FE blocks

[slacky27]

Hi, new to the forum, I have a SCJ crank,rods and pistons, no block. What FE block can I use other than a 428. Is a 352-390 capable of installing the crank. I want to set up a motor like a SCJ an keep the original on the side. Just not sure which block will work. Thanks.

[Ididntdoit]

So you have the block but don't want to use it? Why? The crank and rods are useable in the 352/390 blocks - in fact the factory did it with the 410....the pistons will only work in a 428 or 406 block - it is generally not possible to bore a 390 or 352 block to the 428/406 bore size

[cjshaker]

Physically, that crank will fit into any FE block. There is no difference in lower end space or bore length. A lot of 390s can be bored to 428 size with no issues. Might be wise to have it sonic checked first, but I believe Barry has done quite a few with no issues. Forget about boring the 352 to that size, there's just not enough meat in the cylinders. You can use a 360 block since they are the same as a 390 (stock, they use a 352 crank to reach 360ci. but have 390 bore sizes).

If it's a true SCJ crank and rod set-up, then make sure you have the correct "hatchet" crank snout weight and flywheel. They are balanced different because of the rods used in a SCJ.

[Ratbird]

The guy that built my motor told me this; If you use a 390, bored .030 over with a 428 crank it comes out to a 416. The original 418 was actually 426.5. That puts you at the same stroke as a 428 and only 10.5 cubes less. Very, very close to a 428. As already stated it's really just a Mercury 410.

Dave

[Barry_R]

If you really want to say you have a "427" - you can take a 352 out .060 to 4.060 bore and use a 4.125 stroke crank.  We've done this before.

[slacky27]

I have a complete SCJ rotating assembly from another engine,that I want to set up so I can play an not have to sweep up the original motor. I have a 360 D74 heavy duty truck block, just wasn't sure if it would work but now I know. Thanks to all for the info!

[jayb]

One thing about the truck block is that it is designed for the truck distributor, which has a larger diameter lower distributor shaft than the standard FE distributor.  Ford used to make a bushing that you could press into the truck block so that a standard FE distributor would fit; as I understand it they are no longer available from Ford but there are aftermarket sources, or a good machinist could whip one up for you.