Hi All. First time Ford owner. 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 was given a 94 Thunderbird where I removed the motor/trans and all wiring/computer and was going to drop change it all over.
I have been a Chevy owner most of my life running 396-454s in all my toys, so the big block bug is in my blood. 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.