5.0 to 429 conversion

[Whytry91]

I have the opportunity to get a Boss 429 engine, brand new has 6K into it for 3K (I know the guy), aside from the tranny and rear end and other reinforcements... what else would be needed to make this conversion possible (if it is possible)
are we talking new motor mounts and all that??? I was planning on spending around 6K for a crate or stroker motor, but I wasn't sure if the cost savings on this motor was worth it, or should I stick with a 306, 331 or 347????

any help would greatly be appreciated........

this is for my 91 gt.......


if this should be in talk...please move.......

 

[JChalfan]

I don't know a whole alot about the Boss 429's, but I know they are REALLY wide engines (with the fancy semi-hemi heads), and that would definitely be a consideration in swapping it into a fox.

 

[Modular2v]

it is possible......i dont know how your getting a boss for that price though. Different motor mounts, oil pan etc.... You dont have to do any shock tower cutting putting a regular 385 series motor in a fox but since you have boss style heads on it...the shock towers might need to be trimmed away some

 

[Whytry91]

it is possible......i dont know how your getting a boss for that price though. Different motor mounts, oil pan etc.... You dont have to do any shock tower cutting putting a regular 385 series motor in a fox but since you have boss style heads on it...the shock towers might need to be trimmed away some

Thanks for the info!
The guy was putting it into a '69 (non boss) and realized that the steering and all that would have to be reworked and custom headers would have to be made, he works here along with another guy who had a built 351 with 700 miles on it.... the guy with the 351 wanted to buy a 460 so the guy with 429 bought the 351 off of him and now the 429 is sitting complete minus the headers..... we're pretty good friends so he's cutting me a deal.... I've seen the engine... gorgeous, aluminum heads and all that,

I just don't know if I should do it or not...

 

[BlackBaer5.0]

If your really getting a boss motor like that for 3 grand, I would spend anything to get it shoe horned under that hood.

If you have to cut the strut tower, you might want to just get the Griggs racing SLA front suspension system. it would eliminate your strut tower problem..

just an idea

 

[Whytry91]

If your really getting a boss motor like that for 3 grand, I would spend anything to get it shoe horned under that hood.

If you have to cut the strut tower, you might want to just get the Griggs racing SLA front suspension system. it would eliminate your strut tower problem..

just an idea

I know it's an awesome deal.... I'm going to get the specs from him and run it by you guys, I know how to do engine work and all that, but identifying them as a boss or not I'm not sure..... the guy that built it is reputable so I'm taking his word for it... I'll try to get pics as well.... what leads me to believe that it is, is that it won't fit right in the 69 and a regular 429 to my knowledge would....
I saw the receipts and it all seems legit, roller rockers and every thing,

I want to get it so bad... just not sure of the after expenses....

 

[Modular2v]

in a 69 mustang a 429/460 with dove heads BARELY clears the shock towers....i had cramps in my hands from changing spark plugs on it because it was such a crammed space!

 

[304billet]

buy it and make it fit. it will be one of a kind. Boss 429's rule.

 

[795.0pacecar]

I think you should get it, and sell it to someone restoring a boss 429.

 

[wythors]

A Boss 429 has hemi heads with very distinct valve covers.

Regular 429's have regular style heads with standard stamped steel covers.

If it's really a Boss (I'd really be surprised) I'd recommend that you buy it for the $3000 and turn around and sell it for the $10,000+++ it would be worth.

 

[JChalfan]

This is a little more typical of a Boss 429 from a Mustang:

 

[Whytry91]

in a 69 mustang a 429/460 with dove heads BARELY clears the shock towers....i had cramps in my hands from changing spark plugs on it because it was such a crammed space!

Yeah this thing is huge, I know I would have a lot of work ahead of me.....but it'd definitely be a different animal!!! I'm sure it'd be a chore when it's in the fox body as the rear two plugs are already a PITA to get to....

 

[Whytry91]

I think you should get it, and sell it to someone restoring a boss 429.

I've thought about that as well.....then get a supercharged crate motor or something......

 

[Whytry91]

A Boss 429 has hemi heads with very distinct valve covers.

Regular 429's have regular style heads with standard stamped steel covers.

If it's really a Boss (I'd really be surprised) I'd recommend that you buy it for the $3000 and turn around and sell it for the $10,000+++ it would be worth.

Thanks for the pics.... it does look more like the one on top with the wider heads(if my memory serves me correct).... I need to get the pics from him, I saw them a while back because he originally was going to sell it to me for 4500 a couple months ago..... I'm helping him with his car which is partially why I'm getting a great price on it.

 

[Whytry91]

This is a little more typical of a Boss 429 from a Mustang:

I think my work is blocking the pic because I'm getting the Red X, I'll check it out when I get home.... Thanks for the help!

 

[Whytry91]

well...... my bubble has burst....it in fact is not a Boss ..... I still may buy it and turn it around..... I don't know... maybe I'll go with a 351.... like I said I do my own work and everything, but when it comes to the pro and cons of different engines, I don't really know that stuff... .I've read alot on many of the members setups, and I can't decide..... anyone have a suggestion as to the "best" course of action???? I was trying to limit myself to 5-6 grand.... so I'm guessing something in the 306-347 range would be the better option.... or should have Rick put something together for me.....I would like something probably in the 350-400 NA HP range.....

Thanks guys!

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Hell man a 429 non boss engine is still no slouch....would still be badass in a Fox. As for the Boss, i think if you can fit a 5.4 in one then a Boss wouldn't be much harder, but i don't think you could get the valve covers off with the engine bolted in.

 

[Whytry91]

Hell man a 429 non boss engine is still no slouch....would still be badass in a Fox. As for the Boss, i think if you can fit a 5.4 in one then a Boss wouldn't be much harder, but i don't think you could get the valve covers off with the engine bolted in.

Oh I know the 429 is stout and I love the big block sound.... but money wise would it be wiser to build a motor that is more or less a drop in which I could eventually change out the tranny and all that to a beefier one....?

right now I have EFI and this 429 is carbed... if I were to get it... should I keep it carbed??? Do they make EFI for the 429? I know I have some research of my own to do, just looking for your input/knowledge...

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

I'm sure you could drill/tap pretty much any carbed intake to run injectors into and run an EFI throttle body on top, and run it EFI that way...but i'd probably just run it carbed if it were me (unless i had the money to go the previous way).

 

[Whytry91]

I'm sure you could drill/tap pretty much any carbed intake to run injectors into and run an EFI throttle body on top, and run it EFI that way...but i'd probably just run it carbed if it were me (unless i had the money to go the previous way).

I think I'd probably keep it carbed, I believe it has a holley 750 double pumper on it now (it's brand new, never has had gas in it....)