So, what are the differences?

[redmt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

The one caveat is that if you want a build an FE with an aluminum block, then Brent has previously stated that he doesn't build engines with alloy blocks anymore due to their issues.

Here's a question for you all. When is an FE no longer an FE but rather a collection of aftermarket parts that resemble an FE engine? To me an FE is the non-consumables in the engine. Block, crank, rods, heads? When you change out all the original parts for aftermarket then your gathering up parts that may or may not fit well together. Just because it looks like a duck,,,,,,,,

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by redmt

Here's a question for you all. When is an FE no longer an FE but rather a collection of aftermarket parts that resemble an FE engine? To me an FE is the non-consumables in the engine. Block, crank, rods, heads? When you change out all the original parts for aftermarket then your gathering up parts that may or may not fit well together. Just because it looks like a duck,,,,,,,,

My perspective is the 'FE' designation relates to the design, particularly the deep-skirted 'Y' block, heads that integrate with the intake manifold to form a mating surface for the valve covers, and shaft mounted rocker arms. Yes, there are other engines that share some of these features, but none (that I know of) that share them all. And yes, I know the SOHC / Cammer is an FE that deviates markedly from the above characteristics.

You could build an FE with no OEM parts - with an aftermarket block, heads, rotating assembly, etc. I don't think that makes it any less an 'FE', though it's clearly not original. This would be analogous to most of the Cobras out there - also built with non-OEM parts and often better in many respects than the originals (except lineage, of course).

YMMV

[redmt]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

My perspective is the 'FE' designation relates to the design,

You could build an FE with no OEM parts -

YMMV

OK. Then would it not make more sense to then call it an FE "style" engine? I will stand shoulder to shoulder with any FE builder until you get into all of the "new and improved" blocks, heads, etc. Does it make me any less of an engine builder if I have limited knowledge of the non-OEM off the shelf parts? Does it make the builder who has never seen an original but is a wizard with the all aftermarket parts any less of a genius?

The point is that if your looking for a good engine guy then you should know pretty much what your looking for as an end result to start with.

I still say that if you stick with the one man shop, like Brent, then at the very least you will get a guy that knows every integral part of the engine and will be able to answer any questions you may come up with. There would be noting more frustrating than to call a big shop with a specific question and be told that BillyBob is off today so they can't answer your questions.

[patrickt]

If nothing happens to the "one man," in between the time you write him a check and the time when you have the engine comfortably broken in, then the experienced one-man-shop is absolutely the way to go. Brent's a nice guy and I would have no problem writing him a check. But I'd really like to see him expand his business and make more money (because a one-man-band can only make so much dough). College tuition, med school, law school, wedding costs... they'll all be here before he knows it.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by redmt

When is an FE no longer an FE

When it's not a 427. For example, a 428.