FE Crate Engines

[ChiefDanGeorge]

Are there any crate builders that you guys have used? The googles shows quite a few, one even near me(http://www.cmengines.com/). Problem is knowing the quality of the builds, not like there are Amazon review to check out.

I've got a '63 Merc Colony Park with a 390 that is at the end of it's run. Lots of blow by at highway speeds. I'd like to get something I can go down the highway and know I can stomp the gas and pass. I'd also like to get a vintage air unit, or something comparable, so I can drive it in the summer here(South Carolina) without sticking to the seat after 10 minutes.

Just thought I'd see if anyone had any first hand knowledge.

[fekbmax]

There prob better than a Jasper or auto zone engine. 

[RustyCrankshaft]

I have not seen anyone trustworthy that offers a real FE "crate motor". Jasper shows some FE's in the catalogue but it looks like most of them are not inventory so you'd have to send your long block to them and they'd rebuild it and send it back.

I'm not a big fan of Jasper. They are a great deal for the shop owner, but not so great for the vehicle owner.

[GerryP]

If you want a finished engine, go talk to a machinist.  If they can't find you a core, then turn your car over to them, let them pull the engine and do an overhaul.  The only crate engine I can recall was from Roush and that ain't a cheapie. 

[cammerfe]

Call Factory Five Racing. 508 291 3443. They have connections with a crate engine builder as a service to those who buy their kits to build a Cobra or other Ford-focused performance car. I'm sure they'll tell you who they use. You can buy either a 427 CID small-block or an FE.

KS

[ChiefDanGeorge]

Maybbe instead of crate motor I should have said engine builder. Although they'd still have to ship it.

[machoneman]

Maybe call folks like Brent, Barry, et al first and see if they can supply a complete engine. That or source a local builder to get a quote on rebuilding your current engine. Heck, if our group knows where you live, perhaps a poster can recommend a nearby builder who knows FE's.

[ChiefDanGeorge]

I'm in Columbia, SC.

I actually had someone helping me build a block I bought. We got the crank and pistons in then he vanished. I am not confident in my ability to finish it correctly. it's been sitting for a few years in my garage.

Maybe call folks like Brent, Barry, et al first and see if they can supply a complete engine. That or source a local builder to get a quote on rebuilding your current engine. Heck, if our group knows where you live, perhaps a poster can recommend a nearby builder who knows FE's.

[hwoods]

how far is this shop from you


https://www.prestigemoto.com/custom-engines/ford-fe-engines.html

[GerryP]

...We got the crank and pistons in then he vanished. I am not confident in my ability to finish it correctly. it's been sitting for a few years in my garage.
...

With the crank and pistons in, you got the hard part done.  If everything turns over freely, you got the cam and the top end to finish it off.  That is really pretty easy and is nearly unskilled labor.  Not quite, but nearly so.  Enough that with some YT videos and help here, you could polish it off.  Yes.  I understand that if you've never done it, it seems like rocket surgery.  But it's a lot easier than you think.  Just because you've never done it doesn't mean you can't.

[ChiefDanGeorge]

Thats about 2 hours away. Never saw them in my googling before.

how far is this shop from you


https://www.prestigemoto.com/custom-engines/ford-fe-engines.html

[ChiefDanGeorge]

You’re probably right. I think i just am paranoid of making a basic mistake that ruins it.
I’vegot timing chain on and the assembly rotates nicely. 

...We got the crank and pistons in then he vanished. I am not confident in my ability to finish it correctly. it's been sitting for a few years in my garage.
...

With the crank and pistons in, you got the hard part done.  If everything turns over freely, you got the cam and the top end to finish it off.  That is really pretty easy and is nearly unskilled labor.  Not quite, but nearly so.  Enough that with some YT videos and help here, you could polish it off.  Yes.  I understand that if you've never done it, it seems like rocket surgery.  But it's a lot easier than you think.  Just because you've never done it doesn't mean you can't.

