Should I Buy It??

[Venom S]

I located a 1969 429 SCJ engine with 4-bolt mains for $795. It needs to be rebuilt, but the block and crank are ok. Would this be a good motor to start with (rebuild and install)?

Venom_S

[Candle]

69 429scj
Well the 4 block main is a good idea but it will have highter compression than a 71 block due to deck hight. CJ and SCJ cranks are similar if not the same as the standard 429 crank they only have a test mark on them. They have rods good up to about 500-600 hp and original pistons would give approx 11.0 to 1 compression. The SCJ has mechinical cam and lifters. These have heads with overside ports and large valves. It wouldn't take much to work the heads if you want more hp than the stock 385.
$800 is a good price if it runs and you just want to drop it in. Take this into account if you are looking at rebuilding, Ford Motorsports sell a 460 crate with 485hp for $5600. To buildup a 429 with stock heads can cost up to $4000 if you plan to use that block, heads, and crank, or as little as $1000 if all you change are bearing seals rings and gasgets and light machine work.

[Mr.Fixit]

By the time you add up all the parts you'll need to buy, the machine work needed to put it together, etc. Your budget will be on par with many other motor choices. If you are dead set on a 429SCJ fine, otherwise it's not a stellar deal if it doesn't run good now. I would like to see a $1000 rebuild that didn't cut a bunch of corners on parts and machining, but I don't think it exists.

[Jeff Frigo]

Why bother with a 429 when a 460 can be built for the same price?

[Candle]

note I did say light machine work, mainly bore honing
the parts I said were bearings, seals, rings, and gasgets
that alone gets you near that $1000 mark.

[Venom S]

Thanks guys

Venom_S