[DeTomaso] Will a 429 thunderjet motor fit?

JDeRyke at aol.com JDeRyke at aol.com
Sat Mar 10 14:08:23 EST 2012


Short answer: yes. The Byars Brothers make a kit to add this engine which 
needs to be shoved back 4" to clear the firewall, and they recommend aluminum 
heads, intake and waterpump. Then the giant engine will be about 45 lbs 
more than a stock 351-C. There are several in POCA right now, all running with 
no problems I've heard of (beyond passing gas stations!)
Note that due to the torque, 1st and often 2nd in a stock ZF are useless; 
recommend a different ring & pinion so you don't roast the tires. Jr Wilson 
ran a 900 bhp Boss 429 bored & stroked to 574 for years using a regeared ZF 
and 14" wide rear tires. He was clocked well above 200 mph several times at 
Silver State Open Road events, so you might think about much better brakes 
and a roll cage, too. Good luck- J Deryke


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