[machoneman]

O.K. fellas, we need to keep the assembly going. I do think we all can help here to get this puppy up and running. Let's all chime in here with an assembly list, with details. 

Head gaskets-if you have them tell us the type/make and instructions from the maker. Important to know if they are MLS, steel or other.

Intake gaskets- once again, type/maker, etc.

[ChiefDanGeorge]

I do have the head gaskets, I'll have to go look at the box to see what mfg they are.
I have to assembly the rockers and install on the heads.

O.K. fellas, we need to keep the assembly going. I do think we all can help here to get this puppy up and running. Let's all chime in here with an assembly list, with details. 

Head gaskets-if you have them tell us the type/make and instructions from the maker. Important to know if they are MLS, steel or other.

Intake gaskets- once again, type/maker, etc.

[cleandan]

Get a good detailed list of everything you have for the build....finished, unfinished, new and used (include part numbers and manufacturer if you have it)

This will be a great place to start because if we know what you have we can better steer you towards what you need, and what to do with all of it once in hand.

Concerning an engine shop....Right here you can find a few very good shops.
FE's are a bit tricky and the shops that are well versed in 350 Chevy small and big blocks might not know the details of properly building an FE....Lots of it is similar, but not the same as other engines.

I don't know your budget but I will inform you from direct experience....Paying up front to build the engine correctly the first time is well worth it.
If built correctly the engine will run best, give little troubles (FE's always need some petting) and basically lead to enjoying your collector car because the engine just works when you turn the key.

If built, okay, but not correctly, it is likely you will be fiddling with the engine a lot, even if it is just tiny irritances and adjustments. This can lead to frustration with your collector car and less enjoyment over time.

If built incorrectly you will be rebuilding again....and again....and yet again. At which point you will have invested enough money and time to have paid for a full race version of the street engine you have. By the way, a built incorrectly FE will run and drive at first, so it does not seem like it was rebuilt incorrectly.

Do not cheap out on this rebuild...it is not worth the "savings" in the long run.
This does not mean you have to throw money at and FE to get a good rebuild.
It means you must know what needs to be done and then do that correctly.

[Yellow Truck]

It is true that it isn't super difficult to finish the build, especially with the help you have here on this forum. Having been in the exciting and somewhat nerve wracking place you are, I can relate. I have a couple of observations:

• If you are worried about anything, you should worry that the bottom end wasn't assembled properly. This becomes more significant the more power you want to build. If you have doubts, get it pulled apart, measured, and re-assembled. If you are confident in the help you had and it is going to be a moderate build you can consider plunging ahead.
• Buy Barry's "How to Build  Max-Performance Ford FE Engines" and Steve Christs "How to Rebuild Big Block Ford Engines". The give different perspectives, but will give you the basics including process, tools, and parts you will need. Also, if it has been a few years it will help you remember where all those parts go back.
• List everything you have and come up with what you think is a plan, and post it here. Listen to the feedback on your build plan (including what parts you plan including carb and intake, what kind of result you want).

It was the most fun I've had in years. One other point, getting it to run right can take more time than the build. It wasn't until I posted my problems here that this group put me on the path to success.

[Stangman]

Just asking the builders and the other 2 or three builders on here. Is it not cost effective to have let’s say a 445 or a 482  10 to 1  let say a street motor ready to go in case someone is in need. It does seem like someone is always looking for or building a motor.

[Sand hauler]

I would suggest also getting Barry's newest book on rebuilding the FE . It's geared more to the basics of Fe building for the person who wants to do it them selves in there garage. Well worth it IMHO. Good luck with your build.

[My427stang]

Just asking the builders and the other 2 or three builders on here. Is it not cost effective to have let’s say a 445 or a 482  10 to 1  let say a street motor ready to go in case someone is in need. It does seem like someone is always looking for or building a motor.

