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 |  390 fuel economy -- Jon Jinglhiemershmitt, 04/02/2003
How good is the fuel economy in a remanufactured 390? I would like to put one in a 67-68 Mustang |
|  | Hey, your name is my name, too! :) n/m -- J. J. Jingleheimerschmidt, 04/02/2003
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|  | RE: 390 fuel economy -- James, 04/02/2003
hmm. I am curious why someone would consider a big block Ford engine (or any other big block for that matter) when considering building a Mustang for gas mileage. This question seems like a spoof from one of the folks that like to come in this sight and amuse us for a bit. |
|  | RE: 390 fuel economy -- richard, 04/03/2003
Its good for the economy, in general, if you drive it enough. Lotsa cash flow..... |
| |  | MPG Experience -- Martin Micheelsen, 04/03/2003
With several configurations of 390s (mild to wild) with automatic, 3.0 - 3.25 gearing, a relative small Edelbrook 625 carb, electronic ignition and aggressive attention to dial-in I was able to maintain approx. 15 mpg in mixed driving in a Galaxie. This was in a place where gas is $5-6 per gallon. Here my Cougar gets 11 mpg with an extremely tired 390IP - mostly short trips/daily driving. Even with the tired 390IP longer trips yield 15 mpg. If you build yours for daily use, dial it in well and keep a moderate gearing I would gues MPGs in the range of 13-15 are realistic - even with some playfullness. |
| what does FE stand for? -- Cory A, 04/02/2003
wht does FE stand for? |
| | could be as simple as "Ford Engine" =) -- Hank, 04/02/2003
N/m |
| | | Wrong again Hank. -- Royce Peterson, 04/02/2003
It is short for Ford - Edsel and was coined by Edelbrock when they released their first manifold for the 332 / 352 engines in 1958. It was later adopted by Ford because the abbreviation made life simple after the 385 series engines were released in 1968 and simply using the term "Big Block Ford" didn't work any more.
Royce |
| | | | Wrong again Royce -- John, 04/02/2003
Now Royce, we all know that nobody really knows what FE stands for, though I agree the best guess is Ford Edsel to date. Mind you I have never heard the Edelbrock connection before. Anyway, I couldn't resist the "Wrong again Royce" title. Isn't irritating? |
| | | | | RE: Wrong again Royce -- Royce Peterson, 04/02/2003
Hey I've been wrong before. Wouldn't be the first time. But it's the best story I know of to explain why it became common usage everywhere except Ford's paperwork until the 1970 Muscle Parts Catalog when Ford seems to have acquiesced to public clamor.
Royce |
| | | | | | I'll be following up on this. -- Dave Shoe, 04/03/2003
Since I've spoken to some of those involved in the writing of the Muscle Parts Catalog, it's only a matter of time before I speak to the originator of the "family tree" prtion of the text.
FE was most likely intended to mean "Ford Edsel", but Ford only published the FE acronym. "Fairlane V-8" engine was named by Ford to indicate the 221-260 CID engine and published as an SAE technical paper. It followed on the heels of the "Falcon Six" engine. The "ferrum" reference origin is also documented in Ford literature, and does not seem to indicate that FE = Fe.
Shoe. |
| | | | | | | except for a few diehards -- blinker, 04/03/2003
it means Forgotten Engine
I read somewhere the other day that the 427 medium riser heads that came on production vehicles were NOT the same as the medium riser heads Ford used on their competition cars.
Is this true and if so why? |
| | | | | | | | You get a Big "F" for asking that. -- Dave Shoe, 04/05/2003
The rumors you've heard are correct. While early NASCAR engines did get the production C5AE-F heads, there was a later version which notibly outflowed the original MR casting, and could be identified because the "F" in the casting was twice as large as the "C5AE". It has been nicknamed the "Big F" head.
A google search using "Big F", "NASCAR", and "Ford" as the search criteria reveals that not a whole lotta folk know about this little oddity. Don't even bother looking, as you'll just learn a whole different meaning for the term "Big F..."
I'd post a photo of a Big F head, but it'd take me approximately a day to find it, as disorganized as I presently am. While I have no first-hand knowledge of the casting, I've heard LOTS of direct second-hand info on the head.
It's real.
Shoe.
|
| | | | | | | | | RE: You get a Big "F" for asking that. -- blinker, 04/10/2003
next question is why didn't Ford offer the good F head rather than being relatively chincy with the expensive medium riser head? I bet those fortunate few who owned factory medium riser's thought they had the same FE head as the competition cars running medium risers. What was the major difference, port/valve size , combustion chamber?
