360FE to 427/428

[Texasdoc]

I have the option of picking up a 360FE that is bored 40 over. What are the steps in changing this to a 427/428? Any significant difficulties?

Not sure of the year of the block, but it was out of an F100 pickup.

[Tom Cimino]

No difficulties at all. First, get a copy of Barry Robotnic's "How to build max performance Ford FE engines". Then contact Barry at Survival Motorsports, or Keith Kraft, or Brent Lykins. They are all contributors on this Forum and are all experts on the FE. You can't bore a 360/390 block to 428 or 427 specs. The cylinder walls will be too thin, but 445 cubic inches is the primary stroker size for the 360/390 block and they're all getting 500 plus hp. out of that combo. Loads of torque, no modifications to the block for clearance.

.

[redmt]

A lot of the 'mirror 105' blocks will bore to standard 428. Always have a sonic check done first. A 427 ain't going to happen. You'll need a 428 crank also.

[PANAVIA]

Also - their were two different thicknesses from a 390 cylinder lining point of view.

a sonic wall check should reveal this.

there was a method to check this with a drill bit ( as a measuring device ) measuring between the cylinder liners via the freeze plug hole....

Steve

[undy]

The later pickup installed 360s, had thinner cylinder walls than the earlier 390s. I wouldn't even waste my time on a sonic check. I'd do a 0.030" overbore, a stroker crank and call it a day.

[redmt]

Originally Posted by undy

The later pickup installed 360s, had thinner cylinder walls than the earlier 390s. I wouldn't even waste my time on a sonic check. I'd do a 0.030" overbore, a stroker crank and call it a day.

Where is the waste of time? He's already at .040. Being able to use what you already have isn't a waste of time IMHO. A sonic check is a lot cheaper than a new block or a stroker kit.

[undy]

I missed the 0.040" overbore. I'd definitely do a sonic check if I was going to 0.060".

If it were me, I'd be looking for a virgin block to spend my stroker $$ on though. One more bore and the block's probably toast after that. 390 blocks can be had pretty cheap. Most "FE" builders usually have a couple laying around for builds anyway.

[redmt]

I guess I've been lucky. I've never had a 105 block not pass a sonic to 4.122. We punched them out way before sonic was available to us, and did some pretty radical builds. I've blown a few but never to a block issue. Like I said, I've been lucky. I've heard plenty stories from guys who windowed blocks. I have a 105 now that ran for 30 years of abuse. It has .007 taper and did a sonic check for a rebore. It won't make it safely.

[undy]

I think the first problem people will encounter with "thin" cylinder walls due to a over-bore will be poor ring sealing due to the bores moving a bit more than they should. A partial hard-block pour will help stabilize them. The drag boyz do it all the time. For a street machine I wouldn't consider it though.

[Barry_R]

So far we've had a grand total of maybe three or our 390s that would safely sonic at .090 or more after going to 4.130. I guess we are just unlucky....but we've only done a hundred or so..

[redmt]

Weird. I've got 3 here that made it just fine and one that won't go to an overbore but made standard 428 fine. Are you checking the 105 blocks or whatever comes through the door?

[Barry_R]

We check them all...

Dakota Ultrasonics PR-82
not a super high end unit, but not a Chinese ebay bag of dirt either

http://www.dakotaultrasonics.com/prices/PRpx090113.pdf

[redmt]

Originally Posted by Barry_R

We check them all...

Dakota Ultrasonics PR-82
not a super high end unit, but not a Chinese ebay bag of dirt either

http://www.dakotaultrasonics.com/prices/PRpx090113.pdf

You missed my question,,,, are you finding 105 blocks that fail? I've never seen a standard 390 block that would go to 428 bore. I've never seen a 105 that didn't.

[blykins]

I've had 3-4 105 blocks that wouldn't/didn't go. On the other hand, I had a regular 390 block that went. I can't remember the number on it, that was 9 years ago. It was a 65-66 block I believe.

With all the stroker kits out, I won't even try to do it anymore. Not worth the risk.

[Texasdoc]

Thanks for all the reply's. However, the deal fell thru. I wouldn't mind going non-standard to get to the 427+ size. I currently have a 351W. I just had a quick opportunity to pick up a 360 but by the time I figured out that stroking it to 427+ was doable, the deal was gone. I would like to have a 427+ motor so I can have the 427 badges, but I'm not gonna put them on my 351 powered car.

[Barry_R]

You can get a 352, bore it to 4.060, and use the 4.125 stroke crank to hit 427 cubes...

[TomP]

Or get an aftermarket block , bore it to 4.41" and use a 360 crank to get 427.

I have two worn out .060" over 390's that barely clean up going .080" over. Bored the one to 4.13" without a sonic but i figure if they've already been running at that size what can it hurt? Of course the walls might be so thin they bent out rather than wore that much.

[Anthony]

if you want 427 ci, I'd just get a ford crate 427 Windsor and sell your current engine. with a fe, you'll need to change a lot of other parts, bell housing, clutch set up, engine brackets, headers, exhaust, etc. I'd stick with a Windsor. if you want a fe, spend the money and get a new fe 427 block and do it right.

[Texasdoc]

That opportunity has long passed. I've bought a 351 and am going to stoke it to 408. Thanks.

Tom

[TomP]

It isn't quite the same you realize?

Sort of like you wanted a date with Kate Upton but Susan Boyle was available...