The recently acquired 1968 mustang fastback came with 428 FE block and Cobra Jet heads (EPIC). If you’re wondering, “FE” stands for Ford-Edsel. The Ford FE series of engines lasted from 1958 to 1976 and came in a variety of cars and trucks, with displacements ranging from 332 CI to 428 CI. FE blocks generally look the same on the outside, making them somewhat difficult to identify without taking them apart and taking some measurements. Our crankshaft had a “1U” cast into in, meaning that it was a 428 crankshaft. After measuring the bores, we came up with 4.160, meaning that it’s a .030 overbore 428.
The block appears to have been rebuilt with little to no mileage on the motor, although the pistons appear to be used. I pulled a main cap and the .020 bearings look brand new- the crank journals looked great as well. There was a little discoloration on the crank journal, but everything felt smooth- my guess is that a simple polish might suffice.
There was still assembly lube on the cam’s distributor gear and the oil pump looks new as well. FE’s are notorious for poor oiling, so someone even took the time to port match the oil pump to the block as well as the opening for the filter adapter. The timing chain is brand new and very tight, but again there’s surface rust from years of sitting.
My main concern is that it was rebuilt YEARS ago and sat with the heads off. The block was stored in a plastic bag in a shed, but there’s a little surface rust on the bores. I can barely feel the rust and there’s no signs of serious pitting, but it’s clear that the walls will need some attention.
The block already has .030 overbore forged pistons installed, it would be a shame if the cylinder walls needed to be further bored.
In an ideal world, we knock the pistons out, pull the crank, and have the block honed at a machine shop to clean up the walls. From there it’s a matter of measuring and reassembly (I wish it were that easy).
I’ve pretty much decided that I’ll be going with Edelbrock aluminum heads and selling the Cobra Jet heads. The 427 adjustable rocker arms that came with the motor will be replaced with a set of Harland Sharp rockers and shafts. The tentative plan is to opt for a very mild roller cam, I don’t plan on taking her past 5500.
Although the original 390 FE is long gone, I’m VERY happy with it’s replacement!