390 or 429?

[CW126]

Doing a frame off restro on a 63 & 1/2 Galaxie. It has a 352 and I was looking to drop in a 390 in it's place. While looking I was given a 429 with a auto trans for free. Here is the question will the 429 fit, and what mods need to be done? I think the trans is a c6, and the 429 is a 70/71 model year.

[HOSS429]

trade the 429 for a 390 ... save a lot of grief and keep the car original looking .. and you may already have a 390 .. what does the fender emblem say .. all fe blocks i think from that era had 352 embossed on the front of the motor..

[techinspector1]

Crites has all the pieces for the swap....
http://critesrestoration.com/galaxie.htm

[jerry clayton]

if you are restoring a 63, use a 63 type engine----not only will your exhaust,mounts, all accessories, radiator/shroud fit , but will look original

and when your done put the left side spark plug wires on correctly

[Dave Severson]

Question has to be, are you building yourself a car to cruize around in and enjoy, or building something with resale in mind after you've had your fun with it???

If resale is a consideration, then it's a no brainer to stick with the original engine.... The 63 1/2 Fords are rare enough, but with a date code correct FE and a properly done restoration, the value is going to be considerably more with the OEM parts than with the transplant.....

[CW126]

Thanks for all the replies, and yes Dave the Galaxie will be sold once it is complete. So I like your idea about being original. The car came with a 352, and I know I can change out the cam, intake manifold, and a 4bbl; which could give it some nice HP. So I could hang onto the 390 and the 429 I have, and possible put them in something else. Any ideas?

[Dave Severson]

Thanks for all the replies, and yes Dave the Galaxie will be sold once it is complete. So I like your idea about being original. The car came with a 352, and I know I can change out the cam, intake manifold, and a 4bbl; which could give it some nice HP. So I could hang onto the 390 and the 429 I have, and possible put them in something else. Any ideas?

Sounds like a good plan to me!!!! The Galaxies are becoming more popular all the time and bringing a decent price, too. The 352's won't win a lot of races, but being correct for the car will add a lot to the price for the collector crowd...... Easy for me to say, I can't leave anything stock!!!!!!!!!

[CW126]

I understand not keeping it correct. I have a 1970 Corvette in my garage the is anything but original.

[CW126]

techinspector1 thanks for the web page info. They have some good stuff on this site.

[techinspector1]

techinspector1 thanks for the web page info. They have some good stuff on this site.

You're welcome.

[stovens]

Heck go for a 460! Just kidding I 'd stay stock with correct numbers and not worry too much about anything if you just fixing it up to sell.

[shoprat]

FWIW the FE fits in the car much better than a 429/460. I have a 429 in my 57 and
it is BIG.

[stovens]

Shoprat, I have a 460 in my 48 F1. Your right they are big! I had heard FE's have leak issues, but they also have die hard fans who swear by them.

[CW126]

I am still a little on the fence. Now I have the original 352, the 429 with a c6 trany, and now I have a 390 that was just given to me as well. I will be doing air bags, new interior, and a two tone paint outside to go along with the custom wheels. [ATTACH]DSCI0008 (2).jpg[/ATTACH]

[Rank]

Opinions are like armpits ... we all have two of them and they both stink! ... I would go with the 390 ... its still is in the fe family as the 352 and it just belongs under your hood .... that MY two opinions! LOL