Thread: 429/460 In '67 Ranchero opinions

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Originally Posted by 67Ranchero

i was lucky enough to pick up a 2nd owner 67 Ranchero that was originally equipped with a 289 3pd. My plans were to install a late model 302 and overdrive tranny.

I have been seriously thinking of running a 429-460 in the car. I have researched and found all the conversion parts online. I have been reading that the pre '73 engines are the way to go for hp and torque but I know later hp/torque figures are rear wheel hp.

I have the option to buy a '69 T-bird w/429 for $800 with under 80,000 original miles and also know of a 1971 460 for $600 that is supposed to run very well with a C-6 but its not in the car. I also found a 77 460 in a pickup at the junkyard as a rebuildable core for $100. Any suggestions?

Does it really matter what year engine I go with? I don't mind rebuilding the engine and adding different pistons/different year heads etc. I mainly want the car to be fun and smoke my brothers '77 Cutlass with a '70 455 LOL

Thanks in advance.

Keep in mind that the late model 302 roller engine and trans is a much easier and less costly installation into a 1967 Ranchero, especially if you replace the EFI with a carb and aluminum intake manifold. Mileage will also be better.

The 429/460 engine will require many more initial components for the swap, be a tighter fit, and also you better look at your differential, suspension, brakes, etc, as potential upgrade necessities.

If you are serious about the big block swap, then I suggest buying the 1969 TBird rather than just a core engine. For just $800, it will have something that you can drive until you are ready begin the metamorphasis on the Ranchero, you will be able to see the engine run and determine if it even needs a rebuild or just a valve job, etc., and--most important--you will be purchasing not just the engine but a damn-near endless supply of OEM components that will facilitate the install of a 1969 driveline into a 1967 vehicle. You will not get all those extra nuts and bolts, and odds & ends, with the other engine cores...and you will be downright shocked at how quickly those parts can add up. Keep in mind that the 1969 TBird does not have the famed Ford 9-inch rear end but is a different, weaker differential...still worth the $800 for the car, though.

Also, the 1969 engine has the msot power, highest compression, is ready to run, etc. Since it has a 10.5:1 compression ratio, you will need to run pump gas premium but that can be addressed later when you rebuild. Of course, any 429/460 engine core will do for a 500 hp or less engine but the 1969 gives you room to grow with fewer aftermarket parts required.

Good luck keeping the rear tires from spinning on the big block Ranchero. This will be your biggest issue when racing the Olds.

Lastly, we have early and late style cylinder heads if you need them....460 cranks, too, if you do buy the 429 and want to increase displacememnt sometime later.

Paul