Ford FE Engines

I've been doing some reseach on the old FE engines that Interceptor marinized and Correct Craft installed in their boats, and have read some reports that indicate that you can get big horsepower by bolt ons.

One thread I was reading even said it was much cheaper to build up a 352 or 390 than build a 351. I am looking at the 352 and what I've read, the bottom ends were bullet proof, but the valve trains had problems and didn't flow well. Edelbrock supposedly makes a great set of aluminum heads and an aluminum intake that will boost hp from 250 to around 400. Is that believable?

I concur, I can't see going back 4 generations in ford v8 design just for economics,

Unless you already had one in a boat, and into nostalgia, i don't see the point.

There are better methods to get big ford hp cheap, and with less weight.

I’m a fan of both nostalgia and Fords; but I think you’d be ahead with a 390 if you’re looking for more power; and it would look the same as the 352.

Purely economically; you could buy the aluminum heads for the 352/390; or just get a 351 and lose 100 pounds.

There’s a lot of ways to go on this; but you’re the one that has to be happy with it in the end.

Good luck,

Joe

I am also a big fan of the FE motors. I have had several through the years, and rebuilt a 360 that was in my '70 F250 Camper Special.

Not that it matters all that much, but, it makes for fun debate. If I am not mistaken, the '65 F-100 was the first year to get the 352, AND the Twin I-Beam suspension.   

I believe the 352 ran through the '67 model year in trucks. The '67 was the new body style also. In '68, Ford introduced the 360 as the std. truck motor replacing the 352. I don't think (but could be wrong) the 352 was available that year. It was basically the 352 block with a 390 crank. The 390 also was an option. The FE was in production in the cars through the '71 model year, and in the trucks through the '76 model year.

I say go for the performance FE. You may have more trouble finding parts, and they may be more expensive, but, it would be one cool project.

bkhallpass wrote: joe_schindler wrote: Ford dropped this engine in 1965. The newest you could get is a 44 year old engine. I'm no engine guy, but my 68 Ford pickup was equipped from the factory with a 352. BKH

I stand corrected. I looked in an old Motor Manual last night; and Ford dropped the 352 from the car line at the end of 1966. Light trucks usually drag a couple of years behind; so 1968 sounds right for them. I don’t recall ever seeing one in a 1969 or newer pickup. I have never seen the 352 used as an FT (1 Ton and above) engine. As a replacement supply of engines is necessary for warranty work; 352’s could have been had for several years new from Ford or a marine or industrial engine converter; and rebuilt engines are probably available today.

So; you could easily find a 352 engine that has only been in service for as little as 40 years. My concern wouldn’t be so much for when they stopped making them as for when they went from 11/32” rod bolts to the 3/8” bolts; and if they were in my engine. The 11/32” bolts were a little lax in their job of holding heavy pistons and rods on to the crankshaft.

The 352 gets the unfortunate romance factor from the crafty decal folks at Ford that came up with the “352 Police Interceptor” stickers. That’s probably why the 352 competed so well against the 426 Wedge and the 421 Pontiac engines of the era. There is also the problem of most every FE engine sporting the 352 casting number on the front of the block; leading most to demand that the engine is obviously a 352 CID engine. It’s a nice ploy if you’re looking to pass your 428 for something smaller.

8122pbrainard wrote: GottaSki wrote: I concur, I can't see going back 4 generations in ford v8 design just for economics, Unless you already had one in a boat, and into nostalgia, i don't see the point. Speaking of points, it's a 7 point mandatory ACBS deduction!!

How many points deducted for the aluminum heads?


So; you have to decide if you’re building it for your own enjoyment; or for someone else to enjoy when they look at it.


Either way; if I were going to build a FE block engine; I’d start with a 390 or 428; and just point to the 352 casting number if someone asked what it is. The aluminum heads could be a little harder to explain.

joe_schindler wrote: 8122pbrainard wrote: Speaking of points, it's a 7 point mandatory ACBS deduction!! How many points deducted for the aluminum heads? So; you have to decide if you’re building it for your own enjoyment; or for someone else to enjoy when they look at it. Either way; if I were going to build a FE block engine; I’d start with a 390 or 428; and just point to the 352 casting number if someone asked what it is. The aluminum heads could be a little harder to explain.

With a engine, is basically comes down to looking the same. This requires the judge to be very knowlegable about the particular engine. If it came down to a tie between two boats, it's common to bring in other judges and do a up close inspection. If aluminum heads were spotted and they weren't original then point(s)would be deducted. Internals that can't be seen do not get a point deduction. A good example would be a 283 rebuilt with a 350 block.

Keep in mind we are talking about older boats that are eligible to be judged. Currently the year is up to 1975 inclusive.

8122pbrainard wrote: joe_schindler wrote: 8122pbrainard wrote: Speaking of points, it's a 7 point mandatory ACBS deduction!! How many points deducted for the aluminum heads? So; you have to decide if you’re building it for your own enjoyment; or for someone else to enjoy when they look at it. Either way; if I were going to build a FE block engine; I’d start with a 390 or 428; and just point to the 352 casting number if someone asked what it is. The aluminum heads could be a little harder to explain. With a engine, is basically comes down to looking the same. This requires the judge to be very knowlegable about the particular engine. If it came down to a tie between two boats, it's common to bring in other judges and do a up close inspection. If aluminum heads were spotted and they weren't original then point(s)would be deducted. Internals that can't be seen do not get a point deduction. A good example would be a 283 rebuilt with a 350 block. Keep in mind we are talking about older boats that are eligible to be judged. Currently the year is up to 1975 inclusive.

Knowledgeable judges are important if you're going to show something. Most people don’t know or won’t bother looking for the differences between a 283 and 350, or even a 400 block. Sometimes makes for a lot of hard feelings later on.

I was on Holman Moody's web site and they do rebuilds. I don't know what they charge, but it's probably worth it.

I'm beginning to think a stock 352 is probably a good way to go.

joe_schindler wrote: Riley wrote: I was on Holman Moody's web site and they do rebuilds. I don't know what they charge, but it's probably worth it. I'm beginning to think a stock 352 is probably a good way to go. Keep us posted to what you find out from Holman-Moody. I'd like to see how that works out.

ReidP would be the one to talk to about this. I believe H-M rebuilt the 390 in his Classic.

Habib,
Do you have a mechanic that can look at the engine to determine the possible problems? Parts come from different sources so if we know what you are looking for we may be able to help.

rhank you very much for your support a freind of mine come today and we take off the moteur it is disaster so when i call spare parts dealer he said it cost me here at least 800 $ of parts so idecide to change the block of the motor with new one so we will keep in touch thx