Читать книгу Ford 429/460 Engines: How to Rebuild - Charles Morris - Страница 5

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

In order to accomplish any engine rebuild, the assistance of a number of good people is required. A couple of friends to help with the heavy work such as engine removal (it takes a minimum of two people to safely remove the hood) will certainly come in handy, and a professional machine shop and parts source are a must. I chose Jordan Automotive Machine in Hainesport, New Jersey, for the machine work necessary to complete this engine rebuild. Why? Well, first and foremost because proprietor and ASE Master Engine Machinist Gil Jordan speaks fluent Ford, and in my book, having experience with the idiosyncrasies of Ford engines is paramount to a successful rebuild. The great news for you is that throughout this book, you’ll see references to certain engineering features unique to bigblock Ford engines, which if ignored during machining and assembly could spell disaster for your project.

To say that having a good working relationship with a professional parts supplier when rebuilding an engine would be a gross understatement. I have had the good fortune to become associated with Craig and his team at Van Wickle NAPA Auto Parts in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. Behind the counter at Van Wickle NAPA, you will find knowledge, experience, a willingness to listen and help, and best of all—staff who are true car guys themselves. Imagine my reaction on my first visit when I asked for parts for a 1964 Ford Galaxie I was restoring and a counterman named George went right to a catalog without batting an eye! Every visit to Van Wickle NAPA has proved equally rewarding, with the entire staff not only willing to look for that obscure part, but also seeking out viable options and sources when needed. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a place like this in your neighborhood.

Special thanks go to the following: George Gudat, a good friend, championship-winning drag racer, automotive historian, and the person I jokingly referred to as “Mr. Hands” for this work. An extra set of hands, eyes, and ideas are great things to have around when rebuilding an engine, and to have a man of George’s abilities and knowledge to assist with this engine rebuild (and book) made my task much easier.

Joel Naprstek, Race Car Art. My extremely talented friend Joel stepped up to help by providing the line art included in this work and, as always, he also contributed a wealth of knowledge on all topics, which really came in handy while researching this book.

Al Morgan, Midsouthern Restorations, Cookeville, Tennessee. Many of the 429 engine photos included in this work came courtesy of Al Morgan, who kindly shared a portion of the photographic record his shop was keeping on the restoration of a 1970 Torino Cobra. Brent Hajek and Rhonda Wilson of Hajek Motorsports. Thank you for sharing your vast collection of rare Boss 429 performance parts.

Dan Medice of Medice Manufacturing. Many thanks for assistance with correct Boss 429 engine components.

Lou DeMarco and Bill Benner (respectively). Thank you for sharing the Boss 429 and 429 SCJ engines featured.