429 Thunder Jet

I've got a fully functioning, presumably stock 429 from a T-bird. Crawling under the car today, found it's casting number: D0VE-A. The heads have casting number D0VE-C. I've heard these are pretty good to build up, but what performance mods are relatively easy to do for a new guy like me? The engine is very strong so it doesn't need a rebuild yet, I'm thinking of polishing the heads but I've NEVER done that before. I figure I have to start somewhere. What other mods can I do to gain performance?

My main goal is to have a totally streetable car that is fun to drive. It's a 1972 Mustang sportsroof, the engine is mated to a C6 and 9.3" rear with 2.80:1 highway gears.

BTW, I posted about the engine a long time ago, but couldn't find the post. Thanks for any insight and opinions.

Intake, Carb, Ignition System, Headers, Mild Cam Ect.

Yeah I figured that stuff, what about more "outside the box" kinds of things? Can I remove the mechanical fan and replace it with an electrical fan? Stuff like that to reduce parasitic HP loss. Maybe more efficient water pump, etc.

Also, I've heard the D0VE heads are pretty good to start with, what about the D0VE blocks? Like I said, I did a search but nothing really came up...

The dove-a block is one of the best production made from the factory blocks read this good read on block might help you understand the differents in production blocks.

https://www.429-460.com/t120-block-info-gathered-by-djohagin

Thanks 69F100. Good info, I appreciate it.

Nice, I use to have a T-bird with the thunder Jet 429 when I was in the Marine C,
I rebuild it in there too, my very first engine build. Drove that car from Seattle to Califoria, to Chicago,
One of those cars that got away. Sorry about the hi-jack just brought back some memories.

67460 wrote:Nice, I use to have a T-bird with the thunder Jet 429 when I was in the Marine C,
I rebuild it in there too, my very first engine build. Drove that car from Seattle to Califoria, to Chicago,
One of those cars that got away. Sorry about the hi-jack just brought back some memories.

Haha, no problem hijack away.

a rear gear would be a must for me,3.25 or 3.50.headers and ex work too.maybe a carb next.

Gears, intake and exhaust would really wake that thing up.