Well Im new to this forum and new to mustangs (always owned chevys),(be gentle) so I thought I would see what the guys who know what they are talking about think. I just traded for a 69' fastback that is in amazing shape for never going through a full restoration. It smokes a little when you really get on the throttle and the guy I got it from recommended a full rebuild on the motor. The problem is it has a 351w which is a great motor and the car will burn the tires off as long as you want but my dad just bought a 72' Ranchero GT500 with an extra complete 429 big block. So should I stay with a 351 or go with the 429?

 

the 351w is a great motor, but there is nothing like a big block

and yeah i know its heavier, you gotta find parts for the swap, etc etc but who cares?

 

Good luck trying to fit a 429 in the engine bay of your 69.

YES, Mustangs did come with the 429 in them but the had to have the shock towers moved out and be specially made just to get it to fit.

Unless you have a unlimited budget stick with the 351W.

For one thing it's already in there and has all the mounts,springs,radiator,transmission,etc.. for the 351W.

The 351W is a great motor and can make excellent power within a tight budget.

 

I am leaning toward the 351w because I have two 351's that I can build and still drive the car with the motor thats in it. And its already a pain to change the spark plugs now with my headers I cant imagine what its like with a big block. But man that Ranchero will scream with that 429.

 

You can always bore and stroke the 351 to 406 or even 427 cubes.

 

stroke stroke stroke!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Ahhhh WOOOO my eyes.....I thought this was a SFW forum.

 

Those big chunks will try to push you thru the curve. I would imagine that a well dressed 351W would be just fine and hitting the 400HP mark should be fairly easy. I would strive to keep as much weight out of the front as possible, it will make a much better and fun ride. And if you are brave, stroke the 429, and stuff it between the towers. They will light the tires when ever and at what ever speed you want to. But it will be a straight liner.

 

Wildmustang only the boss 429 had the shock towers moved since how wide the boss heads are.A normal 429 fits fine in the 67-73 cars.Big block would be nice but have to change some things like front springs radiator at least a 9 inch rear end.I would stroke the 351w to a 408 or so nice after market heads it will be a screamer and still handle good.

 

If you are willing to do the swap i would shoot for the big block... realistically you can achieve great numbers with a 351 pretty cheap but there is nothing like the sound and low end power of a big block... it will put a smile on your face every time.... the 351 probably makes more sense, they are great motors... but you get the bragging rights and fun of a huge motor... i love my big block and wish i could get one for my mustang too but cant afford it...