Quote Originally Posted by Dennis B View Post
My question is I want to do a 1990 mustang convertable but I'd like to put a 429 automatic in it I've found a 429 short block with factory 4 bolt mains forged steel crank heavy duty factory rods and the factory forged aluminum pistons I'd like to build it for aprox. 500 hp for a street only engine plan on using E85 for fuel I have beentold it is over 110 octane and is good for perfomance use so how feasable is it for a 500hp automatic street engine and what would you use for heads cam intake / maybe supercharge and use a more mild cam for a nice idle main idea is a very smooth driveable 500hp. something driveable in city traffic...
In my opinion, that short block is the wrong way to go, ie money incorrectly spent. Here's why I feel this way:

1) You don't need to spend money toward a 4-bolt main for a mere 500 hp. We build 700-800 hp 429-460-based engines all the time with 2-bolt mains, street, race, marine, they all work fine.
2) You don't need to spend money toward a forged crank either.We build 700 hp 429-460-based engines all the time with cast crankshafts, street, marine, they all work fine.
3) A 450-500 hp 429 will not have as pleasant of street manners as would a 450-500 hp 460.

I suggest you build a 460 with aluminum heads, or a 500 with aluminum heads which could be pump gas friendly and have 500 hp plus gobs of torque.

Paul