'66 Coupe 429 to 472 swap?

[driverjohnlh]

I'm new here. I've been kicking the idea around of swapping my shot 429 out for a 472. I have the 429 out and tore down. In the middle of looking for parts, I ran across a complete '68 parts car with a good 472 and a host of other parts I will be needing. I'm pretty sure it will fit, even though the 472 sits much closer to the radiator support than the 429. Will I run into any other problems? Any pro's and con's of each engine will be considered. I like the idea of the 472 due to the availability of parts. I would also need to purchase A/C compressor brackets & hoses,flywheel and oil dipstick tube for the 429. The 472 is a complete running car (rusty).

[maxwedge]

Make sure the trans bellhousing pattern is the same, I believe they are not, then you would need to swap both, this will create mounting issues to start with.

[MagicRat]

Given that they are completely different engines, it may be easier to rebuild the 429. The 429 was an excellent unit

I think your '66 will be more valuable with the original engine.

I am not sure if all the swap hassle and fabrication is worth it... just to swap in a 41-year-old engine which may develop it's own problems down the road and depress the car's value a bit.

It may be reasonable to buy the rusty '68, grab the parts you need, pull the 472 and sell it to someone else. These BB caddy engines, especially the older high compression units are in fairly high demand.

[driverjohnlh]

Thanks for the input. I assumed the bellhousing was the same. Most of the swaps I've done have been on '70's vehicles. However, I did notice my bolt pattern looked a bit more curved around the guide pins, more so than I remembered the Buick, Cadillac,etc. being. Also, I do realize the resale aspects. Kicking it around in my head still. Don't think the '68 is going anywhere soon so there is rush. Thanks again.

[driverjohnlh]

Update. I built the 429 and got car back in service. Bought '68 for a few parts, will have it for sale soon, still running and driving. All is good! The 429 is much harder to locate parts for and is much more expensive. However, it seems to be easier to work on due to it's smaller physical size. Thanks for the advice.

[MagicRat]

Thank you for the update. I'm glad to see it worked out.