Balancing of different FE assembly

[Mustangjohn]

Hello,

I have bought a Ford FE.

Now I have the engine disassembled and found the following components:

1.) Crank is stamped with 3U → 390 or 427

2.) Rods C7AE-B → 428; 428CJ; Shelby GT500; 427

3.) Heads C7AE-A → 390 or 428 (Shelby GT500)

I can`t find any casting number at the block and the bore is 4.13“

The above mentioned crank has a harmonic balancer but non counterwaight.

Now I don ́t know if the heavy 428 rods and 3U crank will work together without balancing the

whole rotating sytem!

Does anyone have experience with such a topic and could support my or give me some hints for

solving this problem?

Thank you in advance

[machoneman]

Well, if the engine shows evidence of running, one can pretty much bet the balance was o.k. A bigger question is what mods, if any, are to be made to any of the mentioned parts?

[Mustangjohn]

I bought it without starter, flywheel.. and so didnt know how long it was standing. I generally did not know what state it was. So i decidet to disassemble.
Now I have read about FE engines and was not shure if this components will work together.
I have this Engine to use it in a 69Mustang R-Code and dont have a engine test stand. So I would not like to put everything together and notice i have build a plate compactor  

Which mods would you make ?

Thank you!

[jayb]

Welcome to the forum, John.  The rods you have are not all that different from a standard 390 rod, and it may be that they were even used in some 390 engines; not sure about that.  Normally with an FE you may be concerned with balance if you have a 428 crank, because they were externally balanced with a weight on the flywheel.  Since that is not an issue with your crank, external balancing is not an issue.  My guess is that you would be fine with all those parts working together.

You didn't mention pistons.  What kind do you have?  If they are aftermarket pistons, odds are pretty good that the whole assembly was balanced when it was first put together anyway.  And if you are going to buy aftermarket pistons, you should have the rotating assembly balanced.

On your block, a 4.13" bore is a standard 428 bore.  A lot of 390 blocks were overbored to that dimension, and quite a few of them can't take the overbore.  Unless you know your block was an original 428 block, I would make sure to have it sonic checked before you assemble the engine.  A 390 block with a lot of core shift, bored to 428 size, could easily blow out a cylinder wall with too much horsepower.

As far as upgrades go, that will depend on how much power you want to make.  Do you have a horsepower target?

[BruceS]

John,
A way you can get more info on the block is to check the date code which is cast on the block under the oil filter adapter.  Ford used a three-digit code; number, letter, number.  For example 7C1 would be March 1, 1967.  Ford didn't use the letter I to avoid confusion with the number 1.  So 7M1 would be December 1, 1967.  If the date code is prior to 1965 it's likely not a 428 since they weren't introduced before the '66 model year. 

Btw welcome to a very informative group!
Bruce

[RJP]

It is remotely possible that you have a 406 block [also 4.13" bore] easiest way to tell is the 406 block has the 2 bolt motor mount bosses whereas all 428 blocks have the 4 bolt mounts...Just a thought.

[Mustangjohn]

Thank you guys!

Pistons: There is a 60 on the top and 304NP stamped on the side. how can I attach some Pics?
The Pistons and Rods dont have the same weight so I will bring them to the same. 
I dont wanna build a High performence Blown Engine but want to have a Engine thats running smooth and long. I only did a port job to the heads and they will get Sealed Power valves. Also installed new Mahle/Clevite bearings and want to put a Holley 750DP on it. So I dont know how much Power I will get.

which clutch flywheel combo would you recommend?

thanks for the tip to let it sonic checked. After Sonic check I can be shure that it wount blow out a cylinder wall?


Regarding the Block, I am not at home at the moment so i'll check that at Friday.

Thanks!

[jayb]

thanks for the tip to let it sonic checked. After Sonic check I can be shure that it wount blow out a cylinder wall?

Thanks!

As long as you don't drop a valve    Look for a minimum thickness of 0.125".

[Heo]

If the 60 on top is .060 overbore and as in 390+060 then
the pistons are 4.11 not 4.13