I put a 460 (same engine as the 429) in my 1970 Mustang convertible and would never do it again!

The eye candy and sound of the big block were fantastic, but the allure was quickly lost when you drove it. Granted, mine was 560HP, but it was fairly mild mannered. The installation was a nightmare, with notching shock towers, building custom headers, and significant frame/tower reinforcements basic requirments. You can build a much more capable and Mustang friendly 351w and bore/stroke it to 408 safely, even the magic 427 number with an aftermarket block. Here is a pic, which will probably just make you want the 429):

 

I thought about building a 429 or 428 briefly, but the room is tight enough with a 351 9.5" deck block...BB forget it. When I figured I could build a 450hp small little stroker out of a small block, I jumped at that. Would I every put a big block in a classic...yes if I ever get to build a tube chassis car, but I will make room under the hood when I do that project. Stock engine compartment with a BB...no thanks.

Snake...that is a bad ride. Nice work. I do not envy you and your time though!

 

Fake,

How the hell do you change plugs in that thing? Do you have to undo the motor mounts and jack the engine up?

 

Moon...er...Lunar, I took it to London with me when I moved there for work and sold it to a Brit before I ever had to do that. When I was tuning it, I pulled #1 plug to check the tune and that was difficult enough. BTW, what a sweet deal. I didn't know how much 25,000 British sterling pounds was until I deposited it in my acount and saw the conversion to US dollars. It was 2 to 1 back then, so I sold that bad boy for $50k! I had just over $30k in it:

 

Depends on what your goals are. If you plan on autrocrossing or road racing / open track days, then stick with the small block. It can make excellent power and the light weight really helps the car handle.

OTOH, a big block is just cool. Off the show room floor they mad gobs of torque. If your goal is fun street cruising and an occasional drag strip run, then use the big block.

 

i know i am being captain obvious but big blocks are more uncommon too... that is always cool... did i mention they sound amazing?