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
