CarTech® CT587 - 1969-1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429: Muscle Cars In Detail No. 7

Inspect the 1969-1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 from bumper to bumper, including the storied Boss 429 engine, 4-speed Toploader transmission, interior, paint codes, options, and more.

Author Dan Burrill collaborated with Boss 429 expert Denny Aldridge to give you the straight story of developing this monumental engine, engineering the components and parts to fit the engine and chassis, and assembling the cars.

The Boss 429 has its roots in NASCAR racing. Chrysler's 426 Hemi was dominating NASCAR competition, and Ford's attempt to race the 427 SOHC Cammer had failed. By 1967, Ford had enough, and the Boss 429 was the answer. So, Ford and its engineers, with the help of Holman-Moody, returned to the drawing board to create a clean-slate big-block engine to beat the dominant Hemi.

The Mustang fastback chassis was the obvious choice for the engine, but the Boss 429 had an enormous footprint, so it wouldn't easily fit in the engine bay. Although it would have been far easier to install the engine in the full-size Galaxie, these cars were not as popular or widely revered as the Mustang. Ford and specialty car builder Kar-Kraft faced the daunting task of modifying the Mustang fastback to create what's considered to be Ford's greatest big-block muscle car, the Boss 429. This is the story of the car, its equipment, and manufacturing history.

Table of contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1:

• The Boss Project and Vehicle Identification
• Vehicle and Engine Identification
• Selecting the Mustang
• Kar-Kraft: Ford's Factory Speed Shop
• Selling the Boss 429 Mustang
• Limited Options List

Chapter 2:

• The Engine
• Engine Variations
• Rotating Assembly
• Solid Lifter Conversion
• Intake and Exhaust
• Dry-Deck Cylinder Heads
• Toploader 4-Speed Transmission

Chapter 3:

• Chassis and Suspension
• Assembly Line Program
• Suspension
• Rear Suspension
• Wheels

Chapter 4:

• In Competition
• Engine Development
• Total Performance
• Drag Racing

Chapter 5:

• Dealer Options and Model Year Changes
• Accessories and Options
• Model Year Changes

Appendix:

• Boss 429 Details and Specifications

Denny Aldridge
Boss 429 expert and parts dealer Denny Aldridge has been a Ford Racing dealer for 31 years, won multiple drag race championships, and owns many Boss 429s.

Dan Burrill
A veteran automotive journalist and magazine writer, Dan Burrill co-authored How to Fabricate Automotive Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber Parts. He is also a former editor of Kit Car Illustrated magazine and he has been working on hot rods, kit cars, and other collector cars most of his life.