Big Block identification

[CobraV8]

I found a Ford big block engine offered for sale that was used in a boat and the seller has little knowledge of what he has except it's a Ford engine with 440cui (???) displacement and has recently been rebuild.

I assume it's a 427, 428 or 429cui engine. Unfortunately the seller lives 5 hours away from me, so I'll have to identify the engine by pics and casting numbers.
How can I tell the difference between a FE big block and a 429/460 (385 series?). What are visible differences between 427 side- and centeroilers, 428, 428 CJ and SCJ? What casting numbers belong to which engine and where are they located?

I couldn't find much info yet, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,


Simon

[mrmustang]

Simon,

Without a long disertation I cannot list the numerous differences of each engine...Instead, I would suggest that you post the casting numbers for the block and heads here, so we can properly decode them for you...............


Sincerely,

Bill S.

[Mark IV]

Quick and dirty to way to ID an "FE" from a "385" series engine is the valve covers...on an "FE" the top part of the valve cover mounting surface is formed by the intake manifold, i.e. you must remove the valve covers before you may remove the intake. On a "385" you can remove the intake without removing the valve covers.

Rick

[CobraV8]

Originally posted by mrmustang


Simon,

Without a long disertation I cannot list the numerous differences of each engine...Instead, I would suggest that you post the casting numbers for the block and heads here, so we can properly decode them for you...............


Sincerely,

Bill S.

This sounds good, I think the FE block casting numbers are located on the front passenger side of the block and below the oil filter adapter on the front driver side of the block (casting date). Is that correct? Where are the head casting numbers located?

Where can the casting numbers be found on 385 series blocks and heads?

I'll have to tell the seller where to look for the numbers, I'm sure he doesn't know where they are located...

[computerworks]

Originally posted by CobraV8


Where are the head casting numbers located?

...along the lower edge, at the center between exhaust ports.
..around the bolt hole...

[clayfoushee]

It was my understanding that only blocks designated for cars and trucks have the passenger side numbers, that tell among other things what it was installed in. The date codes will still be below the oil filter mount. I suspect marine blocks won't have the numbers either.

My SO was a service block and has no numbers of any kind stamped on the pass. side.

If it has been used in a boat, you should check on whether it was operated in salt water.

[CobraV8]

These are pictures of the engine:







As far as you can see the valve cover mounting surfaces look different from what you told me and the heads are also different from the FE heads pictured above (spark plug locations).

So this seems to be a 385 series big block, or am I wrong?

[dewulfmd]

Your right -> a 385 series big block

[CobraV8]

O.K. then this thread belongs to the 429/460 engine talk forum

Anyway thanks to everyone for helping!

Simon