Thanks very much, Dave, but I am not a Guru...I am just a passionate 429/460 enthusiast that eagerly offers info when and where I can.


SCS Transport, if you want your engine to run 3000-7000 rpm, you may wish to consider headers sometime down the road, as they will help significantly in that rpm range. Exhaust manifolds with large pipes will get your motor running well enough for now.

Also, before I knew this was a high rpm deal, you were inquiring about a 2x4 low rise intake and I steered you toward a Blue Thunder (the only people I know of that are making a 2x4 low rise for the 429/460). I don't believe that this manifold has very good flow characteristics as cast, as far as high rpm goes, but on a little 429 you might be okay with it to 7000 rpm. Frankly, I can think of a few single 4-barrel intakes that will offer up more HP at those rpms.

If your block is standard bore (you said virgin motor), then go .030" over only. Save your future overbores for later, as jumping to the next oversize will not net you more power. Flat-top pistons will get you at about 10.8:1 compresion ratio, assuming you have C8VE, C9VE or D0VE heads. If you have any other head casting number, STOP. You will not make any power with this 429 unless you get the right heads. You will be wasting your time if you have D2VE heads or D3VE heads (on a 429 with flat tops).

Speaking of heads, for 7000 rpm, it would be very wise to port the heads, particularly the exhaust side. This is time & money well spent, as the stock exhaust port will choke this motor down at the high rpms you wish to run it. Good idea to clean up the intakes too. If you don't have the right heads on your engine, I sell them and can port them.

In regards to the oiling, the stock oiling system is pretty damn good, once a few very simple things are ironed out. There are a few small oiling mods to do to the block, and a good oil pump is paramount. (It just so happens I sell modified oil pumps too.) The crankshafts are very, very strong units and can handle lots of horsepower.

Holley carbs are much more tunable than the Carter/Edelbrocks. Depending on which intake manifold you end up with (2-BBL or 4-BBL) will determine what carb(s) you should get.

A good double roller chain is all you need and they are good to WAY past 7000 rpm. Unless you are always playing with cam timing or need to swap cams lickety split, you don't need a gear drive.

Paul