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 |  Headers for 390 heads -- larry, 11/24/2004
I am trying to find some headers for my 62 t-bird. It has a 391 truck block with 390 heads on it. I like the look of the galaxy cast iron headers, but will they fit my t-bird? The main reason I am interested in the cast iron headers is I have had a lot of problems with regular steel headers in the past, I figure the iron ones would seal off right and not give me any problems. But if you guys know of a good set of headers that don't leak, I would like to know about them.
Thanks,
Larry |
|  | Anybody? -- larry, 11/26/2004
Does anybody have any information that might help? |
| |  | RE: Anybody? -- Martin Micheelsen, 11/26/2004
Hi Larry,
I don't know either, but while waiting for soemone who does - try to use the search function to see what previous discussions there have been on this subject. The past treads contain a lot of good information. |
| | | | | RE: Anybody? -- larry, 11/27/2004
Thanks for the link john, they have a set of headers on their site for my car! I'll have to find out how much they cost though, I bet they want a lot for them.
Has anybody used headers made by them before, and if so do they fit well?
Thanks again,
Larry |
| | | | |  | RE: Anybody? -- John, 11/28/2004
Great Larry ! I have heard good things from others about FPP . And you probalbly spend about 400.00 for them . |
| | RE: Headers for 390 heads -- cable dave, 12/11/2004
they look like pretty standard design. Cant imagine what the prob would be are the flanges made from mild steel? If so I'd get them They look like the headers out of my mustang 2 |
| | | RE: Headers for 390 heads -- FPA Racing, 01/05/2005
The FPA T-Bird headers61-66 can be bolted to the engine and the whole thing, engine, trans and headers dropin as a unit ! No part of F.P.A. headers hang lower than the stock oil pan. |
| | | | RE: Headers for 390 heads -- sidewinder, 05/14/2005
Yep. FPA makes a HD shorty for the 61-66 T-Birds. The only ones that have ever made headers for these cars. |
| | | | | RE:only headers for a 'bird -- McQ, 05/18/2005
There was a set of headers made for the early birds, i.e., '58-60's with FE. They were offered by Hedman and were a two piece design with a cast flange that the steel tubes with flange bolted to. These Hedman's fit '57 full size through '64 with FE, T-birds, '58 - '63. I've got an old Honest Charley catalog from '63 and I've got a set of these headers. It was from Honest's catalog that I was able to figure out all the cars these Hedmans fit.
I think your best bet is to go with the FPA for your bird. They're new. They're guaranteed(read it right here) to fit! |
| oil mods 390 -- Gary, 11/23/2004
Could anyone help me to find detailed information on the oiling mods that need to be done on 390 engine.I am planning on starting the rebuild this december.Locations where to drill 4 bolt mains? Good a shop in mn to have balancing done and get fe infomation. Thanks |
| | RE: oil mods 390 -- Dano, 11/24/2004
Gary, a good source of info is a book called Ford Performance by Pat Ganahl. It covers the FE series in great detail, it even includes the Cammer, along with other Ford engines. It has a lot of good info and oiling mod recommendations. It also shows how to convert a standard FE block over to the cross bolted type. One oiling tip I strongly recommend is have the rocker oil holes in the heads drilled and tapped so Holley jets will fit. More than likely you will need to restrict the oil coming up to the rockers. Especially if you plan on using roller rockers. |
| What FE engine do I have? -- larry, 11/22/2004
Ok here's the deal, I bought a 1962 t-bird and was told it had a 390ci in it but I'm not sure now that I have pulled it out. Maybe you guys can tell me what I have by the numbers I got off it.
Block: D4TE I think that is a 74 truck engine...391ci?
Intake manifold: C2AE9425C
Heads: 92E on one and 92R on the other, "2143" and "575" on both heads between spark plugs.
Exhaust manifolds: 5750731 91E
I was told by a local engine shop that if the crankshaft was 1 3/4" where the crank pulley mounted it was a 391 and if it was 1 5/16" it was a 390....is that right?
If this is a 391 would it be any good for performance? I assume it would have a steel crank, but are there aftermarket performance parts available for it? Will anything made for a FE engine fit on it?
Thanks for the help....sorry about all the questions.
Larry |
|  | RE: What FE engine do I have? -- McQ, 11/22/2004
A D4TE block isn't necessarily a 391. It could be an FE 360 or a 390 or even possibly a service block 428! But don't count on that until you dig into it to find out. You probably know already the 360/390 were used through '76 in pickups.
Your engine shop person is right about the 391 crank having the larger snout. And the 361/391 crank is forged steel and can be "Made into" a high performing crankshaft. But it's expensive and not normally done for street/strip application. It's also a very heavy crank. The regular FE crankshaft is very servicable.
