460 Crates?

[bomelia]

I have a friend who occasionally asks about my build and likes to give me info he has discovered. I am sure someone has spoken about this, but have any of looked at this before:

http://www.fordracingparts.com/crateengine/bigblock.asp

I have been collecting 428 parts for some time and have the entire engine (save the heads). I doubt I will build it for less than the lowest priced engine. Is this a reasonable path? Or will it end up looking different from te old 428. Basically, what is the take on this?

Mike

[Tom Wells]

Hi Mike,

Apples and oranges.

The FEs (427, 428, 406, 390 etc etc) are very different from the 385s (429, 460, 521 etc etc etc)

Different looks, different motor mounts, different dimensions etc etc etc

Two completely different engine series. The only thing that might interchange would be the nuts that hold the carb down

The FEs of course are what some of the original Cobras used...

Tom

[bomelia]

Ah, so its not an FE! This would imply that the crank case does not come down (on the 460) as far as it does on the 390-428?

Mike

[Tim Brewer]

The 385 series engine(429-460....) is larger than FE's. You might say they are todays big blocks and an FE is a medium block. How far the crank case comes down is relevant to how it is bolted to the frame. Your dollar to horsepower ratio is MUCH beter in a 385 series engine, but is not as authentic looking as an FE.
My .02,
Tim

[FFR428]

Mike I know two guys that have a set of CJ heads for sale. Send me a pm if interested....G.