How much advantage did it have over production medium risers?
|
| | | | | | | | | | I don't know. -- Dave Shoe, 04/11/2003
I'd sure like to learn more about the "Big F" story. Maybe someday the story will be told.
Shoe. |
| | | | | | | | | | RE: You get a Big "F" for asking that. -- John Saxon, 08/17/2003
Don't know if ford was chintzy with them because personally I've seen as many big F heads as regular medium riser heads,I believe valve sizes and actual port openings were same as regular because you'd think it would would have to pass tech inspection,but I don't have any clue as to why they flow better must have something to do with internal port size and contour.Also the large F was moved to between the 2 outer exhaust ports on the heads I've seen. |
| | | | | | It's the FE forum beach ball agian. -- James, 08/14/2003
n/m |
| | | | | Wow - Shoe's little fairy tale takes on a life of its own. ::LOL:: [n/m] -- Mr F, 04/03/2003
n/m |
| | | | | RE: FE "How's the old Iron Block?". -- Andy, 08/12/2003
FE is the Periodic Symbol for Iron. I believe the block is cast of it. I've had a Galaxie for 7 years now and the old guy I bought it from always asks, "How's the old Iron Block?". This guy is an old timer who can always answer my questions. I believe him. |
| | | | | | RE: FE "How's the old Iron Block?". -- harry, 08/19/2003
then again, having an iron block is anything but an oddity... even today, when some engines like to be %110 aluminum, there are still a TON of iron blocks out there... |
| | RE: what does FE stand for? -- Trent Hill, 04/03/2003
FE Stands for Ford-Edsel starting in 1958 new casting 332- 428 |
| | | Isn' t FE the symbol for iron ...hmmm -- steve, 04/03/2003
n/m |
| | | RE: what does FE stand for? -- jessie, 04/03/2003
it stands for Fairlane engine according to jim dove |
| | | | RE: what does FE stand for? -- Mr Douglas, 04/04/2003
IT STANDS FOR "FARM ENGINE".....you take manhattan just give me the countryside |
| | | | Fairlane Engine was the small-block -- Barry B, 04/04/2003
according to Ford. |
| | | | | Thought the small block was the "Challenger"...N/M -- John, 04/04/2003
N/m |
| | | | | | that was the name for the 260 -- Barry B, 04/04/2003
after they figured out the 221 was a dud. |
| | | | | | | Well...I tend to dissagree...maybe -- John, 04/04/2003
My 1966 Ford Factory manual, Part 8-3, is entitled "Challenger 289 V-8"...but anyway...260 vs 289....all small blocks, arn't they? Besides, we are argueing in the wrong forum...LOL. |
| | | | | | | | Well, I'll agree with your disagreement... -- Barry B, 04/04/2003
Challenger was first coined to the 260 and carried over to the 289 where it ended.
Yeah, we are in the wrong forum, maybe we should go over to the other one and argue what FE is!
BTW John, I hope you take this as friendly arguing 'cause I'm not that serious a poster. |
| | | | | | | | | Yep...it's friendly.... -- John, 04/04/2003
Glad you took no offense. I get a kick out of how some people get so serious over history. I really check this site out for tech info that helps me with this hobby...and to help others when I can. Have a good weekend. |
| | | | | | That was the sales name of the engine. -- Dave Shoe, 04/04/2003
You would seldom hear engineers or writers call the 289 engine a "Challenger". Rather the magazines and engineers would more often call it the "Fairlane Engine".
The term quickly disappeared in 1966 when the big-block Fairlane made the "Fairlane V-8 Engine" term nonsensical. I believe "Ford small block" and "Ford big block" became the main way to distinguish the engines after that.
It was the release of the Cleveland engine in 1970 that forced Ford to offer "engine family" names to a confused public. It was 1970 when the terms "FE" and "FT" were invented by Ford.
Shoe. |
| | | | | | | | What does MEL stand for? -- James, 04/05/2003
I read in one publication that the MEL engine stood for Mercury, Edsel, Lincoln and that the FE stood for Ford Engine. This was the distinguishment between them.
I think this piece of trivia gets a lot more attention than it is worth and it seems to come up pretty regularly.
It kind of reminds me of that guy that throughs the beach ball to the seals. Those seals just bat that ball back and forth and seem to never get tired of having fun with it. That is what we should call this subject.