I don't know of anyone building a 361/391 into a high performing, higher RPM engine. They were really designed as a heavy duty "grunt" motor. But the 361/391 FT block can be "Made into" an FE with the use of a bushing for your automotive FE distributor, Ford part #C4TZ-12367-A and it's still available! I just picked up another one last week at a local Ford dealer parts counter. A guy gave me a D4TE block because he just wanted the 391 crank for his Bonneville cammer. I couldn't pass up a good FT block. I'm passing it on to a friend for a 428 project. I'm already into a C6ME 391 block and don't need another iron in the fire. |
| | RE: What FE engine do I have? -- giacamo, 11/23/2004
the 391 crank snout can be turned down to the standerd 390 size but indexing the keyway is a real bitgh to get right , and the flywheal flange hasted to be thined to the 390 size and a bushing made for the pilot shaft or tork converter and the fliywheal hast to be balanced i had one done and for the money i feal it,s not worth the hassel,the cast crank i feal gives you just as good service,if i was to gess i,d say you have a 1974 pickup block with a 1962 intake and pre 60 heads, problie a rebild and up graded to the newer block to get away from the older block to be abel to use the newer cam setup wich i prefor but this is just gessing without looking inside. |
| | | RE: What FE engine do I have? -- larry, 11/27/2004
Thanks for the help, guess I won't be positive until I tear it down though. Right now it's sitting on the oil pan so I'll have to wait until I get a engine stand strong enough to hold the thing up!
When you said pre 60's heads, if that's what I have are they any good? What year heads are the best for these motors?
Thanks,
Larry |
| | | | RE: What FE engine do I have? -- giacamo, 11/28/2004
i like any pre65 larger port heads and intake,your heads look like aset of 58 or 59 heads witch are fine, like any heads pre 65 or not i install hardend seats in the exaust.witch i feal is a must, and use a intake that maches port size..... |
| Favourite 69/70 colour? -- Stan, 11/20/2004
What is your favourite 69/70 colour, have a 69 Mach 1 original colour was Silver Jade, but not too sure of the colour...also want to eliminate the Mach 1 stripes and Black out hood...need some opinions thanks
Link to 69/70 colours...
http://www.svs.com/zim/mustang/colors.html
|
| | RE: Favourite 69/70 colour? -- raycfe, 11/20/2004
Mine has to be Gulfstream Aqua. After all that a picture of my car in the link. |
| | RE: Favourite 69/70 colour? -- giacamo, 11/20/2004
the royal maroon is my faverite, i had a good friend back in the early 70,s that was killed in a mustang that color, and every time i see a maroon mach one it still makes me shiver. |
| C7AE- -E Is this intake from a 390GT engine? -- Ed S, 11/20/2004
Was sitting in a 67 T-bird with all of the VIN tags and numbers gone. It had a large S on it also next to the casting number. The heads on the engine were of the big car type. I wish I took the date info. |
| #identification -- jeff, 11/20/2004
i have an incomplete casting number on a block that has std 428 pistons....the block has extra ribbing inside, with "ribs" or raised bars on the lower part of the block (outside of block) , could this be an over the shelf service 390 block? |
| | RE: #identification -- Glenn, 11/20/2004
Either 390 or a std bore 428 service block. What part of the number is incomplete and what numbers are on it? also do you know the date code? G. |
| I think im in trouble with my 390 -- zack wood, 11/19/2004
I have just under 1000 mi on a new rebuild and i just checked my anti freeze today and found OIL in the coolant!...ALOT... no water in the oil / dipstick, runs great, great oil pressure, around 40 - 50 lbs at idle, dont over heat,
I thought it was strainge that I went through about 4 - 5 quarts of oil in that 1000mi but I was thinking it was just "breaking in" but it didnt smoke or leak so I think this is where it went.. Can anyone tell me where to start looking for the problem has anyone else ever herd of this happening?? any help would be great, thanks guys. |
| | RE: I think im in trouble with my 390 -- giacamo, 11/20/2004
in the steave crist book on how to rebild your bigblock ford, he menchines this problem, i,v never sean this problem, his fix is to drill out the oil pasage to the heads from the cam and use a six cilinder push rod to sleave the oil pasage and trim flush at the deck, i gess sometimes the iol pasage that feads the heads in the block leakes oil to the coolent, i,d do both sides,maybe this will help? |
| Were later FE blocks worse than older ones? -- blinker, 11/19/2004
Read where the block tooling started falling apart in early 1968, and steps had to be taken to reinforce the blocks. Can anyone shed light on this? Are the later ones weaker?
