Ribbed skirt FE block timeline?

[6667fan]

I am able to confirm my October ‘71 427 is ribbed. So what is the earliest ribbed one known to be date wise?
JB

[thatdarncat]

I am able to confirm my October ‘71 427 is ribbed. So what is the earliest ribbed one known to be date wise?
JB

I have a Sept 24th 1971 date logged for a ribbed 427, but like I said, I only have a very small sample so far so I wouldn’t assume yet whether that is early. Thanks for adding to it. Does yours have the “DIF” logo? Sideoiler?

[6667fan]

It is a side oiler but I’m not near it to check for the DIF. A vocational school was given the block way back in the 70’s. I don’t know if it came from the Motor Co. or an area dealer. The students got to take it apart and put it back together but never fired it. Then it went to a machine shop where it sat for years. Another FE’er bought it, never built it and then put it on Craigslist where I bought it.
JB

[1968galaxie]

Yikes!
Everyone has such thin skin. Really? Grow a set!


Anyhow, let's get back to Ford information.

[TomP]

On the disc brake valves. I think the residual valve is 65 to 67. I don't think they used after 67 , it in later years the residual valve is built into the proportioning valve. The shuttle is supposed to work in theory but in practice if you lose fluid at one line the pedal goes to the floor. Yes, I have had it happen more than once. I'm back to using single master cylinders and either no or an adjustable prop valve on anything.
 I am going to pick up yet another 360 tomorrow, it's supposed to be from a 70 F100 4x4 so i'll check for the ribs. The caked on goo is thick enough I can't tell.

[67428GT500]

Tom- It was only used 67-70. They moved it from the rear left side pan of the vehicle to the distribution block in 1968. See the illustrations below for reference.

                                                                 -Keith

[Gaugster]

Pete: Wait a minute. Who elected you leader of this outfit?
Everett: Well, Pete, I figured it should be the one with the capacity for abstract thought. But if that ain't the consensus view, then hell, let's put it to a vote.
Pete: Suits me. I'm voting for yours truly.
Everett: Well, I'm voting for yours truly, too.
[Everett and Pete look at Delmar for the deciding vote]
Delmar: Okay... I'm with you fellas.


It was 12°F out today but Spring will be here soon enough. Just trying to lighten the mood.

[thatdarncat]

 I am going to pick up yet another 360 tomorrow, it's supposed to be from a 70 F100 4x4 so i'll check for the ribs. The caked on goo is thick enough I can't tell.

Excellent, ‘70 & ‘71 blocks are what we need some samples of to inspect. I have a ‘70 model year 390 block I need to double check, soon as it warms up a bit.

I’m also curious how long the Cleveland Foundry ( CF ) FE blocks were used. Tom, if you get a chance try to note if the block has the DIF or CF mark too.

[jayb]

I hate deleting posts.  Let's keep it civil please, gentlemen...

[jwrmach1]

I have a May 1970 428 block - No ribs
JWR

[67428GT500]

I have a D4TE service block mirror 105 with no ribs too that is a 428 block. 

[gdaddy01]

Pete: Wait a minute. Who elected you leader of this outfit?
Everett: Well, Pete, I figured it should be the one with the capacity for abstract thought. But if that ain't the consensus view, then hell, let's put it to a vote.
Pete: Suits me. I'm voting for yours truly.
Everett: Well, I'm voting for yours truly, too.
[Everett and Pete look at Delmar for the deciding vote]
Delmar: Okay... I'm with you fellas.                  Was that before or after he was turned into a frog ?

[thatdarncat]

There was recently a 1E19 ( May ‘71 ) DIF ribbed 390 with picture posted on Facebook. Also a 1C29 ( March ‘71 ) DIF ribbed (possibly) 390 with picture on Facebook today.

*edited as picture was added confirming ribs.

[wsu0702]

There was recently a 1E19 ( May ‘71 ) DIF ribbed 390 with picture posted on Facebook. Also a 1C29 ( March ‘71 ) DIF ribbed (possibly) 390 with picture on Facebook today.

*edited as picture was added confirming ribs.

I had a non-ribbed FT block that I bought/flipped about 10 years ago.  I don't remember the exact casting date but it was for sure Feb of '71.

[wsu0702]

I think Ford just did stuff when they wanted to do it, with no rhyme or reason.

I'm working on a 445 right now that uses a 390 block.

That 390 block has a "C" scratch, as well as an "I" scratch beside it.   It has crow's feet mains.  It has a pickup mount hole near the #3 main.  It has a 3/8" pipe plug right above the pan rail on the driver's side.  It has the oversized distributor shaft hole.  It also has "66-427" cast on the rear of the block, and also has the bosses for the sideoiler main galley plug and relief valve plug. 

Goofiest thing I've ever seen.

Every thick walled FT block that I have every had or seen was exactly as you described including the "CI" scratch.  Cast with 4.05" bore cores and 428 water jacket cores.  Check for the raised "428" cast into the floor of the water jacket.  If you can't find or see it do the drill bit test.  I would bet money that it is indeed a thick walled FT block.