Thread: 429 newbie questions

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Originally posted by techinspector1
If these are the D2VE-A2A heads, they are open chamber heads and are only good as boat anchors. Ford only made them one year. If they are D3VE-A2A's, they have small valves and ports but should be ok for a moderate output street motor. The best single change you can make in this motor is to replace the timing chain and gears with a set for a '68-'71 429. ('72-up timing sets were retarded 8*). Second best change, disassemble and cut the block for zero deck, using head gaskets with a 0.040"- 0.045" compressed thickness. While you're in there, follow Paul's suggestion about the 460 crank and pistons and better heads. After that, small tube headers, Performer or Air-Gap manifold and 750 carb. That's just my opinion. Your results may vary.

Good points above. I apologize in advance for my nerdy nit-pickiness , and wish to make some corrections too:

• I don't believe there is a D2VE-A2A head. There is only a D2VE-AA head. For this reason, if the heads truly read as, D_VE-A2A, then it is 95% likely they are early D3VE-A2A wedge heads. I have seen a couple of pair of such heads and they were indeed D3VE-A2A's both of those times.
  
• D3VE-A2A heads don't have smaller valves but actually have the exact same 2.09" intake and 1.65" exhaust valve sizes as the early-style heads. And they can now be made to flow on par with early-style heads, as far as the ports go.

But with 1972-73 429 dish pistons and 429 stroke, compression will indeed remain low. It's easier to swap heads than tear down the whole block to replace pistons.

Finally, please don't be disouraged with your 1972 429 engine, I had a 1973 429 in a 5300 lb wagon and it's not so bad. Bolt it in your Mustang, sort everything out and drive it! Have fun! By the time you're ready to go though the engine, you'll have learned all about it and know precisely what you want to do.

Paul