Common FE Technical Questions

[jayb]

John Baechtel at hotrodenginetech.com has contacted me about doing an "interview" of sorts, regarding common FE technical questions.  John is a longtime, respected automotive writer, and has previously written a review on my book (see this link:  http://hotrodenginetech.com/the-great-fe-intake-comparo/).  Since John is not really an FE expert, he has asked me to come up with some common questions that get asked about FEs.  I have some ideas on this, listed below, but I'm looking for some input from you guys on what other questions are common in the FE world.  Let me know if you have any ideas.  Thanks, Jay

- What is the best intake manifold for the FE?
- Are FE's heavy engines?
- What are the differences between all the FE head variants (low riser, medium riser, tunnel port, etc.)?
- How far can you bore a stock FE block?
- How much horsepower can a stock 2 bolt FE block take?
- How many cubic inches can a stock FE be bored/stroked to?
- What aftermarket blocks and heads are available?
- Can an SOHC make more power than a wedge FE?
- What oiling system modifications are required for a performance FE?

[amdscooter]

Hi Jay, speaking from personal experience I think you could probably break the field of questions into 3 fairly broad categories.

1) Noobies like me who ask typical questions about fitment and compatibility of bolt on parts.
2) Intermediate people who ask slightly more specific questions such as bore size, intakes, heads, etc. .
3) Advanced people who need item specific information.

There are probably a handful of common questions you could come up with for each group. Looking forward to reading the interview.

My2c
-scott

[thatdarncat]

I'm thinking of some of the more basic things like:

Rear cam plug correct installation
427 side oiler cam bearings.
Bolt that goes with the rocker shaft oil hole.
Correct way to install rocker shafts for rocker oiling.
Pin in the block that might not fit in an aftermarket intake manifold.
Special clip on the oil pump shaft.
Valve cover clearance for adjustable rockers.
Correct size core plugs.
Replacement timing gear not needing spacer.
2 bolt vs 4 bolt motor mount blocks.

[machoneman]

2X to thatdarned cat's post. Answer John's questions as well but add those sometimes tricky FE exclusive issues as noted. I'll add tricks to install the often messed-up rear main oil seals. 

[amdscooter]

2X to thatdarned cat's post. Answer John's questions as well but add those sometimes tricky FE exclusive issues as noted. I'll add tricks to install the often messed-up rear main oil seals.

Just did my rear main last week... twice actually. One of the side seals was still sticking up a hair after finished driving in the "nails". I could not be sure if it seated all the way to the bottom so I pulled the cap back out. Turns out it seated just fine. But was not worth the price of a new seal kit to be unsure and then have to redo it when the block is in the car. Hard nuff with the motor on the stand.

[e philpott]

X3 that darned cat

[drdano]

Too bad he's not needing Q/A for a regular periodical publication, "Ask Dr. FE" of sorts...

Q: What are the cam retainer differences between pre and post 63 motors?
A: They both explode when shaken.

Q: How far can I port a set of heads?
A: Until you hit water or oil.

Q: How big of valves can I run in my 390?
A: Until they don't go down in the hole.

Q: I have a 427W stroker motor, but really want a real 427 FE, where did my life go wrong?
A: The question is but the answer.

Q: I'm told FEs leak like crazy, is this true?
A: Absolutely not, they are famous for their internal and external oiling.  If yours has stopped leaking, it needs immediate attention.

Q: I think my rear cam plug is in backwards, but the motor is in the car, how can I tell?
A: You'll find out soon enough...

Q: My farmer friend has an old ditch pump with a 427 I'd like to buy, how do I tell if it's been over bored?
A: What is his phone number?  I'll call and find out for you.

Q: I bought aftermarket part XYZ for my FE and it doesn't quite fit right, what do I do?
A: Welcome to our world.

Q: My friend told me I can go faster and cheaper starting with a 385-series motor, is that true?
A: You need new friends.

[ToddK]

 

[rockhouse66]

I think the most often asked and confusing question is "I am looking at an FE block, how can I tell what it is?".

The usual answer is "you can't" 

[jayb]

That is a good one; I'd forgotten about that one.  And the answer you gave is correct, unfortunately...

[KMcCullah]

A few words about solid/hydraulic lifter differences in FE's might be good. A 391 truck crank mention might be good too. Con rod differences for FE dummies maybe...... lol

[Chad D]

with a nod to amdscooter, I'd add at least a mention of bellhousing dimensions and transmission input shaft length, if only for the fellows looking to upgrade from another engine family.

[mammyjammer]

The availability of both front and rear sump pan/pump combos?

[jayb]

OK, I'm double checking myself on this.  Can you guys tell me if either of the following statements are incorrect?

- FEs were available in production vehicles from 1958 through 1976 (or was it 1978?)

- Some (or all?) 406 engines were crossbolted (were some early 390s crossbolted as well?)

This article will be appearing online sometime in the next several days; the questions he wanted were more general in nature than some of the specific suggestions I received in this thread, but maybe I can cover some of those in a follow on article at some point.  I did steal one joke from this thread for the article...

Thanks for the help, guys - Jay

[Chad D]

Some (all?) C4AE blocks have crossbolt bosses, but do not have the crossbolt main caps.