edelbrock top end kits

[Nick1973]

so as the description says i was wondering if anyone out there has tried out the edelbrock top end kits I've got a stock 429 that needs rebuilt and i was thinking about freshening the motor up and taking the lazy way out and going with one of these top end kits, the 429 kit claims to be around 500 hp I cant find the price right now for the 429 but on cjponyparts the 289\302 and the 351w kits are both $2,000

 

[mustang7173]

Nick1973,

I have not used this kit. Lets consider that the heads are lighter that stock, aluminum, and would definitely perform, air flow, much better. Also, you can equip your 429 with the roller tappet camshaft to reduce friction, and increase perform.

Edelbrock with Roller equipped Springs-

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-60665 $1219.50 per head.

Edelbrock with standard tappet equipped Springs- $1089.50 per head

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-60669?seid=srese1&gclid=CIykl_i0rsACFStk7Aod3h0AJg

How much would it cost to rebuild your current stock heads and to get them to flow as these? Let us know which direction you head towards. There are several options available out there.

mustang7173

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

John Kasse heads for a BBF-no comparison!

 

[Nick1973]

john kasse heads are a bit out if price range considering i'm currently unemployed waiting to sign papers for the usmc lol i hate to use the word 'cheap' but i am looking for something a little easier on the wallet XP if price was no option id definately be building a boss tho lol

 

[TommyK]

john kasse heads are a bit out if price range considering i'm currently unemployed waiting to sign papers for the usmc lol i hate to use the word 'cheap' but i am looking for something a little easier on the wallet XP if price was no option id definately be building a boss tho lol

The SCJ heads are actually less than the Edelbrocks but there can be compatibility issues when used with other stock BBF parts which overall may make them a more expensive choice. The advantage to the Eddy heads is they come in 2 different combustion chamber sizes to work with either flat top or dished pistons and they will accept standard passenger car headers and intakes.

The weak link in the Edelbrock packages is the cam. It will have a rough idle and probably not make enough vacuum for power brakes. You can make the same or better power with a different cam and avoid those issues at the same time.

I believe the 500 hp rating is for a 460 not a 429 and I think you have to spin it to 6500 rpm to get there which might be iffy on a 40+ year old bottom end.

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

If you are "cheap" then the most economical choice is to pull the motor and rebuild it to basically stock with a 10-1 compression ration, slightly bigger cam (2 steps up from stock-but same type) a less restrictive intake manifold, a 750 CFM Holley vacuum secondary carburetor, a set of hooker comp headers and call it a day. You'll hit 500 horsepower at the flywheel easily.

The heads breathe fine for reaching 500 hp. Aluminum are lighter and may allow slightly higher compression ratios, but a hundred pounds of saved weight will cost you a couple thousand dollars. If the bottom end is tired, adding anything to the top end will probably exacerbate the problems and lead to failure.

 

[mustang7173]

Nick1973,

+ 1 on Jeff73Mach1 response. The stock '68-71 429 4V was rated at 360 HP. A fresh standard rebuild with a few cheap modifications would result in a nice 429 engine.

'70-'71 429> 370 @ 4600 4.36" x 3.59" 4V 11.3:1 Big block Cobra Jet

70-'71 429> 375 @ 5600 4.36" x 3.59" 4V 11.3:1 Big block Super Cobra Jet

'69-'71 429> 320 @ 4400 4.36" x 3.59" 2V 10.5:1 Big block

'72 429> 212 @ 4400 † 4.36" x 3.59" 2V 8.5:1 Big block

68-'71 429> 360 @ 4600 4.36" x 3.59" 4V 11.0:1 Big block

'72-'73 429> ~208 @ 4400 † 4.36" x 3.59" 4V 8.5:1 Big block

mustang7173

 

[Nick1973]

I think that sounds like a plan, thanks for the help everybody