I am currently restoring a 69 coupe that has a 289 installed which was an upgrade from the original 6 cylinder by a previous owner. I came across a 429 big block and tranny that I was considering to install and aside from requiring the heaver front coil springs, the main question I have is will the 429 engine fit into the current engine compartment with the originial shock towers or did Ford install narrower shock towers from the factory to fit an OEM big block beast. I have heard of people "shaving" the towers but did not want to get into that considering that the body is already in the paint shop. Any input would be a great help. Thanks
it'll fit, tightly, but it fits. You'll want some swap headers, and you'll need patience when changing spark plugs. Just to say it before someone else does, you can stroke a 351W to 427, fits great, and requires no conversion parts. Plus it will weigh alot less.
Thanks for the tip, I was considering dropping in a 351W crate motor in the future and it is good to know my options on the stroker. I may be able to get a great deal on the 429 and appreichate your confirmation on the fit.
Cool engine, but the link was unavailable so I wasn't able to talk to anyone else. Do you have any personal information if the big block will fit my stock 69 engine compartment.
It'll fit, the bays from 67-70 are the same. The link was to a yahoo mailing list that deals with the swap... tons of info from people that have done it. Try http://mpgheads.com/ and http://critesrestoration.com/mustang.htm for swap kits and http://www.460ford.com for any tech questions..
Thanks again for the new links, they are helpful, I'll post pics either way when I get the coupe complete later this summer. A big block would really be impressive and is very tempting.