It is tough to forecast what someone’s needs will be. Even using just a pump gas requirement, the gearing, desired vacuum, rpm range, even idle sound, paint and fasteners varies on each I do.  I suppose a 10:1 short block on the stand might get one delivered a little quicker but I haven’t had two identical yet

[ChiefDanGeorge]

I'll have to grab that one.

I would suggest also getting Barry's newest book on rebuilding the FE . It's geared more to the basics of Fe building for the person who wants to do it them selves in there garage. Well worth it IMHO. Good luck with your build.

[ChiefDanGeorge]

I think the bottom end is together right, but having done this 0 times and having the help of someone who has never done an FE, it's hard to know.
I'm not looking to make crazy power, mostly I want to be able to get out on a 2 lane state road and when I need to pass someone, I know I can do it.

I'll have to go through my parts and make a list. What I have learned is I should have bought a whole engine and not just a block if only for the knowledge gathered disassembling it.

It is true that it isn't super difficult to finish the build, especially with the help you have here on this forum. Having been in the exciting and somewhat nerve wracking place you are, I can relate. I have a couple of observations:

• If you are worried about anything, you should worry that the bottom end wasn't assembled properly. This becomes more significant the more power you want to build. If you have doubts, get it pulled apart, measured, and re-assembled. If you are confident in the help you had and it is going to be a moderate build you can consider plunging ahead.
• Buy Barry's "How to Build  Max-Performance Ford FE Engines" and Steve Christs "How to Rebuild Big Block Ford Engines". The give different perspectives, but will give you the basics including process, tools, and parts you will need. Also, if it has been a few years it will help you remember where all those parts go back.
• List everything you have and come up with what you think is a plan, and post it here. Listen to the feedback on your build plan (including what parts you plan including carb and intake, what kind of result you want).

It was the most fun I've had in years. One other point, getting it to run right can take more time than the build. It wasn't until I posted my problems here that this group put me on the path to success.

[Stangman]

I guess what I mean is a street motor something that makes vacuum and can be daily driven if need be.
Example  445ci maybe 400 horse 500 lbs
              482 ci maybe 450 horse 550 lbs.

Shouldnt be to difficult. Anybody looking to make any real HP will be ordering something with the builder
the way they want it. You can go through any magazine and they have dozens of motors to choose from
I dont think you will find an FE. You can probably duplicate those motors up top and at those horsepowers
they would last a long time.

Just asking the builders and the other 2 or three builders on here. Is it not cost effective to have let’s say a 445 or a 482  10 to 1  let say a street motor ready to go in case someone is in need. It does seem like someone is always looking for or building a motor.

It is tough to forecast what someone’s needs will be. Even using just a pump gas requirement, the gearing, desired vacuum, rpm range, even idle sound, paint and fasteners varies on each I do.  I suppose a 10:1 short block on the stand might get one delivered a little quicker but I haven’t had two identical yet

                       

[My427stang]

I guess what I mean is a street motor something that makes vacuum and can be daily driven if need be.
Example  445ci maybe 400 horse 500 lbs
              482 ci maybe 450 horse 550 lbs.

Shouldnt be to difficult. Anybody looking to make any real HP will be ordering something with the builder
the way they want it. You can go through any magazine and they have dozens of motors to choose from
I dont think you will find an FE. You can probably duplicate those motors up top and at those horsepowers
they would last a long time.

Just asking the builders and the other 2 or three builders on here. Is it not cost effective to have let’s say a 445 or a 482  10 to 1  let say a street motor ready to go in case someone is in need. It does seem like someone is always looking for or building a motor.

It is tough to forecast what someone’s needs will be. Even using just a pump gas requirement, the gearing, desired vacuum, rpm range, even idle sound, paint and fasteners varies on each I do.  I suppose a 10:1 short block on the stand might get one delivered a little quicker but I haven’t had two identical yet

                     

Happy to build one for you, I have a couple cores just teasing, but unfortunately they wouldn’t much cheaper than a custom build, good thing is it would be easy to beat those HP numbers, so overachieving would feel good! 

