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Bunch of FE ?'s
I just put a deposit down on an ERA yesterday so the mind is racing.
I want to build a 428 FE, I have a block already (C6ME-A) thats been at a machine shop for the last 2 years just waiting. The machinest bought a SCAT crank, TRW rods and powerpro pistons so that he could balance the rotating assembly. Additionally, I think he has the flywheel and dampner??. The thing I keep going back and forth on is should I build the engine or have someone else do it. My buddy has built a bunch of engines and has offered to help me with this one. I have a couple of Ford FE books which I have read front to back. From what I can see, once the machining work is do it seems fairly straightforward. I am not saying it's easy as I don't want to offend anyone who does this for a living, that is not my intention. I am very mechanically inclinded but I have never build an engine before and am concerned that the first one built will be a test model if I don't do it right. Any opinions on this? I'm sure I am not the only one who has had to make this decision... Also, a couple of years ago I found an article which explained the correct oil modifications for a 428...does anyone know where I can find that or any other reference to that? Thanks is advance. |
Congrats on the purchase! ERA's are sweet rides.
In my opinion, you get greater satisfaction from things that you do for yourself. Go for it! Good Luck |
Oiling Mods PDF
I have a pdf of the original oiling modification article. I would attach it but it is 10 times bigger (3Meg) than what the forum will allow me to attach.
If you want a copy, send me your email address and I'll forward it Paul :cool: |
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Get all the balancing and machine work done and then do the assembly yourself, especially if you have a buddy to help guide you, and what you learn during the build is invaluable knowledge about taking care of YOUR engine.
There is a great deal of satisfaction to be realised going this route. Keep in mind that there are plenty of information sources where you can find the needed techniques and tricks to perform the build properly. In the future when you find you need to perform some needed work/maintenence you are then entering familiar teritory, there is a confidence that comes through that eliminates a lot of anxiety, no worrys about how does this go together, although sometimes you may ask yourself why the heck did I do it that way. Another important aspect is that when your motor starts to misbehave you are much more aware of what it is doing and why, problems can be pinpointed and dealt with much more readily. There is a lot to be said by being able to say I built it, as well as the fun of the actual build itself. You should go for it. |
Read this!
Take a few minutes and read this post:
http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/fe-talk/62454-427-side-oiler-engine-build-blog.html jdog P.S. I though you wouldn't mind, Ernie.;) |
Have the machine shop do all the mods and assemble the short block, then you can assemble the rest. ( heads, valvetrain,intake etc.) Get the car from E.R.A. painted (unless you can do it yourself) with the frame powdercoated and the body bonded. Then assemble the rest yourself. You will love it. Its a great car. I built mine (era698) so if you have any questions before or during send me an email and ill give you my phone number. Good luck, Ed
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Yup, build it yourself.
Hey thats a great link jdog! :LOL: |
I think the idea of having the short block done is a good idea. Or if you like you can pay your machine shop to lay in your crank and check the run out on it if you have never done that before. Then you and a friend (or do it yourself) can install everything from the pistons, rods, rings, rod bearings (a few tips on bearings when you get ready), oil pump, cam etc.
If you have never done this before make a list of all the torque values for each component and check them off as you install them. Then have your buddy go back over each bolt and double check your assembly before you move to the next part. You will enjoy the build and have a little better understanding of what you have. I absolutely loved my 428 CJ. Remember clearances of your rings, main and rod bearings dictate the life you can expect from your engine. |
Articles on building an FE - Oiling Mods included
Here is a web forum with lot's of good info on building an FE properly. The ones on "Cobra Venom - FE Ford" by Doc Frohmader are excellent and he has the scoop on the oiling mods. You will probably have to join the forum but it's worth the hassle. You'll have to pay a little for reprints of the articles, Oiling mods are in Part 1.
Go here: http://www.webrodder.com/index.php?p...ries&search=FE Paul |
simple fact to keep in mind: pieces weigh less than an assembly. If your shop assembles the shortblock with crank... think about how you'll be moving that assembly from the shop, to your transportation vehicle and finally, from the trans vehicle to your workspace. Iron blocks aren't light, and add in an eighty pound crank...
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Thanks for all the responses, keep them coming.
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PaulProe ; I 'm starting a 428 build also , could you send me Oiling Mods PDF file. Sounds like something I should have. Thanks bobb@bobjass.com
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I did the same...had the short block done in New Haven by Andrew at Machine and Diesel Repair, had Dave Reed rebuild the toploader, had ERA build the car and Tony's do the paint work. Now I'm just puttin' it all together...should be done by spring. I'm just up the road from you...drop me an email. Good luck.
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Everything you need to know
Everything you need to know about a FE can be found here http://www.network54.com/Forum/74182/ You might do a search on "oil mods" and "Intake gaskets";) then build away:D
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Oh yeah...had Curt Hamilton (LA) build the Jag carrier.
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