Thread: 429/460 build up
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02-17-2009 06:42 PM #1
Unless you are drag racing and spinning your 460 engine to 8000 rpm (or more), the CJ heads are a major mis-match for your application. I have proven this over and over again in 460 engines that had CJ heads on them and we swapped them out for well prepped "smaller" heads with passenger car sized ports. Bigger is not always better as it was believed back when those heads were put onto 429s. What's best is a cylinder head that is just right for the applicaton instead of too big, since port velocity is diminished as is cylinder filling as a result. Efficiency plummets.
There are several things that you can do to improve performance with your current 460. These engines, from about 1973 and up, have a dismal 7.8:1 compression ratio; the exhaust ports flow miserably; the distributor does not have so much as a hint of an agressive advance curve; the pistons are way below deck at TDC. Fix these things and the engine comes alive. But, rebuild for your specific application/needs and address these mentioned traits as well, and you will out pull Ford Powerstroke Diesels while going uphill with a trailer.
The specific combo you need depends on a lot of details; you have basically been pointed in the general direction thus far...
Paul
429/460 Engine Fanatic
RIP Mike....prayers to those you left behind. .
We Lost a Good One