Ford 429/460 Engines: How to Build Max-Performance

Learn to make incredible horsepower from Ford’s most
powerful big-block engine design

For years, Ford relied on the venerable FE big-block
engine design to power its passenger cars, trucks, and even
muscle cars—and why not? The design was rugged, reliable,
amortized, and a proven race winner at Le Mans and drag
strips across the country. However, as is always the case with
technology, time marches on, and Ford had a new design with
many improvements in mind. Enter the 385 family of engines
(also known as the “Lima” big-block). Produced from 1968–
1998, the 385-series engines were used in multiple applications
from industrial trucks to muscle cars and luxury cruisers.

In Ford 429/460 Engines: How to Build Max Performance,
which was written by Ford expert Jim Smart, all aspects of
performance building are covered, including engine history
and design, induction systems, cylinder heads, the valvetrain,
camshaft selection, the engine block, and rotating assemblies.
The best options, optimal parts matching, aftermarket versus
factory parts, budget levels, and build levels are also examined.
The 429/460 engines are a good platform for stroking,
so that is covered here as well.

Whether you want to build a torque-monster engine for
your off-road F-150, a better-preforming version of a 1970sera
smog motor for your luxury Lincoln, or an all-out highhorsepower
mill for your muscle car, this book is a welcome
addition to your performance library.

• First modern all-color performance book in decades
dedicated to this engine
• Covers both aftermarket and factory parts
• Millions of these engines were built over a 30-year span