FE engine swap

[Boss429x82]

Ok so I am looking at getting a 67 Ford Galaxie , 2 Door , Hardtop. I would really like the Thunderbird 428 or the Cobra 427 for engines. However they seem to be pretty hard to find and when I do find them they are quite pricey. So here is the question , out the Ford big block options , what engine do you prefer , easiest to work on , power , price ect. I am not really looking for originality here , just power and an easy swap. Also not fuel injection , so not too modern.

Also I am not entirely sure which engines will be the easiest swaps. I beleive the engine options were 240 , 289 , 390 , 427 , 428. I know there are some variations of most of these engines. I am looking to put the biggest engine in the car possible that I can basically drop in. I reallize I will have to change out the trany most likely. By drop in I mean , not changing motor mounts much , cutting out fenders or any other fabricating. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[DanEC]

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.

[Grubby]

429/460 would likely be cheaper. If not concerned with originality it may be a good way to go.

John

[DougD]

It shouldn't be too hard to find a good used 390. Dress it up like a 427 or 428 and you're good to go. No one will be the wiser...

In what part of the country do you live? We can likely suggest a reputable engine builder in your area.

[jwoodard]

There are several after market 427 block manufacturers out there, Shelby, Genesis, Pond, etc. So you can have a brand new 427 block and bore/stroke it to your liking. 482/496 c.i.'s is very common with these blocks with tons of TQ and HP. Externally you can't tell the difference between these blocks and the originals, they even have the original casting #'s and you can get them in Aluminum or cast. Several of the noted builders that advertise here can build you one at a reasonable price (reasonable depending on your budget and desires).

[Boss429x82]

First to answer some of the questions. I live in Orlando , FL. As far as budget on the engine , I would really like to keep it under 2k if possible. I figure I will have to spend around 12-15k on the car itself. I may get lucky and find a good deal on a 427 or a 428 7 Litre , but they seem to be hard to find in decent condition.

I am really looking at a possible 460 swap. Several people have told me that this will be cheaper as they are more common. Does anyone know what would be required to swap out a 289 or 390 for a 460? Most of the 67 Galaxies I have found have one of these 2 engines in it.

As for what I am looking for as far as results. I want to feel that lift on the front end and be unable to get out of your seat . Also it needs to be faster than my cousins 69 Plymouth Roadrunnner , it has a 383 in it.

Lastly , thank you everyone for all the info so far.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by Boss429x82

First to answer some of the questions. I live in Orlando , FL. As far as budget on the engine , I would really like to keep it under 2k if possible. Iin it.

Also it needs to be faster than my cousins 69 Plymouth Roadrunnner , it has a 383 in it.

Lastly , thank you everyone for all the info so far.

For $2,000 you will be extremely lucky to find a salvaged, running 390 - 300 HP motor on Craigs List or the local paper that you can slap a coat of paint on and drop in. It will probably leak as much oil as it burns.

As far as outrunning your cousins 69 383 Roadrunner in a 67 Ford Galaxie with a 390 - good luck with that. Reminds me of when I had all 64 Plymouth Sport Fury with a 383 -4bbl in school (not the Roadrunner magnum) and a couple of local pre-med Brothers had their Mothers 390 Mercury Cougar GT for the week. They thought it was hot stuff so one evening we lined up on a back road and had at it. By the time I hit second gear they were so far behind that I thought they had somehow killed the motor off the line. Afterwards they asked it I would not spread the story around as they were embarassed by how soundly they were beat.

If you want to beat a Roadrunner with a 67 Ford Galaxie, you need to start looking at some serious cubes and horsepower and that will cost a lot more than your budget.

[Young1]

A 390 with a 4.125 stroker crank equals the magic 427 number. Nobody knows the diff. from the outside.

[Young1]

Since you are in Orlando why not come up to Ocala for the Ford and Mustang Roundup at the Silver Springs Park. Be personable, ask lots of questions to guys that have cars you like. Maybe they can put you onto a car set up like you want. IMO you can always buy a car cheaper than building one. Car guys like other car guys. This event is all FORD or Ford powered. Jan 12-13, 2013. Get details on line.

BTW Six months ago I spent some time with an elderly retired gentlemen in Ocala. He is the original owner of a 7 liter Galaxie. 428, 2 4bbl, convertible, 4 speed, with dealer installed factory air. It came from Detroit with the air parts in the trunk. Unmolested and unrestored but faded. He took it with him to Texas.

[olddog]

In $/Hp terms, the 460 engine is the best choice, but I do not think you are going to get very far with $2000. Your best bet would be to buy used. Note the 429 and 460 are the same except for the stroke (385 series engine). Some early 429 CJ engines had better heads.

In terms of ease to build, the FE (390, 428 family) is the hardest to work on and requires the most knowledge to build. Shops with a great reputation building small blocks have been known to totally screw up an FE.

Watch out for large truck engines in both FE and 385 series. They have some undesirable differences.

[blown871]

I have a friend in TN. who is a guru with these cars and motors and swaps them around all the time.
I u shoot me a pm I can share his e-mail info.
Thanks,
B

And I do believe he is headed to Fla this coming week or next.

[Boss429x82]

Thanks again guys for the info. Blown871 , that would be great , I will send you a PM.