FEs for Dummys

[HSSS427]

I'm a newbie and what to get a basic education on Ford FEs. Would like to be able to basically do the following for starters:
1) Identify the difference between models when I look under the hood, and make sure what's advertised is what's in the car
2) Know what I don't know, but enough to know what to ask about
3) Be able to tell which buzz words and specs are meaningful and why, and which are just BS
4) Know where to go for knowledgable help and to get good work done

Hopefully one day I'll graduate to the level of the gurus in this forum, but trying to figure out where to start.

Thanks!

[blykins]

FE's aren't really special in terms of engines. They're actually easier to learn than some of the other engines that are out there in terms of bores, strokes, deck heights, etc.

The FE family consists of the 332, 352, 360, 361, 390, 390HP, 391, 406, 410, 427 center oiler, 427 side oiler, 428 Police Interceptor, and 428 Cobra Jet.

The 361 and the 391 are truck engines.

What's cool about FE's is that you can interchange parts on almost any engine...there are exceptions of course.

With the engine in the car, and the heads attached, it's pretty near impossible to identify one at first glance...without getting underneath, looking at the block, getting the casting numbers, etc, because they all look the same. I'm pretty sure all deck heights are the same....all block dimensions are the same....There are a few ways of telling the hipo blocks....screw in freeze plugs, side bolts on the main caps, and of course the humps on a 427 S/O block.

FE's have a 'Y' block design.....they are skirted. This means that the block extends down past the main cap. If you looked at say a 302 or a 351W, you will see the main caps hanging down below the block. On an FE, you will not see this.

Another unusual thing about the FE engine (and this will help you identify one quickly) is that the valve cover rests on both the cylinder head and the intake manifold. If you look in a parts catalog, you will see what I'm talking about.....

It's hard to answer questions when there are no specific requests.....maybe this will get you started. If you wish, I could post bores and strokes and maybe discuss the different cylinder heads that were available back in the day....the low, medium, and high riser heads, and the tunnel port heads.

As for who to go to when you need professional information, I would post here on this forum first. There are more knowledgeable people here than you can shake a stick at.

[Excaliber]

The Holy Grail of FE's is of course the 427 side oiler. It's tricky making an ID on this engine as opposed to the 427 center oiler. You really have to study some pictures of the block and be very dedicated to discern the difference.

I have one and it took me a couple of weeks to really really confirm that I DID have one.

[CobraEd]

Most people prefer the 332 because it is lighter

Ed

[Excaliber]

How's the soup coming along Ed? It might need a little more stirring.

Big Blocks rule!

[FFR428]

Get a couple of the books such as rebuilding your big block ford by steve christ and high performance ford by george reid. These give you casting numbers and explain date codes and how to ID parts and rebuild engines. There are some typo's in each but for the most part a good source of info. Once you understand the basic casting numbers and date code translation the rest is easy. Do a google search for FE engines and check out some websites. There are lots out there.G.

[Excaliber]

The problem with the 427's is that most of them came with or without ANY standard markings. Very tough to ID them from "numbers".

[Ibr8k4vetts]

http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/74182
These guys know all!!!!
Mike

[griffinzein]

ive always wondered what doe FE mean? i know its an engine family, but what does it mean? i.e. sb = small block bb= big block

[Excaliber]

Some say, Ford/Edsel others say Ford Engine. I bet there are other variables also.

Me? I'll go with Ford Engine.

[CobraEd]

FE is Latin for "Fordious Excessivus". Translation = Excessively heavy Ford engine.

(I had to say it)

Ed

[Excaliber]

I think that translates to Greek as "boatus anchorus". Ford painted 'em blue later so they would blend in better with their surroundings.

[HSSS427]

Thanks all for the great tutorial on the 427 side oiler. Got some books too so at least have a start.

Now for my next question, which I'm sure will open lots of debate:

What are the pros and cons of running a 427 side oiler vs any other FE engine? I understand the cost issue, but am wondering about things like cost of service and parts and the level of on-going maintenance required on the engine. Since the 427 was designed as a racing engine, does it then also take a race team level of know how and maintenance to keep it running and tuned?

I guess right now I'm pretty hung up on having an "authentic" engine in the car. That said, is there a good source that shows the various big blocks that were used in the originals? I noted that Kurt Scott mentioned the first big block cobra experiment used a 390 and I believe the "commericial" version of the car had a 428.

Thanks all for the help!

[Excaliber]

At least one owner of an original car noted HIS came with a 427 center oiler. That was a "street" car without sidepipes (under car exhaust). I'm thinking it was one of the very EARLY street cars and shortly after it came the 428's.

