the responses it helped me make a no brainer and i bought the 429. since there are already some performance items included i'll probably stay the course and finish it out the way the original owner intended. what is a respectable torque and hp target with around town reliability primary. since i livein the chicago area our driving season is realistically only about 5 mos so i would expect a lot of boulevard work. will the dual fan set up from finish line be up to the cooling task or should i opt for a larger cfm. well, thanks again and i'll post from time to time with questions and updates any suggestions are always welcome.