I tried the magnet and the scope and could not find anything. I pulled the head off and found to small pieces of unidentifiable metal parts in the cylinder. Had the head reworked although no apparent damage. Put the head back on and now it has a knock in the engine coming from the piston area not the head. Damage to the piston, rod or crank shaft? Time to pull the engine? My question is while the engine is out do I have the opportunity to " take it up a notch". Rebuild the engine for more horse power? I would like to keep it stock looking. Anyone have pro and cons about rebuilding the engine for more horse power? What could I do to the engine for more horse power? How much would the transmission and rear end handle? Or best to keep it stock.

Any helpful hints on pulling the 429 out of my 71 Tbird? I never pulled a engine out before. Anything would be helpful.
Thanks.

Go by a book store and see if they have Steven Christ's book,"Rebuilding a Big Block Ford". He probably has one of the more detailed instructions. His example is pulling an FE out of a '66 T Bird. See if that gives you more information.

One thing, if you are not pulling the transmission (and that is another debate to itself) make sure the engine is pulled forward before pulling up. You need to clear the "alignment pegs" in the engine away from the transmission. These can break the casting on the bell housing.