Thread: FE engine swap
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Old 01-02-2013, 06:24 AM
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DanEC DanEC is offline
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Location: Little Rock area, AR
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA Street Roadster #782 with 459 cu in FE KC engine, toploader, 3.31
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The 332, 352, 390, 406, 410, 427, and 428 are basically the same engine with the same engine architecture except for certain details like cross-bolting of mains, main oil gallery drilling, expansion plugs, etc. Except for mechanical adjustment camshafts and distributor types there isn't a lot of difference in working on one over all the others. But, these motors have a few pecularities in their design and construction and it's difficult to even tell if you have a 390 or 428 block unless you know the subtle details. A lot of 390 motors get represented as 428 motors. Also, there were a lot of subtle to not-so-subtle evolutionary changes in heads and intakes over the years and you really have to understand what can be matched up with what. That's why a lot of us go with professional builders. A 390 block can be stroked and bored to 445 cubic inches with a fairly inexpensive stroker assembly and can make a lot of torque and HP. A 428 can stroke to over 460 cubic inches. Unless you happen to stumble into a good deal on a running engine from a reliable source, or are willing to invest a lot of time and effort into learning the FE series of engines to do your own build, you may want to look to a professional to come up with a sound engine.
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