New FE Block, Heads, and Intakes on the horizon...

[cammerfe]

On my last .060 over 390, the one the 428 crank broke in after either slinging the weight, breaking the eagle rod, can't say for sure what happened first lol but anyway on that 390 105 block I put roller cam bearings in and we were able to make a cutter and use the align bore machine to deepen the oil grooves around #2 and #4 cam bearings since boring the bearing registers took most of the passage away.

Several years ago I did an engine at Roush's prototype shop in which we used 385-size roller cam bearings in my C4 390 block. (The cam journal size is the same in both the FE and 385.) In order to do the oiling grooves in the cam tunnel, we set up the block in a boring mill. It worked perfectly, but you have to have such a boring mill---it's so large you have to use a step-ladder and climb up on it in order to do the set-up.

KS

[427HISS]

 

[fastback 427]

Uummm yeah, I can really appreciate the curves on the cobra too

[427HISS]

I agree, there's nothing like great body curves. 

[Rich P]

How about incorporating a one piece rear seal on the new blocks.

[67gt350]

Any news on progress for the blocks? Or what features may be incorporated?

[jayb]

I'm hoping to get an update next week.  Regarding the one piece seal, I think that would require a crank with different dimensions on the back, so that is probably not going to happen.

[e philpott]

I'm hoping to get an update next week.  Regarding the one piece seal, I think that would require a crank with different dimensions on the back, so that is probably not going to happen.

plus will require different flex plate and/or flywheel because a FE crank flange would be larger than the OD of the one piece main seal , just not as easy as it sounds

[64bird410]

In the somewhat near future( with in a year or two) I'll be in the market for an alum block. The power and rpm levels that really require an aftermarket block would mean some homework would be done on a tranny that can also stand the abuse. With that said the fe is kinda an odd duck for bell housing choices. So if a new block were to come to market would it be feasible to include sbf or 385 series bell housing pattern?   Either bell housing pattern would open up a slew of transmission choices and bell housing options and not require the need for an adapter motor plate or adapter bell housing for the high hp/rpm applications that an aftermarket block would probably require.  And for the street crowd it would open up a huge market for the many overdrive transmissions currently in circulation. Just a thought I had on the subject......

[Qikbbstang]

Re: " From a core plug, you drill a few small holes through the material between the bores.  We saw a lot of improvement in bore distortion from having a bit of cooling there.  The higher the better, of course!"


                      Bill a "hot spot" will sometimes produce steam pockets that in effect are self increasing in severity. A steam pocket/bubble holds the coolant off the already heated metal which in turn without coolant contact further increases the temp of the metal's surface since it's lost contact with the coolant. Being hotter it further holds coolant away and the heating in specific spots goes critical... Simply drilling passages between the bores in no way insures adequate differential pressure exits between the two ends of said passage.  Low/no flow is indicative of not carrying away the heat. The current Ford Racing NASCAR engines utilize designated water manifolds to distribute coolant under pressure to exact positions of the cylinders/heads for optimum cooling. It's said the Ford NASCAR motor is exceptionally efficient at cooling and can utilize a smaller grill opening/radiator than brand x's.
                The classic FE's cooling jackets are a long way from getting coolant where it's most needed--- when you look at it closely it's painfully primitive.

[427HISS]

Any updates when BBM will have blocks ?
How do we get on the list ?
How many are on the waiting list ? (sure it's hard for us to find out)
Realisticly,.......how long will the wait be. 1 month,........12 months,  or in my case, I may die of old age before my number comes up ? 

[WConley]

BB - Re your comment that drilling small holes between bores doesn't ensure coolant flow.   I'm sure in some cases you are correct, but in our test engines the data showed a lot of bore distortion improvement.  We also had measurable power increase due to better ring seal.  We wouldn't have bothered if it wasn't worth the trouble!

The upper part of the cylinder block doesn't get that hot, especially compared to the exhaust valve area of the head.  In that area you've got to do a lot of work to ensure coolant flow!  Remember too that on those race engines the water manifolds are plumbed to the head above the deck, not the block water jacket.  My Gurney Weslake heads had the same deal...

[427HISS]

I called them today, and I'm on the list for Sept. for a block. I said that as of right now, I'm undesided on what way I want to go for a block, old or new, but he said I can cancel at anytime.

They also have their bare heads on sale for $1,100 shipped. Hum.....?

[turbohunter]

Just curious why you would ask about BBM blocks on a thread about a totally different block possibility.
What's the connection?
Don't get me wrong I think BBM has a great product but WTH.

[427HISS]

The BBM has been mentioned several times about cost, availability, production numbers etc.
My point is, we really have no idea on this new block, heads and intakes. The BBM's are supposed to be available in Sept., so do I wait on the proposed block, heads and intake or the BBM ?

If the possible production times were posted, I may wait to see what happens, as with Jay being the best FE guy out there, I'm sure the products will be well worth it.  So are these new products possible anytime soon, or will it take a few years before production starts ?