428 FE police interceptor versus cobra jet

[bliss]

I have a 428 FE engine in my car from back in the day (60's).

I was informed when I purchased it that it was a police interceptor but a mechanic recently stated that it was a cobra jet 428.

I'm not a mechanic - is there a way to confirm what 428 it is for sure?

Thanks.

[Jerry Clayton]

IIRC look at the exhaust manifold bolt pattern-------------the 390GT and 428CJ had a different bolt pattern (had some more holes and an tab on the head for the pattern--the standard engines only had the vertical pattern with a bolt at top and bottom of port

also police interceptors had solid lifters and adjustable rockers---GT & CJ were hydraulic

[FWB]

Originally Posted by bliss

I have a 428 FE engine in my car from back in the day (60's).

I was informed when I purchased it that it was a police interceptor but a mechanic recently stated that it was a cobra jet 428.

I'm not a mechanic - is there a way to confirm what 428 it is for sure?

Thanks.

the block casting numbers will be the same as a 390, so use a pencil in a spark plug hole to measure the stroke, 390=3.78, 428=3.98

if it still has the iron heads on it the casting number for CJ heads is C80E-N
it will be between the center spark plugs

the PI motor will have other numbers, you could try to see the cast date on the block, its above the oil filter adapter. anything before like 67'ish will be a reg 428...


post some pictures

[Keithc8]

Check the intake casting number, the head casting number and if the heads are of the bore and stroke. A true Cobra Jet block will have a C cast in the back the block where the bell housing bolts up. The heads and intake were unique to the 428CJ. These are a few ways you can tell. You can also check the build dates on the parts as well because they did not start pitting them in production cars till about March of 1968. Good luck. Keith

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by Jerry Clayton

also police interceptors had solid lifters and adjustable rockers---GT & CJ were hydraulic

What else distinguished police interceptor 428s from standard 428s like in the 66 Galaxie 7 litre? I know there was a specific police interceptor single 4bbl intake manifold and now that the cam was a solid lifter. Was there any difference in the block or heads?

[Bernica]

Look above the oil filter for a block casting number. Below is what one of my books says. Also, I have heard that if you pull the freeze plugs and look inside at the outside of the cylinder wall, they used to cast "428" on the outside of one of the cylinders. Fact or fiction? Can't say, but I recall seeing a pic once.

C1AE-H, N or V: 61 390 Police Interceptor (PI) w/mech cam

C2AE-BC or BE: 62 390 PI w/ mech cam
C2AE-BR or BS: 62 390 PI w/ mech cam

C3AE-Y, K or KY: 63 390 PI w/ mech cam
C3ME-B: 63 390 PI w/ mech cam

C4AE-F: 64 390 PI w/ mech cam
C5AE-B: 64 390 PI w/ hydraulic cam

C6AE-F: 66 428 PI w/ mech cam

C8AE-R: 68 428 PI w/ hydraulic cam


Hop this helps narrow it down a little. Good luck.

[OnyxRider]

Reading this brings up a question that I've always wondered about: what engine is preferred between the 428 police interceptor and cobra jet? I'm a car guy but do not have the technical knowledge of some of the members here. How do these compare to 429 Hi-performance. I'll list the cars and engines if it helps. This is coming from memory so don't kill me if I'm off a bit.

'67 Cougar 428 (390)
'68 Ford Ranchero GT 428 cobra jet
'69 Intermeccanicas Mureno 429 Hi-po
'69 Ford Torino Talladega 428 cobra jet
'70 Torino Cobra 429 cobrajet...(I know there were different versions even a scj
'70 Cougar 428 Eliminator 428 cobra jet


I didn't think I needed to post a new thread since you guys know your stuff.

[Bernica]

I actually have some kind of answer that I hope will help. Wow, look at me actually providing an answer instead of asking questions all the time!

Hope this helps.

[Bernica]

Sorry, here's the other page. Thought they would both go same time. Yep, I'm a hack!

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by OnyxRider

Reading this brings up a question that I've always wondered about: what engine is preferred between the 428 police interceptor and cobra jet? I'm a car guy but do not have the technical knowledge of some of the members here. How do these compare to 429 Hi-performance. I'll list the cars and engines if it helps. This is coming from memory so don't kill me if I'm off a bit.

'67 Cougar 428 (390)
'68 Ford Ranchero GT 428 cobra jet
'69 Intermeccanicas Mureno 429 Hi-po
'69 Ford Torino Talladega 428 cobra jet
'70 Torino Cobra 429 cobrajet...(I know there were different versions even a scj
'70 Cougar 428 Eliminator 428 cobra jet


I didn't think I needed to post a new thread since you guys know your stuff.

The FE series (352/360/390/410/428/427) and much different from the 385 series engines (429/460). There were models in both series designated as Cobra Jet models. In the FE series I feel certain that most will agree the 428 CJ is a stronger overall performer than the 428 PI motor.