Installing the Rods and Pistons
Torque the Connecting Rod Bolts
Checking Rod Side Clearance
Timing Chain and Gears
Timing Chain Cover, Vibration Damper, and Water Pump
Oil Pump and Oil Pan
Installing the Cylinder Heads
Valvetrain: Lifters, Pushrods, and Rocker Arms
Intake Manifold
A Little History
Three Versions and a New (Unofficial) Name
Building a Boss 429 for the 21st Century
Chapter 8: 335-Series (351-ci Cleveland) Engines
A Little History
351M and 400
335-Series Parts Interchangeability
351 C Performance Cylinder Heads
Chapter 9: Engine Installation, Start-Up and Break-In
Installation
Start-Up
Break-In
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
In order to accomplish any engine rebuild, the assistance of a number of good people is required. A couple of friends to help with the heavy work such as engine removal (it takes a minimum of two people to safely remove the hood) will certainly come in handy, and a professional machine shop and parts source are a must. I chose Jordan Automotive Machine in Hainesport, New Jersey, for the machine work necessary to complete this engine rebuild. Why? Well, first and foremost because proprietor and ASE Master Engine Machinist Gil Jordan speaks fluent Ford, and in my book, having experience with the idiosyncrasies of Ford engines is paramount to a successful rebuild. The great news for you is that throughout this book, you’ll see references to certain engineering features unique to bigblock Ford engines, which if ignored during machining and assembly could spell disaster for your project.
To say that having a good working relationship with a professional parts supplier when rebuilding an engine would be a gross understatement. I have had the good fortune to become associated with Craig and his team at Van Wickle NAPA Auto Parts in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. Behind the counter at Van Wickle NAPA, you will find knowledge, experience, a willingness to listen and help, and best of all—staff who are true car guys themselves. Imagine my reaction on my first visit when I asked for parts for a 1964 Ford Galaxie I was restoring and a counterman named George went right to a catalog without batting an eye! Every visit to Van Wickle NAPA has proved equally rewarding, with the entire staff not only willing to look for that obscure part, but also seeking out viable options and sources when needed. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a place like this in your neighborhood.
Special thanks go to the following: George Gudat, a good friend, championship-winning drag racer, automotive historian, and the person I jokingly referred to as “Mr. Hands” for this work. An extra set of hands, eyes, and ideas are great things to have around when rebuilding an engine, and to have a man of George’s abilities and knowledge to assist with this engine rebuild (and book) made my task much easier.
Joel Naprstek, Race Car Art. My extremely talented friend Joel stepped up to help by providing the line art included in this work and, as always, he also contributed a wealth of knowledge on all topics, which really came in handy while researching this book.
Al Morgan, Midsouthern Restorations, Cookeville, Tennessee. Many of the 429 engine photos included in this work came courtesy of Al Morgan, who kindly shared a portion of the photographic record his shop was keeping on the restoration of a 1970 Torino Cobra. Brent Hajek and Rhonda Wilson of Hajek Motorsports. Thank you for sharing your vast collection of rare Boss 429 performance parts.
Dan Medice of Medice Manufacturing. Many thanks for assistance with correct Boss 429 engine components.
Lou DeMarco and Bill Benner (respectively). Thank you for sharing the Boss 429 and 429 SCJ engines featured.
WHAT IS A WORKBENCH® BOOK?
This Workbench® Series book is the only book of its kind on the market. No other book offers the same combination of detailed hands-on information and revealing color photographs to illustrate engine rebuilding. Rest assured, you have purchased an indispensable companion that will expertly guide you, one step at a time, through each important stage of the rebuilding process. This book is packed with real-world techniques and practical tips for expertly performing rebuild procedures, not vague instructions or unnecessary processes. At-home mechanics or enthusiast builders strive for professional results, and the instruction in our Workbench® Series books help you realize pro-caliber results. Hundreds of photos guide you through the entire process from start to finish, with informative captions containing comprehensive instructions for every step of the process.
Appendixes located in the back of the book provide essential specification and rebuild information. These include diagrams and charts for cylinder firing order, torque sequences and specifications, piston ring gap alignment, and timing belt/chain alignment. In addition, general engine specifications, including compression ratio, bore and stroke, oil pressure, and many other specifications, are included.
The step-by-step photo procedures also contain many additional photos that show how to install highperformance components, modify stock components for special applications, or even call attention to assembly steps that are critical to proper operation or safety. These are labeled with unique icons. These symbols represent an idea, and photos marked with the icons contain important, specialized information.
Here are some of the icons found in Workbench® books:
Important!—
Calls special attention to a step or procedure, so that the procedure is correctly performed. This prevents damage to a vehicle, system, or component.
Save Money—
Illustrates a method or alternate method of performing a rebuild step that will save money but still give acceptable results.
Torque Fasteners—
Illustrates a fastener that must be properly tightened with a torque wrench at this point in the rebuild. The torque specs are usually provided in the step.
Special Tool—
Illustrates the use of a special tool that may be required or can make the job easier (caption with