1972 429 motor , DOVE-C heads ? and #s

I hope my question makes sense, I am looking at a 72 ranchero N code car 429. The motor obviously has had things done as far as aluminum intake, holley carb, new style distributor, etc. I was thinking it might be a value issue down the road if the motor is not original. I have been sent photos of the casting behind the starter, ( maybe partial ) D1VE , and the heads say DOVE-C , so I started trying to research whats going on and it seems the block casting is just a overall 429-460 ID covering many years unless it has other marks after that I can't see.? So short of seeing the vin someplace on the block I am thinking that does not prove or disprove much of anything regarding the year. The heads say DOVE-C and according what I read the 72 would have had D2 something but where not good so maybe they where changed to improve things during a rebuild? Basically I am wondering if anyone could just set me strait on whats good or bad. Is a 429 better than a 351 ? is a 429 thats been altered for improvement better than one with original heads that would be correct? I think its a good car I am looking at, and has really nice options, gage cluster, performance suspension, A/C power everything. I just wish I knew more about the 429 motors. The seller has been very helpful,Not sure if he really knows much about it. He thought maybe the D1 on the block made it a 71 date motor. it's too far away for me to look at in person.I like buying things that are factory generally, but in this case I just need someone in the know to school me on what the DOVE-C heads would be and if they are a good or bad thing?? supposedly the motor runs very well.   I hope My rambling question is understood.

Thanks, The car was built June 72

you can easily find out the displacement by sticking a long wooden dowel in a spark plug hole, and rotate the crank tilbthe stick is as far down as it goes. Mark the edge of the hole.  Now rotate so the stick come up as high as it will go. Mark it again.  Now measure the distance between the marks.

Thanks all, Good stuff to know, I went ahead bought the car. Whatever it is under the hood ,seems whoever worked on the car may have known what they where doing if its got better heads than born with. Wish me luck.

Yah , I went ahead and bought it, Its 429 N code, C-6, 3:35 traction lock, Performance Suspension package, Rally gage dash, Rally wheels, PDB, PS, Power windows, A/C. Thinking of doing it in Gold Glow to match my GTS, and have a truck when I need it.   Thanks Again

Thanks, Should be here in about a month.

It's no question an interesting assortment of colors, : )

   Very nice. Looking forward to more pics.

very nice! 429 C6 and a 3.25 locker... very cool

Nice buy! enjoy!