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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: 427HISS on July 06, 2019, 12:55:53 PM

Title: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: 427HISS on July 06, 2019, 12:55:53 PM
I have a set of MAHLE slugs, is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
I see them listed from 3.125, 3.250 and 3.375 for an FE.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: machoneman on July 06, 2019, 12:59:12 PM
Maybe you meant....I have a set of MAHLE slugs, is a 4.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
I see them listed from 4.125, 4.250 and 4.375 for an FE. ;)
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: BH107 on July 06, 2019, 03:23:52 PM
And I’m sure you are referring to the stroke, not the bore.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: Heo on July 06, 2019, 04:21:25 PM
If you meant 4.375 bore  it is to big for a 428
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: e philpott on July 06, 2019, 08:58:25 PM
42 bottles of Beer on the wall 42 bottles of beer, take one down and .... lol
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: 427HISS on July 07, 2019, 01:27:55 PM
Yes, bore. Anyone want to trade for a 4.125 or 4.250 ?
From what I see, that size is for like 500c.i
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: fe-starliner on July 07, 2019, 04:54:45 PM
427hss....what FE block has a 3.125 bore?  I'm confused.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: 427HISS on July 07, 2019, 06:17:42 PM
The piston box reads

4.375. + .005 1.5 3.0MM FILE FIT

FFE267375120

PR# 99-9021 

Ford FE 20cc DISH

Bunch of other numbers and abbreviations as well.

So what size bores would these pistons be for ? I'm confused too.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: plovett on July 07, 2019, 06:32:08 PM
Some aftermarket FE blocks can take a 4.375" bore.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: 427HISS on July 07, 2019, 06:59:51 PM
Wish I could afford a BBM, Side Oiler Garage, Genesis, Pond or Shelby FE block.
I have the pistons, rods, Dove complete heads, EFI intake system, MSD etc. Almost everything but the block and frank.

The popular 482 cu. would be very close to my dream engine. 
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: My427stang on July 08, 2019, 06:05:30 AM
The piston box reads

4.375. + .005 1.5 3.0MM FILE FIT

FFE267375120

PR# 99-9021 

Ford FE 20cc DISH

Bunch of other numbers and abbreviations as well.

So what size bores would these pistons be for ? I'm confused too.

https://www.cnc-motorsports.com/mahle-pistons-ffe267375i20-forged-inverted-dome-4375-bore.html

Those pistons are designed to work with a hard to find 4.375 stroker crank, 6.70 BBC rods and only an aftermarket block at 4.375 bore.  (No Ford block, not even a 427, can be bored to use those pistons)

You may be able to use those with an aftermarket block, a 4.125 crank, and a 6.8o BBC rod, but they will be approx .025 in the hole and require a thin head gasket, and you wouldn't be saving much money and giving up displacement and potentially quench

That is a very unique set of pistons to end up with, unusable for 90% of the people on this forum, and only then by spending quite a bit of money
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: 427HISS on July 08, 2019, 10:30:44 PM
I believe my engine builder ordered these because at the time, we bought a Genesis block. Would their block handle that large bore ?
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: ntheogen on July 09, 2019, 11:14:03 PM
Yes it would but no stock block would go that large.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: TomP on July 10, 2019, 02:18:06 AM
Hey that is what I want to build but I was going to use a flattop. What compression ratio as those with a 72cc chamber?
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: My427stang on July 10, 2019, 06:35:04 AM
Hey that is what I want to build but I was going to use a flattop. What compression ratio as those with a 72cc chamber?

11.41:1 at .005 below deck and a 1020 gasket with a 4.375 stroke crank, under 11:1 if you went short stroke and a 6.80 rod.

Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: 427HISS on July 11, 2019, 06:58:51 PM
If going with a Genesis block, or even a BBM and using my 6.7 rods, how would you build a short block ?
Machining the bores, crank, cam etc ?  (details guys)
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: ntheogen on July 11, 2019, 10:16:37 PM
You would take it to an experienced and knowledgeable FE engine builder and let him do it.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: My427stang on July 12, 2019, 05:27:01 AM
What happened to the engine you bought?  Is that one not getting finished?
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: 427HISS on July 12, 2019, 07:51:33 PM
I can buy a block from a  well known member, if I want it I have parts to build it except for a crank, but my Dove 428 is complete, only needing a different cam, push rods springs etc. If I buy the block, I could have more of what I've wanted for many years. Even though that block is a real good price, it's still needs tested and machining, so it's still a few thousand dollars.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: Bolted to Floor on July 13, 2019, 01:07:59 AM
This is unsolicited input, it sounds like it’s time to have a conversation with yourself and ask a questions like.....
How bad do you want to drive the car?
How much more time will it cost to start over on another motor?

If I was wearing your shoes and spending your money, I would finish the Dove 428 by installing a hydraulic roller cam that someone specified for me according to the parts currently installed with the corresponding springs cause I ain’t educated enough to make a good decision. Get it in the car and make that thing mobile under its own power. Even if it’s not your dream motor, it will bring a smile to your face each time you crank it up. I don’t know if there is a better form of therapy.