thanks |
| | RE: Were later FE blocks worse than older ones? -- Dano, 11/19/2004
I've always heard that the later blocks were better. But I don't think it really matters much when it was built, If you are building one you can always have it magnafluxed and sonic checked to make sure it is ok. You can always take a look at the new Genesis FE blocks, they are bulletproof but cost over $3500.00. |
| | RE: Were later FE blocks worse than older ones? -- giacamo, 11/20/2004
i love the webed blocks made in the 70,s it seams like the newer the beter, i also like the newer cranks the machine work is excelent and balance is great, but i tend to use the older heads and intakes asin the pre 65 stuf.i just like the way the pre 65 heads breath at higher rpm,s yes thears high$ stuf out thear but this is the run of the mill stuf i like to chery pick for my bilds..... |
| | I'm not aware of any such generalized faults or flaws. [n/m] -- Mr F, 11/20/2004
n/m |
| 1966 Fairlane GT/A -- Junior, 11/19/2004
I was wondering if anyone would know how many '66 fairlane GT/A's were made, or if there is a site to check this out, I have looked everywhere and can not find an answer.
Thanks |
| | RE: 1966 Fairlane GT/A -- Wayne K., 11/19/2004
Do a Google search for Fairlane Club of America.
They list numbers made.
Wayne K. |
| | Ford says 33015 HT plus 4327 CVT '66 Fairlane GTs. [n/m] -- Mr F, 11/20/2004
n/m |
| | No breakdown by tranny, but I'd estimate ~75% A/T. [n/m] -- Mr F, 11/20/2004
n/m |
| | | So, you're saying his 'site has those prod. figures? [n/m] -- Mr F, 11/22/2004
n/m |
| | RE: 1966 Fairlane GT/A -- Don, 11/22/2004
Anyone want to guess how many remain ? |
| | | RE: 1966 Fairlane GT/A -- Junior, 11/22/2004
I'm curious as to how many remain, I am about to get my hands on a numbers matching survivor car that has never been restored and is in great shape. Any Ideas Don? |
| | | | OK, I'll venture a.. -- Don, 11/22/2004
10% survival rate for htp, 15% for the ragtop.
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| | | | | RE: OK, I'll venture a.. -- Junior, 11/22/2004
Wow, guess if I can close this deal I am a lucky man. |
| | | | | | RE: OK, I'll venture a.. -- fairlanegt428, 11/24/2004
Keep in mind the current value of these cars. I have a S-code '66 GT and they are, much to my chagrin, not worth much. If you find a good one with a solid body that doesn't need a ton of work, then go for it. But if it needs a lot of work, it probably isn't worth it. You will never get your money back. |
| | | | | | | Not worth much - compared to what? -- Don, 11/24/2004
I agree - don't restore a Fairlane that doesn't have a solid body to begin with - but when is it a money maker restoring any car the correct way? |
| | | | | | | | Compared to... -- fairlanegt428, 11/24/2004
Compared to just about every other muscle car of the era. A big-block brand-X car of the same vintage is much higher in value. A Mopar's value is fantastically higher to the point of lunacy. I don't know why but the collector interest just isn't there. I love my Fairlane but I have no delusion as to its value. An R-code original 427 car is a different story, but the S-code GT/A 390 cars bring only in the $3k to $4k in average shape. In a way it is a good thing. You don't have to worry much about driving and damaging it as you would say a high-buck Shelby. |
| | | | | | | | | RE: Compared to... -- McQ, 11/24/2004
Just an opinionated comment or two.
As one who purchased a brand new '66 GT/A I can say they're excellent cars. The car provided me a lot of kicks and faithful transportation over the ten year period I owned it. Never changed the 3.25 gearing; had the C6 rebuilt under warranty(at 23,000 miles - just made it); installed a PI aluminum intake in '69, along with a dual point Ford "kit"; the trusty Springtime Yellow 'lane would run consistently in the mid 14's all the way to '76. Sold it for a whopping $1,400 with just 70K well cared for miles. Big mistake.
The great thing about the '66/'67 Fairlane(although the '67 is more difficult to find due to lower production due to, I think, the -S- code being available to the 'stang) is that you can do what you may have done gt428...install a built '28 and not hurt the value at all. As a matter of fact, I've seen from limited following/checking, that a built FE in a factory -S- code anything increases the value. I attribute this to the fact that the stock, showroom GT390 never set the pace in '66-'68. It was a good all around street performer but it needed help to keep up. What really made them run better was headers, plus a little lower gearing.