[Stangman]

I guess really its just not a cookie cutter motor like a SBC. Iguess thats why we love them cause they are different and  when we get them to honk
its a good feeling. 

[blykins]

I personally wouldn't want an FE or two sitting around waiting to be adopted.  That's a good chunk of change sitting in inventory and inevitably someone would want a different camshaft, wrong color, etc, etc.  The majority of my engines get custom pistons, coated bearings, custom roller camshafts, etc.  Stuff ain't cheap.  In addition to all of that, there aren't enough parts available right now to fulfill orders, much less have something sitting in the background.

[Yellow Truck]

I think the bottom end is together right, but having done this 0 times and having the help of someone who has never done an FE, it's hard to know.
I'm not looking to make crazy power, mostly I want to be able to get out on a 2 lane state road and when I need to pass someone, I know I can do it.

I'll have to go through my parts and make a list. What I have learned is I should have bought a whole engine and not just a block if only for the knowledge gathered disassembling it.

Not to mention all the small parts that you need to re-use. There are still roached FEs in yards out there.

The FE is not all that different from other engines and most machine shops can assemble one, but there are a few things that are odd. One is the cam plug in the back of the block goes in backwards to how most people expect. I had to pull mine and install a new one after the machine shop got  it backwards.

I was fortunate to have bought the books and followed a lot of discussions before I let anyone touch my engine. One thing that Barry in particular emphasized was the need to align hone the engine, and use a torque plate to hone the cylinders. That advice may be too late for you to use, but you can probably get the crew here to tell you what to check before you move ahead.

[Albarnett99]

I say go for it and complete it yourself. I just completed my own project of pulling the heads and intake to replace gaskets. Had I ever done that myself? Nope. Was I nervous I might mess something up? Yes sir!

But you have this forum, some good YouTube videos, and Barry’s book as great resources. I have Emailed Brent and Ross over the years for help and they have been very helpful and patient with my rookie questions. These guys are a wealth of knowledge and will guide you to success. Good luck!

[garyv]

Lot of great advice given and people on here willing to help you along.  Once you get over the intimidation factor you'll be fine.
Everyone on here started where you're at and learned from others and are still learning from others.
Get your parts list together to see what you have to work with.  If you're confident that the lower end is ok then you are well on your
way. Once you get the cam installed correctly the heads and the other stuff are pretty simple.
Get Barry's book and that will help a lot.  Don't be afraid to ask questions along the way.
Just take your time and double check everything and make sure you have a good torque wrench.
Lot of satisfaction in hearing something you build fire up for the first time.
Good luck

garyv

[cammerfe]

Lot of great advice given and people on here willing to help you along.  Once you get over the intimidation factor you'll be fine.
Everyone on here started where you're at and learned from others and are still learning from others.
Get your parts list together to see what you have to work with.  If you're confident that the lower end is ok then you are well on your
way. Once you get the cam installed correctly the heads and the other stuff are pretty simple.
Get Barrry's book and that will help a lot.  Don't be afraid to ask questions along the way.
Just take your time and double check everything and make sure you have a good torque wrench.
Lot of satisfaction in hearing something you build fire up for the first time.
Good luck

garyv

Very well said, and absolutely true! Go or it

KS

[ChiefDanGeorge]

The cam is in and I got the timing chain on as well.
One thing I do need to get are the push rods.

Lot of great advice given and people on here willing to help you along.  Once you get over the intimidation factor you'll be fine.
Everyone on here started where you're at and learned from others and are still learning from others.
Get your parts list together to see what you have to work with.  If you're confident that the lower end is ok then you are well on your
way. Once you get the cam installed correctly the heads and the other stuff are pretty simple.
Get Barry's book and that will help a lot.  Don't be afraid to ask questions along the way.
Just take your time and double check everything and make sure you have a good torque wrench.
Lot of satisfaction in hearing something you build fire up for the first time.
Good luck

garyv