FEs for Dummys

[blykins]

FE's aren't really special in terms of engines. They're actually easier to learn than some of the other engines that are out there in terms of bores, strokes, deck heights, etc.

The FE family consists of the 332, 352, 360, 361, 390, 390HP, 391, 406, 410, 427 center oiler, 427 side oiler, 428 Police Interceptor, and 428 Cobra Jet.

The 361 and the 391 are truck engines.

What's cool about FE's is that you can interchange parts on almost any engine...there are exceptions of course.

With the engine in the car, and the heads attached, it's pretty near impossible to identify one at first glance...without getting underneath, looking at the block, getting the casting numbers, etc, because they all look the same. I'm pretty sure all deck heights are the same....all block dimensions are the same....There are a few ways of telling the hipo blocks....screw in freeze plugs, side bolts on the main caps, and of course the humps on a 427 S/O block.

FE's have a 'Y' block design.....they are skirted. This means that the block extends down past the main cap. If you looked at say a 302 or a 351W, you will see the main caps hanging down below the block. On an FE, you will not see this.

Another unusual thing about the FE engine (and this will help you identify one quickly) is that the valve cover rests on both the cylinder head and the intake manifold. If you look in a parts catalog, you will see what I'm talking about.....

It's hard to answer questions when there are no specific requests.....maybe this will get you started. If you wish, I could post bores and strokes and maybe discuss the different cylinder heads that were available back in the day....the low, medium, and high riser heads, and the tunnel port heads.

As for who to go to when you need professional information, I would post here on this forum first. There are more knowledgeable people here than you can shake a stick at.