351C thrust bearing on a FE

[CDXXVII]

Is it easy to modify a Cleveland main thrust bearing to work on a 1962 406 block?
I thought about trying -.001" Cleveland mains as my crank looks like it is right on the minimum 2.7484" dia.

[KMcCullah]

Your wanting to reduce the diameter of the flanges I assume? I had this issue with my early block. I turned down a 3" piece of aluminum to 2.750 and made sure my finish was like glass. I then used a hose clamp to hold the bearing halves to the aluminum mandrel and took very light cuts on the flanges until I hit my size. Can't remember what the finished flange diameter was.

[fe66comet]

Just for reference in the future what do i look for if I run across an engine like that?

[KMcCullah]

I don't know what the cut off date was. My block came out of a 63 Gal.

[CDXXVII]

I knew the flange diameter of the later FE mains was larger but I didn't know if the 351C is also larger.

So there is no problem with the width of the 351C fitting in there?

Comet, engine like what? 406? or early FE?

[Ranch]

Interesting thread.   I also have a 62 “406” Block and if you are looking for 3/4 grooved bearings, you'll find they are only available in .010 under and I have a steel crank $$ that might need just a polishing rather than going the full .010.
Here are the OEM dimensions for Block and Crank thrust face Dia. also the distance between the flanges at the block.

Cylinder "Block" thrust face b/p dimensions -

1963 and earlier =        3.760" - 3.720"
1964 and later    =        4.020" - 3.980"
.07" x 45 deg corner breaks
Surfaces parallel to each other and square with main bearing bore axis within .003 T.I.R.
.915" - .913" face thickness

The later 427 "Crank" Thrust Bearing Flange OD is 3.824" - 3.764".

 I believe all FE thrust bearing available today are made to the old style Dia. that way they can cover all with less inventory, but I would check just to be sure
Also I've never had a problem with thrust bearings and that is with a 4 speed and a long style Zoom clutch that was really heavy on the left leg, and that was my everyday street car. .....Hope this helps

[Barry_R]

The 146M Clevevland and 125M FE bearings have generally most of the blocks we see here including early ones.  I recall needing to tweak one or two over the years but definitely the exception rather than the rule.