The FE BEACH BALL. ;-) |
| | | | | | | | | RE: What does MEL stand for? -- Rollie H., 04/07/2003
If FE stood for Ford engine it would sound redundant to say I have an FE engine which would be saying I have a Ford engine engine.
LOL. Just had to add that to the pot. :-) |
| | | | | The 260/289 got C3OE Fairlane part numbers. -- Dave Shoe, 04/05/2003
Let's not forget the FE got C3AE part numbers which indicate a connection to the full-size Ford, and the 221/260/289,etc got C3OE part numbers, indicating the Fairlane connection.
Shoe. |
| | | im looking for THE trent hill -- BRUNO, 03/06/2004
he was a bass player i played with years ago, and i want to touch base with him again....really wanna see my old school brother again |
| | Or maby it's just 'Ford Engine' lol -- Hank, 04/05/2003
n/m |
| | | Its the FE beach ball n/m -- James, 04/06/2003
n/m |
| | Lets clear this one up now!! -- P, 04/10/2003
Back in the mid 50's and certainly during the original design/development of the FE engine family in 1957 (on the drafting table) with production commencing in 1958, Ford used various designations that didn't have an engineering origination. This included some Latin terminology (similar to scientific and medical use of Latin terms), and these terms eventually became a part of the engineering culture at Ford.
While the "FE" designation appears to have several logical originations, especially now when viewed in retrospect many years later, it is certain that it does NOT stand for "Ford Engine". It is also unlikely that it originated from "Ford/Edsel" term, which is another popular theory.
There are numerous examples of Ford using Latin terminology at their engine plants, and the most logical origination for the "FE" designation comes directly from the term "Fargin Egnormaus", which is seen in the title block of many of the old engine blueprints, lower right hand corner, which when translated is roughly equivalent to the term "net wanker".
Would I pull your leg, ha ha, naaaawwww.
P |
| | RE: what does FE stand for? -- Ben Sahile, 04/17/2003
> wht does FE stand for?
FE stands for ford/edsel/ both companies came together with their ideas and came with the ford FE engine.
|
| | RE: what does FE stand for? -- Brien, 08/14/2003
I prefer the story that FE stands for Ford-Edsel because when it was designed for the 1958 cars it was meant for the Ford (332-352) and the new Edsel (361). This would go along with MEL standing for Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln as this engine was originaly designed for these cars. For those of you who are trivia buffs I will ask what was the only FORD (not a Lincoln, Mercury or Edsel) that the MEL engine was installed in? |
| | FORD Enchantment -- KULTULZ, 08/17/2003
FE is the acronym for FORD-EDSEL
FORD received the 332/352 of the new engine series in 1958
EDSEL only received the 361
MEL is the acronym for MERCURY EDSEL LINCOLN
MERCURY received the 383/430 of the new engine series in 1958
LINCOLN received the 430
EDSEL only received the 410
FT was the designation given to the HD version of the FE (330-330HD-361-391)
This series was a replacement for the 272/292 Y-Block truck engine series and the 302/332 LINCOLN Y-Block truck engine series
Another engine family was introduced in 1958 also;
The 401/477/534 HD gas series which was replaced in the late sisxties by the FT and diesel.
So finally, once and for all....
Lincoln/Mercury (and Edsel) were separate car divisions from FORD during that era and this is how the engine families were distinguished.
 |
| | | | I thought it should stand for..... -- pop428, 01/30/2004
"F#*KING ENOUGH" already! This comes up every month : (please yourself and at least use the search button...
Sorry that's better...: )
Peter.
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| | | | | ::LOL:: Never thought of that one, Peter - very good. :-) [n/m] -- Mr F, 01/31/2004
n/m |
| | | | | | Then=? Now="F"utile "E"tymology...n/m -- dalorzo_f, 01/31/2004
n/m |
| Genesis 427 Block. -- Bill, 04/01/2003
Any updates on the Genesis block? They aren't replying to email, so they must be very busy. |
| | RE: Genesis 427 Block. -- Mac Phila., 04/02/2003
Don't be surprised if you never get a response to your e-mail...... a close friend recently had Visa recover a deposit placed for a block, all he received was a run around from Genesis. Let the buyer beware |
| | | RE: Genesis 427 Block. -- Bill, 04/02/2003
Let's hope Genesis is successful. There are probably many of us who would love to buy a reproduction sideoiler. But there needs to be evidence that the block is strong, durable and functional. I'm willing to wait a few more months for Genesis to start production. |
| | RE: Genesis 427 Block. -- Rich, 04/05/2003
I have had a deposit down on an aluminum block since 10-01. I did speak to Ron some time ago and had the impression that the iron blocks were shipping. Does anyone know anyone that has one or have an iron Genesis block themselves? I would like to continue to think that they are honest in this endeavor. I have tried to contact them but also did not get any response. |
| | | RE: Genesis 427 Block. -- Mac Phila, 04/07/2003
Rich,
Its my understanding that they have only produced one engine. (and that was for testing) Who knows when (if) they will be producing blocks. good luck trying to get an answerfrom them, or better yet a block! |
| | RE: Genesis 427 Block. -- Tom, 03/03/2004
check this site out for a sweet 427.
