How to tell certain engines

[Excaliber]

We'll try to forget the early Y block series motors from Ford, 272, 292, 312. Early 1950's to early 1960's. Not much to say about them, other than there were a spectacular failure when it came to racing. Compared to the Chevy small block of the same era, the 265, 283, 327, it was downright embarrasing for Ford.

I'd begin by breaking the engines down into the "series" they represent. Examples:
The "Windsor" series, or family, of engines. 221, 260, 289, 302, 351. Early '60's going all the way into the 90's. This was the potent new engine weapon from Ford that powered the early Cobras to so many victories. Typically referred to as "small blocks", "tiny blocks", "miniscule blocks", etc. Then there is the "big block" series of motors, two (or more) families to consider here. The FE family and the 385 family. FE series, 331, 352, 390, 406, 427 and others. Late 1950's to mid 70's or so. Replacing the FE family was the 385 family, typically the 429 and 460 cubic inch motors.

Throw in an odd ball family here and there, like the Clevland engines. BIG heads, something unigue, not made very long. Some dogs among this group, some brilliant examples as well. 351C, excellent, 400M, a turkey. A little mix and match for spice, how about some Cleveland heads on a Windsor block? Enter the potent "Boss 302". Let's not leave out the legendary OHC engines either. Based primarily on the FE series with heads so big you could drive a truck through the ports!

The latest issue from Ford would be the "modular" engines. Typically the 4.6 OHC engines found in the Mustang. Include the 5.4 often found in the truck application but also a very nice "race" package in select Mustang models. Due to their large external dimensions these engines are not typically considered a good choice for a "hot rod" type application. Replica Cobras, 32 Deuce Coupes or whatever. They are small in cubic inches but LARGER externally than even a classic big block! All kinds of clearance issues trying to stuff one under the hood.

You could do the Google using the various series and families to see some pictures and get a better idea of the history and application of these engines.

Now when it comes to "odd ball" after market stuff, like a 347 or a 514 or what ever, yeah, it's a valid question. On WHAT series/family is that engine based? Some typical numbers for a modified Windsor family block might be 347 up to 427, which is just about the max cid this family will run. The new bored and stroked motors could be a 385 series or an FE series. Either way you can take these out to really BIG numbers! The FE style motor using a modern after market block (Shelby, Dove, others) is a typical example of a really BIG modern block in the 500 cubic inch range.

The Cleveland series motors are fairly rare, but enjoyed great success in Australia, a worthy opponent when it comes to making good horse power for their size. Typical application would be a "Pantera" car.