where to start a build..

hey everyone
excited to start buildin' my 1972 429bb ford thunderbird coupe. my wife gonna let me spend a lil bit of money on it just a small budget but hey ill take wut i can get hahahaha. where do i start? atm it has: 429 bb 750 holley, b&m auto tranny, carb 9'' rear end, moser axles (not sure spline they were in there when i bought it but i took em out a year ago to do axle bearings n counted em but have forgotten since then *doh*) new front shocks (just some better than avg. once from autozone), i would think as far as non stock stuff thats it. i have flushed all the fluids couple times since i got the car 2 years ago. dressed the engine up with some cheap stuff. seems to have an awful lot of torque but hp im not too sure. ok what i WANT is like 550 horse but with alot of room to grow. n/a preferaby. ive never built a car before my baby bro is the mechanic but i moved away from him and he started his own business so he dont really help me out to much no more lol. so, i got bout 1250 to start the project. where do i start? 550+ n/a is the end project. wouldnt want it to run any higher than a 12 flat on the track for sure have to be a high 11's or mid 11's to start with. should i just be buying small things or like 1-2 big performance part? i have no idea where to start. if u guys have any other questions bout the car or need more info to help me let me know. thanks alot for the help look forward to hearin from ya. ps im in no rush to learn i got nothing but time im a stay @ home dad so i can find free time any time.
-Andre

Make sure your braking system is up to it. I went thru my 79 cougars just to be on the safe side and replaced calipers and brake hoses. I Have further to go on my build because mine is a junkyard pull So your much better off with what your starting with . You could swap some parts and get a 460 (more cubic inches never hurt) there is a really nice chart on the forums for known horsepower builds and what they take and some great guys here with porting and build knowledge so your in good hands. Are you going for street,strip,or something in between? that will make a big difference in a which direction to start.

Peace and Love Ron

put new rotors on her and new drums n hardward alrdy. just stock oem stuff. also yeah, going for something in between i want something i can drive a couple times a week for sure and if i happen to pull up to a red light i know ill be good no matter what pulls up next to me. definately not something reserved for the track. i was thinking bout the 460; my brother had a mid 70's ltd with one we were talkin bout swappin it but then for whatever reason i just decided to stay with the 429. i think it has to do with im a big mustang fan and loved the 429cj (even tho this aint cj) i just like the numbers im really familiar with em. but if i needa get bigger to get where i want i may do that...

A good "0" timing set, intake, carb and air cleaner with a good exhaust system is all you have money for ... that should eat the $1,250.00.

What are the cylinder head casting numbers...?

Gears would be a good investment. To go 11's in that tank is going to take some $$$.

I want a new Lincoln however, I only have the money for a used Focus ... my wishes ain't never gonna happen.

@rmcomprandy ya i been searchin for some of those parts, cant find any headers built for an old tbird...what would you recommend? can i just use performance headers for a 429 or 460 truck? also what kind of intake carb system would work best? this might be shooting for the stars but ive always wanted a high rise intake with dual carbs n some butterfly valves on it. saw a summit set with a wiend high rise and 2 600cfm carbs for 750$. but is that too much fuel for what i want?; like would that be found on something really radical or could i incorporate that...? ill get back to you on the cylinder head #'s .
@dfree383 ya i plan on putting 4.10 - 4.33 in it. might go bigger but i do want to drive it on the street. also, i think its posi but how can i be sure? do you know? i mean its got a ford 9'' in it and i pulled the axles out they are mosers, so i know the rear end isnt the factory tbird rear but im not sure if its posi? i am in process of putting ignition switch in it so i cant start it up to do a crazy burnout or nothin. but everytime i have done them i do leave 2 tire marks for 25 feet BUT my passenger tire is ALOT more worn that the driver....if i open up the rear end what should i be looking for to tell?
thanks guys

Stick with a single 4, and the upgrades randy already mentioned. Their are shorty headers out their that might work, Bobo @ D&D has some avaliable.

3.91-4.11 will be plenty for a street / strip car with a 28-29" tire.

Work on the suspension, Adjustable (Drag) Shocks, bushings, ect. + sticky tires.


I'd build a second motor on the side and leave the car running and usable.... something like a 521 stroker with TFS streets or SCJ's.