OK, I have not seen this answered and it bothers me, so I know someone on this site
has the correct answer.
  Why did Ford build the FE with the intake under the valve cover?

The family had a 62 ford wagon with a 352  and I've been thinking about that.
I just saw a 65 cobra replica  with an original 63 427 FE   which I think is pretty rare
Best

Hello all
   I'm short on funds, and I don't need an FE motor, but  there is a 1960 352 2bbl close to me for $200, I know he will
take way less. He said he thinks the thrust bearing is worn.
   Also close by is a 390 short block, 
 I think I can get both for $175, and I was thinking of melding the two together, except for the intake and find a 4bbl
which I see on CL all the time.
   OK, I know all this is really dumb, but when my mind gets stuck on something it is hard for me to give up on
it..
  Any input?
Best

I'm a Ford guy. (period) and lately I have done a lot of research on Ford vs Chevy
  I think what Ford has always run up against is 1. Marketing and 2. deep pockets.
GM don't forget was 88 billion in dept when "we" bailed them out.
 I get a little pissed when I watch these auctions and the announcer says
chevy big block.
below is a Ford vs Chevy match up. not olds, buick, Caddy... back in the day they
each ran mostly separate operations, not like later in the 70's..
Ford, first mass produced v8
Ford first OHV V8,
Ford First Big Block, FE 
Ford first 427 in 63 pre dates both chevy 427 and Chrysler 426 for street
Ford largest Big Block  460 in 66.
The largest chevy engine in 58 was a 348, while you could have a  352 Ford..
the Great FE series CID ran from 332-428  chevy  396\427\454
you could build a 390 401HP in 61 with tri power intake.  390\375hp factory
you could get a 352\360 factory in 61.
the FE was the most versatile of any engine built, when you consider the FT series.
and last check out this page
  http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/hrdp-1001-muscle-car-engine-shootout/
So Ford is out of racing again. Leaving Ford fans with no one to support,
what happening with John Force? How about the (nascar) guys. not that
I follow nascar, too many rules, thought racing was racing. thought it was stock
cars and over the counter parts.
 Best

Hi all
 I've searched the net but can't find the specs I'm looking for
Can anyone give me the cam specs for the 390 375 HP  from 1961
thanks
Best

thanks Kevin for the reply, I do know about the Lincoln engine.
 just did not mention it..
375 HP is nothing to sneez at for that time.  Even the 352 had a 360 hp engine.
best

just thinking
 In 61 you could get a 390 solid lifter with 375 HP... ok everyone makes up numbers.
but in today's word would you not think with roller lifter, roller rocker,
an aluminum edelbrock intake, and say 750 cfm Carb that you could 400 hp of
it, with out doing any porting, or increase in valve size.
 Another question is with the roller setup you should not need to adjust the
rockers as often as some of the wear is eliminated
I get a kick every time I watch some auto show, or auction, and they say
"big block"  meaning chevy. Hell I've yet to hear anyone state what is a big block
or small block, I've even seen were they use the spacing between the heads!!!!
 Fords first OHV engine you could say are small block, then the FE came out in
57\58 with a 332\352 and up she went.
 I'm suppose to go pick up a 390 today, have no need for it, but for the price
I can live with it...
 I want to thank all of you who put up with me last week about what heads and
block what  it could be. In the end you just have to buy what it is,
 

So here I go again.
  C6AE or C8AE    with (J) 
From my reading there are only 2 heads that use the C6AE casting
a (SOHC) or the 66 FE big block but that ends with a R

the C8AE   (J) is a 68 cougar or mustang low raiser...
 caveat is that I know the exhaust ports are 2 bolts each
So I'm going to drive down and see this engine again, and take a
magnifying glass and also find that block casting...
 these numbers came from 2 different sources, but probably from the same
original source.... 1 is MustangTek, the other is Hot Rod reference...
 Best
Dave

I am almost at the point to just let it go.
 He started at $200, I was getting him down as low as possible.
I've seen just blocks and cranks for $50, and one guy in San Diego has a load
of heads for $15 each. I am sure some of you are in Calif I'm in Los Anegels
area, so I check out CL all the time. Think I'll wait for for a 428 or a real 427
to show up, I am in no big rush for an FE 
 But I do want to thank everyone who had input into this...
Best
Dave