Authentic? 390, 427 center oiler, side oiler and 428 take your pic. First 120 or so comp car and S/C cars? 427 side oiler. The S.O. is not really any different than the rest in terms or build or maintenance, just a lot more dollars!

Some will pay more for a CSX number, some will pay more for a side oiler. If I had the money I'd have BOTH in one car!

[jdog]

Ex, my man, I couldn't agree with you more:

Some will pay more for a CSX number, some will pay more for a side oilier. If I had the money I'd have BOTH in one car!

I have acquired an 196? 427fe side oilier for my CSX car (on order). Don't really know the date there aren't many numbers on the block. I just know that it's a solid (sonic tested) 427fe side oilier block @ .030 over! With a stroker kit, roller cams, aluminum heads & intake, I hope to get: 600/600!
I plan to run this through a new TKO 600 trans., & back it up with a 200 hp NOS system! I like to have an edge! ( it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!): Prison rules.
800hp LOOK OUT!
Need to wait to see just how wide of a tire I can stuff under the rear of a CSX car. I will need a second set of rims & drag slicks to use on "special occasions"!
There is a bunch of Viper guys around here that think they are "Hot ****".
I will be a Viper's worst nightmare!

jdog

P.S."If you can't run with the BIG DOGS, stay under the porch!"

Prison rules: "THERE AREN'T ANY!"

[Bud Man]

FE was Ford Motor Company's designation for the "Ford/Edsel" series of V8's. There is no other definition.

For a replica, it is my opinion that a side oiler only gives you bragging rights. Before the Shelby/Genesis offerings, if someone wanted a side oiler they were often faced with the daunting proposition of avoiding blocks that had a myriad of "excuses" including welds, sleeves, excessive overbores, etc. At the same time, lots of great 428 Cobra Jet or Super Cobra Jet blocks went begging, because they didn't have the cachet of a "sideoiler". Truth is, for most enthusiast's purposes, the best choice for a big block Cobra engine would be a properly prepared (read properly oiled) 428 CJ and if a good block can be found, a Super Cobra Jet. Unlike a sideoiler or center oiler, these blocks can handle overbores of .030" - .040" without any issues, and if not abused, can stand up to some pretty severe usage. It is unfortunate that many folks who demand a sideoiler settle on a block that has been opened up .030" or .040" and then wonder why they can't fix an overheating problem.

I run a C5AE-H sideoiler, and love it, but if I had it to do all over again, I would follow my own advice.

Bud

[Excaliber]

Hey my side oiler has been running perfect ever since I got that sticking exh valve, blown head gasket and over heating issue fixed.

....what?

[jdog]

Horsepower = Heat!
If my engine has an overheating problem I don't think it will be because of the .030! lol!
It may be from the whip marks all over it!
If it breaks, I'll fix it, if it don't...I WIN!!


jdog

P.S. I'll see you in my rear view mirror!

You'd better get it done today, it's pretty arrogant to think you will have tomorrow to do it!

[Ibr8k4vetts]

[quote]Originally posted by Bud Man


[b]FE was Ford Motor Company's designation for the "Ford/Edsel" series of V8's. There is no other definition.

That will be argue till the end of time!!!
Mike

[HSSS427]

As part of my search I came across this listing of the engines in various Cobra models:


Ford Engines Used in the Shelby Cars
Author: Carroll Shelby (more...)

1965 GT350 Block C5AE-6015-E 6 Bolt; HIPO , Thicker Main Caps
1966 Cobra 427-CSX3101-CSX3199 Block C5AE-A 1965 center oiler
transition block; press in freeze plugs, solid lifters
1966 Cobra 428-CSX3200-CSX3300 Block C6AE-B 428 solid lifter Police
Interceptor
1966 GT350 Block C5AE-6015-E 6 Bolt; HIPO , Thicker Main Caps
1967 Cobra 427-CSX3301-CSX3360 Block C5AE-H 427 side oiler block,
screw in freeze plugs
1967 GT350 Block C5AE-6015-E 6 Bolt; HIPO , Thicker Main Caps
1967 GT500 Block C6ME-A or C6ME Bore is 4.13 std
1968 GT350 Block C8OE-6015-A standard 302 block
1968 GT500 Block C7ME-A Bore is 4.13 std
1968 GT500KR Block C7ME-A 428 Cobra Jet
1969 GT350 Block C9OE-6015-B standard 351 windsor
1969 GT500 Block C7ME-A 428 Cobra Jet
1970 GT350 Block C9OE-6015-B standard 351 windsor
1970 GT500 Block C7ME-A 428 Cobra Jet

Courtesy of
Jim Elsmore
NVSAAC.com