Checking out a 428 CJ

[Rickster]

tomorrow. Block is supposedly a SR block cast in '71. date code is D129. Anything I should look out for? I am concerned that this might be an FT block since it is so "late". I don't want to make an expensive mistake.

[RICK LAKE]

Rickster Is it apart or together? Hear it run if together for 5-10 minutes, let it get to operating temps, and listen for noises in the motor. If apart Tell him you want to go to a machine shop and have it checked, Pay half and PUT IT ON PAPER, both sign it and a 3rd person also, bring a friend. Try and get as must info as possible. Get any numbers you can off the heads, crank, dampener, pistons, intake, or block stamp area. Give him a Deposit to hold for a day or 2. If there is no problem, he should let you, if not walk away. You will find another. A couple of motor may be at Carlisle this week end. First week in june the big Ford swap meet is at Carlisle. The first motor I got was to be a 428 and turned out to be a 410. 428 crank and a 390 bore block. Messure the bore and stroke if apart with a caliper. Good luck Rick Rick Lake Ps if I see any fe's at Carlisle I will give you there number. Have you checked with the one ERA uses?

[Rickster]

Thanks Rick,
The block is apart and is at a machine shop. I guess it's for that reason I am less worried about the integrity of the block than whether it is a bored out 391 or something. I will post my results this evening.

[RICK LAKE]

Rickster What are you going to do with the motor?? Cobra. There are some great blocks out there, Shelbys are not cheap but will last a life time. If it is a 391 check with Gessford or KC about using this block I am not that fimiliar with the oiling system. It is a 30 year old block also. Good luck Rick Lake

[FFR428]

I had a NOS SR block with no casting numbers and a partial date code. It had the ribs on the outside and triple webs on the mains and 4.13 bore. From what I understand Ford used the same casting molds toward the end of the FE production and the FE/ FT blocks were pretty much the same from Michigan Casting center. Just bored for the application called for. My block also did not have the telltale 428 inside the water jacket and had 352 on the upper left of the block and the casting was kind of rough. They ( MCC) also had some core shift issues with the worn molds towards the end of the FE production. I'd want to see the sonic numbers and overbore before anything as these could be a crap shoot. Good luck, G.

[Rickster]

Well guys, "I'm in" as the saying goes.

The motor & crank looked nice, no visible flaws, bores looked great (std, bore). Block had the CJ webs and the ribs on the outside, 352 on front. Apparently this was one of those irrigation motors. Anyway, I am having them clean and mag the block before I pick it up. Now all I need is a car to fit around it! Oh yeah, I got the CJ rods too. Is it worth re-sizing and shot peening them or should I go aftermarket? Yikes...this is only the beginning. How do you guys do it$?

[FFR428]

With the wife, four kids, house, cars etc...... I do it very slowly! Sounds like you found a good one. G.

[RICK LAKE]

Rickster Way to GO. Make a build sheet up and follow it. You need to go to swap meets, Ebay, any Ford shows. Find all the FE suppliers and get prices on each. Ford Power Parts is hard to get a hold of but his prices are good. Got a 428 crank 10-10 for $400.00 4 years ago used. With a GOOD machinist that does good work Have it balanced and blueprinted. Carlisle is this weekend. 300 mile trip for you but the info you would pick up is worth the trip many times over. Rick Call me and I will give you all the info I have to date. after 8:00 pm tonight 732-254-3536 Rick.

[Rickster]

Thanks Rick
I'll take you up on your offer, but it will be next week. Leaving for vacation tonight.

[RICK LAKE]

Rickster Rick Have a good trip, Don't catch anything you can't give back. Rick Lake