Ford 429/460 Engines: How to Build Max Performance

by Jim Smart

Overview

Learn to make incredible horsepower from Ford’s most powerful big-block engine design.

For years, Ford relied on the venerable FE big-block engine design to power its passenger cars, trucks, and even muscle cars—and why not? The design was rugged, reliable, amortized, and a proven race winner at Le Mans and drag strips across the country. However, as is always the case with technology, time marches on, and Ford had a new design with many improvements in mind. Enter the 385 family of engines (also known as the “Lima” big-block). Produced from 1968–1998, the 385-series engines were used in multiple applications from industrial trucks to muscle cars and luxury cruisers.

In Ford 429/460 Engines: How to Build Max Performance, which was written by Ford expert Jim Smart, all aspects of performance building are covered, including engine history and design, induction systems, cylinder heads, the valvetrain, camshaft selection, the engine block, and rotating assemblies. The best options, optimal parts matching, aftermarket versus factory parts, budget levels, and build levels are also examined. The 429/460 engines are a good platform for stroking, so that is covered here as well.

Whether you want to build a torque-monster engine for your off-road F-150, a better-preforming version of a 1970s-era smog motor for your luxury Lincoln, or an all-out high-horsepower mill for your muscle car, this book is a welcome addition to your performance library. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613257647
Publisher:	CarTech Inc.
Publication date:	12/02/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	878,385
File size:	184 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Jim Smart is a veteran automotive journalist, contributing to just about every Mustang and Ford magazine ever published. Over the decades, Jim has had hundreds of how-to and feature articles on Fords and Mustang published. Jim is also an enthusiast, and he has been the owner and restorer of multiple enthusiast vehicles including various Mustangs. Jim resides with his family in Southern California.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: Building Basics

Organization

Parts Selection

Compression Ratio

The Physics of Power

Wasted Power

Building a 429/460 Stroker Engine

Stroker Power Pointers

Assembly Techniques

Mock-Up Phase

Ford Part/Casting Numbers

Basic Part Numbers

Date and Foundry Codes

Ford Muscle Parts

Good, Better, Best

Controller Kit

Dominator Kit

Chapter 2: The Block

Aftermarket Blocks

Budget Blocks

Boss 429 Block

Block Identification

Block Preparation

Fasteners, Clean Threads, and Torque

Chapter 3: Rotating Assembly

Crankshaft Selection

Forged Steel Crankshafts

Crankshaft Differences

Connecting Rods

Rod Ratio

Piston Selection

Stroker Kits

Building a Stroker

Strength in Stud Girdles

Harmonic Dampers and Flywheels

Dynamic Balancing

Chapter 4: Lubrication

Pump Blueprint Recipe

Improved Oil Control

Oil Pan

Chapter 5: Cylinder HeadsBoss 429

Aftermarket Cylinder Heads

Aftermarket 429/460 Wedge Cylinder Heads

Head Work

Valve Spring Pressures