tarafied1
Well-Known Member
The 429 short block was pretty much stock (except for the cam). I did have TRW flat top forged pistons but the block is a standard bore and the crank has standard size journals. Both the block and the crank need machining. The crank is scored from what looks like trash generated from the rocker arm failure. I think it could be cleaned up easily. The cylinder walls have some slight scoring. Again probably could be cleaned up. However, I would like to have these things cleaned up by machining them. The block could be bored maybe .010" over, I'll let the machine shop tell me what it will take. Since I need new pistons, I have considered using a 460 crank. The 429/460 use the same rods but move the wrist pin location for the different cranks. Then I started pricing a 460 crank (unless I could find a good used one), Scat makes stroker crank kits for the same cost as s standard 460 rotating assembly. Sure I could save money just getting the crank and pistons and reuse my old rods. I could save even more by just having my 429 crank reground (maybe, haven't checked the cost of that). However, 385 series blocks can be stroked to 4.5" without any mods. So I could have a 557 cubic inch big block for just a little more than a stock rebuild. The balancing will maybe be a bit more but either way I go it will need to be rebalanced. I can get a Scat cast 4.5" stroke crank, forged rods with ARP bolts and Forged dished pistons (to keep compression in the 10:1 range), rings & bearings for about $1,500. I spoke to my machine shop guy and he can balance everything with my flywheel and even pressure plate. Won't know cost until he's done due to how much weight needs to be added but in the couple hundred and up range. So about $2K plus the cost to bore and hone the block. Let's say about $2,500 I could have the short block all done and have a 557! Over 100 more cubic inches in the same package.