Boss 429 Engine?

[Aussie Mike]

Hi all,

I saw a Boss 429 engine in the local trader magazine last week for $12K Australian. This is the engine known as the Shotgun right? If so why did they call it that? It looks like a Hemi head from the pictures I've seen what can you guys tell me about them?

Can you get aftermarket intakes and other parts for these motors?

How would one go in a Cobra and has any one done one? Those fat heads look like they would make for a tight squeeze.

Cheers

[chuckbrandt]

Hi Mike,
The Boss 429 is not in the FE family, it's in the 385 family along with the other 429s and 460s etc. From what I've heard it's sort of a hemi but not as much so as the 427 SOHC. I don't know the conversion, so is that like $6K US? Seems cheap if it's useable and complete. You are right it's too big for at least the ERA cobra kit without major violence. It would be cool in a falcon though

Chuck Brandt

[chuckbrandt]

Hey Mike,
Boss 429 had a "quench Hemi" combustion chamber. It's hemispherical but has the two sides near the spark plug and opposite it, squared off. This was done they say to provide slightly better bottom and midrange torque.
The 427 SOHC is a true hemispherical combustion chamber.

They guy I bought my 427 side oiler from had both of these rare motors in his shop, needless to say it was sort of a religious experience for me

Chuck

[Aussie Mike]

Hi Guys,

Did a bit more research on the boss 429. Yep your right it's based on the 385 series block. Looks like you've got the same book as I have Chuck 'cause it mentions the "quench hemi" chambers.

Sounds like an awesome motor. 2.28" intakes and 1.9" exhausts. O rings instead of head gaskets. The Can Am version displaced 494 Cubic inches by virtue of a 4.52" bore and a 3.85" stroke. would that be the biggest factory ford car motor?

Pity it won't squeeze into a cobra imagine the looks on peoples faces when you open that hood.

Cheers

[Anthony]

Mike, the term "shotgun" refers to the large size of the ports in the head. The Boss 429 was designed from the ground up as a race engine. Ford then adapted wedge style heads (copied from a chevy big block) for the standard 429/460's.

[RACER X #99]

There is a Cobra in the Northeast that has a Boss 429 engine in it. I have seen it at Watkins Glen and Lime Rock park car shows. It has a GMC supercharger on it also and the car has a full dragster type roll cage and a set of wheelie bars. I asked the owner how it runs o the strip and he said he never takes it on the track. Strictly a show queen. What a waste of time and money.
Cranky

[a427sc]

Cranky, who said you could come over here!!! Does this mean you are coming over to the DARK SIDE, or are you just peaking out of the closet.

OK, who told that guy the secret password for this place...

D

[RACER X #99]

DD ,
Just stopped in to see if I could learn some performance tricks from the FE guys. No such luck, all too busy waxing for the next show.
RD

[Traveller]

Cranky, you kill me, Hhahahahh