www.carrollshelbyent.com/engine_aluminum_block.cfm |
| | | RE: Genesis 427 Block. -- Paul Thompson, 03/05/2004
The principles at Genesis are David Lovett and Tim McLaughlin. I have talked to and done bussiness with the machine shop that machined some of the earlier casting. I was told that the machine work on the latest run of casting is being done by a machine shop (big name, heavily involved in several forms of racing) in Michigan. There are several improvements over the original. I loaned Tim an original '68 427 block that I purchased in new 1970, to help with the patterns. I am confident that they will eventually deliver. |
| Intake? -- Adam D, 04/01/2003
Quick question?? I am looking for a hard to find part! I need the three two barrell intake for a 64 390 - ? Where can I find this part? THANKS! |
| | RE: Intake? -- BarryMcLarty, 05/26/2003
I saw 2 complete set ups with linkeages,fuel logs and air filters ready to be rebuilt at Obsolete Ford Parts in Oklahoma City.They have a web site to contact them .They are sellin for $995.I know cos I bought one.Contact Dale Bliss.Good luck. |
| ford guy on long Island -- charlie, 03/31/2003
any one know the name/number of a guy on long Island who used to trade/sell lotsa interesting (tunnel port 302, gurney-weslake, sohc, etc..) ford stuff? |
| | Are you thinking of the guy called 'Cobra Joe'? [n/m] -- Mr F, 04/01/2003
n/m |
| | | RE: Are you thinking of the guy called 'Cobra Joe'? [n/m] -- charlie, 04/03/2003
I don't think it was cobra Joe. This guy lived @ exit 25 on L.I.E. did buisness out of his basement. He traded all WILD stuff! I recall he said he had had something to do with Shelby and H-M, he was not tall (@5'6") thin, soft spoken, with a trimmed beard. |
| | | RE: Are you thinking of the guy called 'Cobra Joe'? [n/m] -- charlie, 04/04/2003
I think his name might have been Tony Carry (?) |
| | RE: ford guy on long Island -- steve, 04/02/2003
I was at a swap meet in long Island back about 1980 And there was a guy there who was selling real exotic stuff,he had a cammer less one head for $900. I wish I bought it but I can't remember his name. |
| need to move 2 tons QUICKY! -- Zack, 03/31/2003
Im 26, had my 63' t-bird since i was 9. always wanted to make it fast, 14s/13s,in a 1/4mile. Im in the prosess of installing a custom built power rack for header clearance , installed C6 with 2500 stall, street strip shift kit, 3.91s & detroit locker , 10.5-1 390 3 angle valve job, performer rpm intake manifold, mid length 1,5/8 headers w/ 2.5 inch collecters,(small i Know but there all i can find) 2.5 inch exhaust w/ flowmasters
I need a cam, i really dont want to fly cut the pistons if i dont have to. I was thinking about the rpm cam but i think its going to hit the pistons (i think its like 570 lift)
I dont want to sound like a dope but im not a pro, I know 13s might be alot to ask from this set up but I just want to get the very most out of what I got .
if u can help please reply, if u have any questions please post or reply,
Thanks Zack |
| | Have you looked at FPA headers? -- Dave Shoe, 04/01/2003
www.fordpowertrain.com just finished up some shorty headers for your car. I don't know the details, but you may want to contact them. Where did you get yours? The 1-5/8" pipe should be pretty nice in a shorty header, however.
I'm sort of a cam spec novice, so I'll have to defer that to someone who knows.
Shoe.
|
| | | RE: yes but there might be another option -- Zack, 04/01/2003
the FPA headers were the ones I was thinking about getting I thought they were 1,5/8 with a 2.5 inch collector but I saw a set of Sanderson shorty headers for an FE in a mid 50s ford truck that I liked better. They have 1.7/8 primaries and a 3 inch collector but I dont know if I can make the driver side one fit even with the power rack conversion, Its awefully expensive to buy a set to experiment with but im going to reserch it further.
