Thread: 429 Thunderjet

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Hello, I have a 1971 Ford Thunderbird that I had to pull the engine out for a rebuild. Its all original with 38000 miles. My question is while I have the engine out maybe trying for a little more horsepower. Not looking to take it to the drag strip. Sort of looking keeping the engine stock looking. I read where changing the cam / timing chain / head work will give the 429 some more horse power. Can anyone be specific on exactly what I should be looking for? (Maybe Summit Part Numbers). Keep in mind that "Pony Carburetor" just rebuilt the original carburetor that I might want to use on the rebuild. I believe its a Autolight 4300. Mostly I would like the air filter to go back on. I am open for suggestions from modest to the most.
Thanks.

Hey Guys. I was hoping for more than one opinion on this rebuild. Any one else have two cents to throw in?

Some of those had the cam timing retarded from the factory...Put it in straight up and gain some torque..Not sure if the 71 429 was one of them or not..

Biggler carburetor such as a Holley 750 or 850, free flowing dual 2-inch exhaust system, advance the ignition timing.

Of course there is a lot more that can be done with these engines, but that's about all anyone can offer without more detailed perfomance requirements from you. Porting the heads, for example, can enable them to be capable of supporting more than twice the hp that your engine currently has.

Paul

Paul, Thanks for the reply. I really do not have any performance requirements. About the requirement is to use the original rebuilt carburetor on the rebuild.
John at "Pony Carburetor" suggested:
1. Cam duration – do not exceed 220* at .050.
2. Take compression to 9.5:1.
3. Use retrofit roller cam and retrofit roller rockers.

I read about making the exhaust ports larger.
Lowering the compression means less horsepower?

I really do not know much about rebuilding engines. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Jobber timing sets are marked "straight up." Get a roller chain set while you're at it. Your Autolite is a good reliable street carb. The 'Bird might have D0VE heads, if not try to find some. The intake will be marked D0VE , too, probably.
Almost any aftermarket cam will be a big improvement over pretty much any stock 429 cam. They were intended to haul purple-haired old ladies to the bingo parlor, not performance .