429 or 460

Hi,
a friend of mine (Germany) just bought a '77 Ford Ranchero. We now identified that the engine (not original) is either a 429 or 460, but due to the fact that the motor has aftermarket parts (Edelbrock performer 460, Edelbrock 1405 carb., Erson valve covers etc.) we cannot finally identify the correct engine. Is there any chance without checking the crank shaft ?

Cheers and greetings from Germany,

Stephan

First look at the spacer behind the damper. If it has a "hatchet shaped weight attached it is an external balanced 460 although some stroker cranks are external balance and use this weight too.

If not best way is as follows:

Remove #1 spark plug. Set piston at BDC. Take a wooden or plastic rod and insert into the spark plug hole until bottoms on piston. Mark the rod. Set piston at TDC and insert rod into the spark plug hole until bottoms on piston. Mark the rod.

Measure the difference between the two marks.

3.59" = 429
3.85" = 460

If it measures more than you have a stroker crank. Some common ones are:

4.14", 4.15", 4.30", and 4.5"