Thanks, Zack |
| | RE:any cam suggestions? -- Zack, 04/07/2003
still havent decided on a cam, can any one help?? Zack |
| Spark Plug Recs for Edelbrock Heads? -- Geoff McNew, 03/31/2003
Janise-M's 428-SCJ with Edelbrock heads and Erson rocker shafts is almost together...almost. My keen eye (and Edelbrock's very good instructions) tell me to lose my beloved, ever-tan BSF42C's in favor of a small gasketed plug, typ. Champion RC12-YC. I've yet to have a good Champion spark plug experience in my entire miserable life. So, what are yee fellow Edelbrock aluminum head users using in the way of spark plugs? Engine is relatively tame 9.9:1, Crane H-296-2, Pertronix igniter & coil. |
| gearbox id -- ralf bask, 03/31/2003
Can anyone please give a hand in this.
Visited a swap on saturday, there was a manual gearbox called T-10 year 1963 which was taken from a 390. Price 600 euro.
Would this be any good in an -69 bb mach-1, mildly hot?
Is this gearbox a toploader?
How many gears?
Any and all info is greatly appreciated
Thanks for a great forum, Ralf |
| What could it be? -- James, 03/30/2003
At the bone yard yesterday and stumble upon a 1964ish ford galaxie two door.
No vin plates anywhere, but looking under the hood it has an FE engine Here's the ?
The engine is Externally balanced. Of course it has 352 on front of block. There is an old sell paper that says 352 in car. The car has some old mag rims. Dual exhaust. Engine is completely there and turns over. I cant disassemble engine due to yard owner.
I thought all 352s were internally balanced.
Also someone has a 2-barrel on it??
Being it is externally balanced it has me confused.
Any ideas ?? |
| | RE: What could it be? -- JW, 03/30/2003
410 or 428 if stock and not stroked |
| | WHy do you believe it's externally balanced? -- Dave Shoe, 03/30/2003
What item suggests it's internally balanced? Please be specific.
The two barrel suggests to me it's a 352 or 390 CID engine.
Shoe. |
| | | what could it be? -- james, 03/30/2003
Thanks for the reply. Looking at the harmonic balancer attached to the pulley; I would say it's approximately 1-1.5 inches wide. Does this make it externally balanced?
I think I will do the coat hanger trick in the number 1 and number 4 cylinders and measure the difference to get a stroke and go from there. Do you think that would help?
Thanks |
| | | | Sounds like a standard 1968-later type damper. -- Dave Shoe, 03/30/2003
If the damper's inertia ring is 1.50" wide and a single groove pulley is integrally cast into the hub, then it's a performance damper.
The one you are viewing, however, is the 1.10" wide damper, common to all FEs since 1968, except the 427 and SCJ.
Every FE damper ever made by Ford is neutrally balanced, even on the SCJ. The SCJ did get a unique crank spacer which had a counterweight cast into it to prodive an external balance up front, but the damper was still neutrally balanced.
I'm thinking you may have found a 360FE from a pickup truck or a 390 FE from either a car or pickup. The two barrel sorta gives it away.
Shoe. |
| | | | | RE: Sounds like a standard 1968-later type damper. -- Geoff McNew, 03/31/2003
Dave Shoe is correct. I have an externally balanced 428-scj in my '69 Mach 1. It uses the 1UA crank and heavy capscrew 427 rods with this "hatchet spacer" counterweight:
http://www.428cobrajet.com/images/scj-counterweight-1.jpg
The hatchet spacer slides on the crank snout and the timing cover seal runs against its O.D. The heavier (but still neutral balanced) dampener goes on after the hatchet spacer and has its own key. But, guess the long and short of it is, I don't know what other FE's were externally balanced besides my SCJ with hatchet spacer. |
| | | | | | | Thanks for the help. I'll post with results!! -- james, 03/31/2003
I'll post a result ASAP> Thanks so much! |
| 410cid starting problems -- Hank, 03/30/2003
it fires up quite nicely when the motor is cold but after cruisin' for a while the engine just wont start, except after you've sawed the starter motor for quite a while! The problem could be the leaking exhaust manifold gasket(s)!? |
| | | RE: Check out these related discussions for some ideas... -- Hank, 03/31/2003
Thanx! |
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