FE vs Roush vs Blueprint

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Gus M

Bottomline, is a Ford 450CI 437 HP FE Motor a good dependable motor that will need no special attention. Engine built by Southern Auto.

Thanks in advantage for sharing your years of experience.

I've had a 447 cubic inch FE with a solid flat tappet cam in my car for the last 15 years. It looks, sounds, smells and feels exactly as you would want. BUT, you have to be a moderately talented mechanic or it will be in the shop a good bit. I've never had her in a shop and don't even know who I'd take her to if I had to. So, if you want the truth, you don't have to be a super-mechanic, just be moderately talented. Either that or have a shop that you trust near by.

[Dwight]

simple answer; yes

[Dwight]

in the header you list Blue Print. Why?

[Gus M]

Originally Posted by Dwight

in the header you list Blue Print. Why?

Dwight, thanks also. I was comparing the FE to a Roush and Blueprint motors.

[Gus M]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I've had a 447 cubic inch FE with a solid flat tappet cam in my car for the last 15 years. It looks, sounds, smells and feels exactly as you would want. BUT, you have to be a moderately talented mechanic or it will be in the shop a good bit. I've never had her in a shop and don't even know who I'd take her to if I had to. So, if you want the truth, you don't have to be a super-mechanic, just be moderately talented. Either that or have a shop that you trust near by.

Thanks Patrickt. Like what kind of "moderate" things would need to be done?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Gus M

Thanks Patrickt. Like what kind of "moderate" things would need to be done?

FEs tend to leak. They leak oil, coolant, and their Holley carbs require periodic maintenance just to keep the car running nicely. Remember, the last time a car came out of Detroit with a carb most of the gas station mechanics we have now weren't even born. The usual simple, straight forward tune up stuff. Plugs, MSD maintenance, timing, oil changes. A non-solid lifter cam requires no adjustments, pretty much, so that's easy. And goofy stuff tends to fall apart from time to time. For example, I had the harmonic balancer up front completely separate from it's rubber bonding. Most of the maintenance was exactly the same stuff we did as kids in the 70's with cars that were constantly breaking and you had to fix them yourself because funds were tight. None of the stuff is particularly difficult, but you either have to do it yourself or have a trusted "old style" garage near by that you trust.

[Gus M]

Originally Posted by patrickt

FEs tend to leak. They leak oil, coolant, and their Holley carbs require periodic maintenance just to keep the car running nicely. Remember, the last time a car came out of Detroit with a carb most of the gas station mechanics we have now weren't even born. The usual simple, straight forward tune up stuff. Plugs, MSD maintenance, timing, oil changes. A non-solid lifter cam requires no adjustments, pretty much, so that's easy. And goofy stuff tends to fall apart from time to time. For example, I had the harmonic balancer up front completely separate from it's rubber bonding. Most of the maintenance was exactly the same stuff we did as kids in the 70's with cars that were constantly breaking and you had to fix them yourself because funds were tight. None of the stuff is particularly difficult, but you either have to do it yourself or have a trusted "old style" garage near by that you trust.

Patrickt, thanks, that helps me better understand what to expect!

[blykins]

Well it certainly won't hurt itself only making 437 hp.......wow......