Finally buying an FE!!!

[PJ4myboo]

Originally Posted by bulletbrown

PJ4, I think you maybe better off buying a pro built engine . I have built a 390 and a 428 , they are not cheap to build and a number of things a FE pro can help you avoid . There is some good buys from a number of builders that advertise on are forum.

Thanks, Bullet, I really appreciate the input. I might just end up buying the built short block. If I wasn't doing this as a learning experience for my sons I would just buy an engine already built and be done with it. There is that whole "we did it ourselves" feeling of accomplishment thing. I have built a few engines before, but never a FE....hopefully we will have some fun and learn together without breaking the bank.

[r67cat]

There are a number of good reference book on building a FE engine. Get one of them. These engines have a number of issues that an experienced builder will address that a novice might miss. A short block properly done would be my suggestion as well. If you use the short block builder as a resource for your head and induction decisions, the assembly should go much smoother and yield the engine you hope for. Understand that these cars are almost always overpowered, 390, 428, 427 you are in for the ride of your life. The assembly and finish of your engine as well as kit, going as smooth as possible is what most are looking for. Take your time, talk to the manufacturers, the builders and take a ride in as many cars as you can. Most owners are more than willing to share their enthusiasm. Most importantly have fun! Rick

[Dwight]

How To Rebuild Big-Block Ford Engines
by Steve Christ ISBN 0-89586-070-8 $18.95


High Performance Ford Engine Parts Interchange
By George Reid ISBN 1-884089-33-X Maybe $25



best of luck

Dwight

[Dwight]

stock heads will need to be rebuild and harden valve seat install for unleaded gas that we burn today.

Dwight

[kurtmart]

PJ4myboo.

A complete engine can run in a car but end up impossible to rebuild. The block needs to be sonic tested ( like ringing a bell, if it goes thud instead of ping it's cracked) Also it could already too overbored and not allow enough metal for fresh machining. If you think an assembled short block will take away some of the assembly fun you can source a good straight tested, measured block and start there. I had many tense moments on the 428PI engine I got out of a 60's drag boat. Lucked out on the sonic but had to sleeve two cylinders, not cheap.

Whatever you decide it will cost more than you think , be more fun and satisfying than you could have imagined, and you kids will remember it for the rest of their lives.

What are you waiting for?

[Ron61]

I am not sure how this would work for you, but my experience with the FE engines is they are expensive. If you want a chance for your sons to have a chance to see how everything works and goes together I would suggest talking to one of the reputable engine builders and see if they will sell you a short block unassembled but with the correct pistons, crank, rods and etc and then you could assemble it. We used to have a place here that built engines and they would do that and sell them in any stage you wanted all the way up to a complete engine. The nice thing about it was that everything was matched for whatever you wanted. Correct heads, cam and etc.

1985 CCX has a good suggestion also. And for a street cruiser you don't need 500 horsepower and all the trick heads and such that really run into money.

Ron