This Boss 429 Recreation/ Tribute was based around the Kasse Boss 429 cylinder heads that have been improved upon from the original. The Boss 429 is one of Fords most iconic cars of all time. We wanted the Boss 429 attitude and power of the Nascar engine that can be driven and enjoyed. Kasse team said to expect 1.35 hp per cubic inch and similar numbers in torque. To start this build we used a rust free immaculate California car. It wears a Wimbledon White paint as true Boss 429 would from the factory. We used many styling cues that you would see from factory built cars such as markings on drive shaft, markings on differential and we dipped control arms up to the ball joint in black paint then clear coated entire arm.
This is a fresh build with just under 500 miles at current time. We made room for the Massive Fi Tech Fuel Injected 505 Cubic inch Ford Hemi by removing shock towers and installing the newest Heidts Pro- G front suspension. This front suspension just started hitting the market approx. 1 year ago. We couldn't stop there so we added the Heidts Pro- G full independent rear suspension complete with Currie Enterprises 9 inch center section with 350 gears and Tru Trac Posi. We also upgraded to the 500 hp and over rear axles as were needed.
Brakes: We had to stop this beast so we trusted in Wilwood. We attached a Wilwood master cylinder to the power brake unit and plumbed it with all new Stainless steel lines and new hoses. We used Wilwood 6 piston calipers up front with 13 inch drilled and slotted rotors. In the rear we have Wilwood 4 piston calipers with inboard mounting design to eliminate torsional flex under heavy braking, rear is also supported by 11 inch drilled and slotted rotors. For parking brake, we added Wilwood park brake calipers that use rear rotors. Calipers are mounted on front side of differential and use original style park brake foot pedal and pull release.
Transmission: We had to go with the bullet proof top loader 4 speed to get the real Boss 429 experience. It couples the engine to the trans via a dual disc Mcload RST clutch to handle all the ponies but maintains a better than stock pedal feel. When it engages you know you are driving a true machine. We used a Quick Time bellhousing to attach the engine to the Rebuilt top loader 4 speed. Parts and instructions for top loader rebuild were sourced through David Kee a leader in Top loaders. Hurst competition shifter was installed to shift through the gears seamlessly. To connect the Transmission to the Differential we had new Chromoly drive shaft made.
Interior: As for interior, the gauges were recalibrated and freshened up. Tachometer was upgraded for proper response rate but still has stock appearance. Other gauges can look flashy, but we felt they would not do justice to the true feel of a Boss 429. We stuck with the timeless design created and produced by Ford. Clock on dash was converted to quartz to ensure trouble free operation for years to come. Fi tech unit comes with 4 inch display to monitor all systems real time and make adjustments when needed. It can be removed and put in glove box when not in use or kept attached in line of sight if you prefer. Equipped with Power windows, Air conditioning, and a 3 point Carbeau retractable seat harness for safety and security while driving. When you reach to turn headlights on you will find all four original headlamps were replaced with Led version for superior night vision and safety.
Sound: Sound comes from a Pioneer head unit with 7 inch touch screen that pairs to your phone to answer calls or play your playlist, use navigation or stream Pandora. We custom made oak panels and oak speaker enclosures to mimic the existing wood trim on doors and dash. The 8 speaker and 1 sub system is amplified by a Rockford Fosgate amplifier.
Exhaust: We started with FPA headers, these guys have been building headers for vehicles of this caliber for decades and fitment is key. We then added a 2 and a half inch Stainless steel Magna Flow system that had to be custom built around the independent Heidts suspension to exit the way it did back in 1969 with appropriate chrome turn down tips. Nice reserved sound when cruising but will let people know who’s “boss” on the road when you lay into it.
Other Notes: Be cool radiator and fans. Entire underside of car had both ceramic heat and sound deadening Lizard skin applied. Auxiliary oil cooler added in same location as Boss 429 would be. Power master 150 amp one wire alternator. Powermaster starter. Omtima red top battery (trunk mount.)