What I realized from assembling all the parts on my car is there are bugs and gremlins to work out. Use this motor to work that stuff out. Build your dream motor on the stand and when it’s ready, swap it out. In the mean time, you are driving with the wind in your hair.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: machoneman on July 13, 2019, 10:36:31 AM
This is unsolicited input, it sounds like it’s time to have a conversation with yourself and ask a questions like.....
How bad do you want to drive the car?
How much more time will it cost to start over on another motor?

If I was wearing your shoes and spending your money, I would finish the Dove 428 by installing a hydraulic roller cam that someone specified for me according to the parts currently installed with the corresponding springs cause I ain’t educated enough to make a good decision. Get it in the car and make that thing mobile under its own power. Even if it’s not your dream motor, it will bring a smile to your face each time you crank it up. I don’t know if there is a better form of therapy.

What I realized from assembling all the parts on my car is there are bugs and gremlins to work out. Use this motor to work that stuff out. Build your dream motor on the stand and when it’s ready, swap it out. In the mean time, you are driving with the wind in your hair.

2X to what John stated above!
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: My427stang on July 13, 2019, 03:01:24 PM
I agree but you could look at it a different way too, Get the 428 in there figure out the fuel injection and get to know all the quirks  on how to tune it, then build the big one if it’s not enough

That will allow you to think about it because right now trying to have a drag engine without compression and streetable and EFI friendly is illogical you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: 427HISS on July 14, 2019, 08:53:34 PM
"Even if it’s not your dream motor, it will bring a smile to your face each time you crank it up. I don’t know if there is a better form of therapy"

I think you guys are correct, it's been a long 15 years, so just getting it running and driving to aid in my lost "spirit for life", will help a great deal. The only change I'll do is install the bigger cam and spring kit for the heads.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: RustyCrankshaft on July 15, 2019, 04:47:56 PM
As much as I hate to quote popular media figures, David Freiburger - "Don't get it right, just get it running".

It's not practical on every project or in every situation, but something that isn't finished but that's derivable keeps motivation up and allows me to enjoy it while I work out the finishing details.




Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: BattlestarGalactic on July 16, 2019, 08:23:01 AM
I think Freiburger is just trying to help break down the wall that some build too high to ever get to the top.   Ya, everyone wants that big monster motor.  But that is typically "Unobtanium" for most.  So build "something" and get the project finished.

Back in 1991(ish) I broke the 428CJ in my truck.  I had to spend all summer cruising around with the stock 360 in it.  Still had the 4.56 gears and 4spd.  It was better then nothing.  Sure was glad to finally find that '63 406 block and build another 428 for it. 
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: 427HISS on July 22, 2019, 08:31:00 AM
I'll think about selling the rods and pistons.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: ntheogen on July 22, 2019, 09:52:17 PM
An engine that big would be too much for almost everyone in a cobra kit car. Lots of guys pull their freshly done 427s out to install small blocks soon after they drive them a bit.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: 427HISS on July 25, 2019, 05:51:02 PM
I'm sure there are, but with my racing background it's fine with me. Some have it some don't.

I met a guy several years ago that spent 40k on his 70' 440 Cuda, ran and looked great. I took him for a ride in my Cobra, coming off a ramp at about 65 mph and drifting a little, and he was screaming like a little girl, "Kevin, stop, stop, slow down, please...." About slapped him. So, a couple of years ago he made a stupid move by selling his awesome Cuda, for  67' Chevelle stage car with 540 cu. BBC. which dynode on Chad's chassis dyno and put out something like 700 HP.

There is NO WAY,...that the first time on the track he hits the throttle and the tires come off the ground, he'll shut it down, crap his pants and run home.  lol.... But really, he'll probably sell it or keep in a garage and leave it. He's not the type of guy to race anything, but maybe a racing lawnmower. He knows nothing about cars so he won't be able to service it, other than washings.

He's a great and fun guy to be around and love'em like a brother, but he's over his head and was an idiot with selling his Cuda. One of my favorite cars.

My point is that some people can handle cars and some can't, but I've been racing since a kid. Karts, mini sprints up to the 360/410 winged dirt sprint cars. At our local 1/3 Nile high bank (fastest in the USA) 120 mph on the straights, turn left at 90-100. Knoxville Iowa is the mecca of sprint car racing, 1/2 mile 140-150 mph on the straights, 100 mph in the turns. And on both tracks, it's you and 24 others cars that you can see, and the nose with blocks your vision.

One of our local guy that races a IMCA Modified, which he's one of the best, wanted to try a sprint cat. He drove zz5 laps and said,...hell no !  He said Chad and I are nuts ! lol....

So with big power in my Cobra, I'm not bragging or stupid, but it's not an issue. Most forms of racing, we have engines that produce more power than we need, but it's thrilling. Why do top fuel cars need 10,000 HP, slipping the clutchs and burning Rubber the whole length of the track, a sprint car (Sammy Swindell) have a aluminum Donovan small block making 1,000 HP. They'll never use that much power.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: 427HISS on September 17, 2019, 05:43:48 PM
How about...

$700 for the rod's.

$$600 for the pistons.

Combo- $1,300

Plus shipping.
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: 427HISS on September 20, 2019, 07:00:01 PM
Any offers ?
Title: Re: Is a 3.375 too big of a bore for 428's ?
Post by: 427HISS on June 23, 2020, 07:14:57 PM
SOLD