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Is the Ford 429 and 460 the same block?

No, the Ford 429 and 460 engines are not the same engine block. While they share some similarities, they are distinct engine models with different displacements and design characteristics.


Differences Between the Ford 429 and 460 Engines


The Ford 429 and 460 engines are both large-displacement V8 engines produced by Ford, but they have the following key differences:



  • Displacement: The Ford 429 engine has a displacement of 429 cubic inches (7.0 liters), while the Ford 460 engine has a displacement of 460 cubic inches (7.5 liters).

  • Bore and Stroke: The 429 engine has a bore of 4.36 inches and a stroke of 3.85 inches, while the 460 engine has a bore of 4.36 inches and a stroke of 4.14 inches.

  • Production Dates: The 429 engine was produced from 1968 to 1971, while the 460 engine was produced from 1968 to 1978.

  • Applications: The 429 engine was primarily used in Ford's larger vehicles, such as the Thunderbird, Lincoln Continental, and Mercury Marquis. The 460 engine was used in a wider range of Ford's larger vehicles, including the F-Series trucks, Bronco, and Lincoln Continental.


While the 429 and 460 engines share some similarities, such as the same basic engine block design and many of the same components, they are distinct engine models with different displacements, bore and stroke dimensions, and production timelines.


Similarities Between the Ford 429 and 460 Engines


Despite the differences, the Ford 429 and 460 engines do share some similarities:



  • Engine Block: Both engines use the same basic engine block design, which was a cast-iron V8 block with a 90-degree V-angle.

  • Cylinder Head Design: The cylinder heads used on the 429 and 460 engines were also very similar, with both featuring a wedge-style combustion chamber design.

  • Valvetrain Components: Many of the valvetrain components, such as the camshafts, pushrods, and rocker arms, were shared between the two engine models.


While the 429 and 460 engines are not the same engine block, their shared design elements and components make them closely related members of Ford's big-block V8 engine family.

How much HP can a 460 big block handle?


In boosted applications, factory 460 blocks have been known to survive at 1,500-plus horsepower when upgraded with four-bolt main caps and filled with Hard Blok.



What is the best Ford big block?


Virtually every major domestic automaker had one in its stable, and the Ford 460 (385-series or Lima designation) was arguably the best of the breed.



What was the actual HP of a Boss 429?


375 HP
The Boss 429 engine used a single Holley four-barrel carburetor rated at 735 CFM mounted on an aluminum intake manifold. All these cars had 4-Speed Manual Transmissions and the Boss was rated very conservatively at 375 HP while actual output was believed to be well over 500 horsepower.



When did Ford stop making the 460 big block?


1997
Arriving on the scene in 1968 first as the 460 in Lincolns and as the 429 in other big Fords, this 385-series engine survived until 1997, a 30-year run that is astounding given Ford's proclivity for change.



Are a 429 and a 460 the same block?


The nice thing about this block is interchangeability. It can be a 429 or a 460 depending on which crankshaft is used. What's more, it can be stroked to more than 550ci. Boss 429 blocks were unique "C9AE-E" castings with screw-in freeze plugs and four-bolt main caps.



Is a Ford 429 a big block?


In 1968, the 429 superseded the 427 as Ford's premier big-block, replacing the heavier FE-series. This new 385 series, dubbed the Lima, served a wide array of luxury sedan pickups thanks to its brute force at low rpm. These more pedestrian uses for big-blocks were great for the high-performance divisions, too.



How much horsepower can you get out of a Ford 429?


In truth, the 429 SCJ produced more like 425-450 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, more on a par with the big-block Chevy. These numbers demonstrate what you can do with a 429 SCJ stocker. Imagine what this thing would do with aftermarket heads and induction along with a hot mechanical roller cam.



How much HP can a 429 make?


In truth, the 429 SCJ produced more like 425-450 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, more on a par with the big-block Chevy. These numbers demonstrate what you can do with a 429 SCJ stocker. Imagine what this thing would do with aftermarket heads and induction along with a hot mechanical roller cam.



Are Ford 429 and 460 connecting rods the same?


After 1978, 460 cranks were marked with a "3Y." The 429 and 460 use the same connecting rod. Standard 429/460 connecting rods have a "C8VE-A" forging number.



Can you put Boss 429 heads on a 460?


Hot rodders discovered long ago that the Boss Hemi heads will bolt right up to a standard 429/460 block without much modification.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.