I was fortunate enough in the mid 80's to acquire a '66 Cyclone GT. Had a little more wherewithall and $ money this time. It was a nice automatic, one owner car. Installed a CJ and it would run mid 13's all Saturday night long. But I sold it too.
Anyway, it's fun to read your ideas/opinions on the value of the -S- code Fairlanes. I "think" a nicely restored(not concours perfect - why?) built FE - 390/406/427/428 or a brand new Ford Racing Parts crate FE, would be worth close to $20K in today's market. Again, that's nicely restored to stock appearance, a detailed FE(tri power/dual 4's a plus) headers, suspension improvements, and any 14-15" by 7" wide wheels.
The Fairlane is every bit as good as the Mustang/Cougar in all respects except maybe in top $ value. And that's not a bad thing at all. |
| | | | | | | | | | I'll buy that... -- Don, 11/25/2004
I was thinking of insuring my newly restored (finished in sept) 66 Gta ragtop for 25,000 - would I be wasting my money? I've got about 18,000 in it and untold personal labor.
But - hey it's been fun doing it most of the time anyway.
wish I could post pictures - but don't know how. |
| | | | | | | | | | | RE: I'll buy that... -- McQ, 11/27/2004
A nice '66 GT/A convertible should be easily worth $25K today.
A few years ago a guy named Marty Veau restored a '66 GT/A convert., silver, red interior. He did a beautiful job. The car was featured in a number of magazines. It brought $25K and, again, that was a few years ago.
$25K+ '66 GT/A....definitely.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | That's what I thought.. -- Don, 11/27/2004
I have seen good to excellent gta ragtops on auction go for about 14000 - 18,000
Now primo condition, not messed with (as in not modified) examples should see 22000-25,000. I did see Marty's car(one of the best for sure) and I used his as an example for my resto. It seems the real value is in the non molested examples. Too many people dump money in them with modifications and wonder where the value went when they go to sell - If you want to get back the most for your money spent (we always lose anyway) - keep it stock
Having said that If you want to have a lot of fun with it - modify it to your liking, they take to it well and still look good ! |
| FE Motor Rebirth -- Gary, 11/18/2004
Hello
A few weeks ago, I called the ford tech line and inquired about fe kits or new parts availability for fe motors. I was told that they are planning on introducing a new fe crate motor next year. I would like to know if any of you know anything more about this? |
| | RE: FE Motor Rebirth -- Glenn, 11/19/2004
The crate engine is in the new 05 FMS catalog. Being described as brand new name brand components housed in the Genesis block. Iron or Aluminum block. Looks like Edlebrock heads, water pump and intake. I'd imagine Scat crank and Eagle rods or similar. Complete engine carb to pan. Cold fired spintron dyno run. No pricing or specs in catalog. G. |
| | | I cant wait for that to come out!! -- Steve M, 11/26/2004
Did they give a price? |
| | | | RE: I cant wait for that to come out!! -- Glenn, 11/26/2004
No price yet for the block or engine. Just said coming soon. The Genesis blocks are $3500 retail but need a little machine work before building from what I hear. Keith Craft sells them for $3995 ready to build. I'm also curious what the crate engine will cost. From what I see the FMS catalogs are suggested retail prices and a little high. G. |
| | | | | RE: I cant wait for that to come out!! -- Gary, 11/28/2004
Thanks for the info. I have talk to engine builders that say this block has some problems though. He also said that keith Craft was the one who builds this. My freind bought a crate 502 500 horse for his chev. for $5500.Why do Fords cost so much? |
| | | | | | RE: I cant wait for that to come out!! -- Glenn, 11/28/2004
I've heard of some issues with the early Genesis blocks that have been addressed on the later. I'd also love to see a $5000 FE crate engine myself. I see around $9000-10,000 in parts alone and would guess the price in the $12-15k range for complete built piece. If KC is building these they might have different options available I'd imagine like head porting and such. G. |
| | | | | | | RE: I cant wait for that to come out!! -- Gary, 11/28/2004
I don't know much about K.C engines or where he is located. Does he give people engine specs. and pt# to build to for the do it yourself guy ?
Gary |
| | | | | | | | RE: I cant wait for that to come out!! -- Glenn, 11/28/2004
KC is in Ak and i'm sure they would be happy to answer your questions. G. |
| | | | | | | | | RE: I cant wait for that to come out!! -- Glenn, 11/28/2004
There is an ongoing thread on club cobra in the Fe forum with respect to the new Genesis and Pond 427 blocks. Keith Craft stocks both in iron and aluminum and sells both machined ready to be built as well as the shelby aluminum block. Interesting reading. www.clubcobra.com G. |
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