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Ford FE Engines: How to Rebuild
Learn what you need to rebuild a Ford FE Engine for reliability and durability from FE master, owner of Survival Motorsports, and veteran author Barry Rabotnick.
In Ford FE Engines: How to Rebuild, Barry shows you how to rebuild one of these legendary engines. CarTech's unique Workbench series format takes you step-by-step through the entire rebuilding process. Covered are engine identification and selection, disassembly, cleaning, parts analysis and assessment, machine shop processes, replacement parts selection, reassembly and start-up/break-in techniques. Along the way are helpful tips on performance upgrades, trouble spots to look for, special tools required, and professional builder's tips.
Ford FE engines, which were manufactured from the late 1950s all the way through the mid-1970s, were designated as the large-displacement engines in the Ford lineup. FE means Ford Edsel and reflects an era when Ford sought to promote the Edsel name. The design of these engines was implemented to increase displacement over its predecessor, the Y-Block engines of the previous decade. Early models were fairly modest in displacement, as were most big-blocks of the era, but they grew quickly to fill the needs of rapidly changing chassis requirements and consumer demand for larger vehicles. As it grew, the FE engine performed admirably as a heavy passenger car and light truck engine. It also became quite accomplished in performance circles, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as powering Ford’s muscle car and drag racing programs in the mid-to-late 1960s.
Whether you are simply rebuilding an old truck for reliable service use, restoring a 100-point show car, or building the foundation for a high-performance street and strip machine, this book will be an irreplaceable resource for all your future FE engine projects.rn
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Planning the Engine Build
Budgeting Process
Performance Goals
Formulas for Engine Design
Ford FE Specific Design Choices
Build Process
Choosing and Qualification of Your Core
Teardown and Inspection
Chapter 2: The Engine Block
Engine Block Inspection
Sonic Checking Charts
Pre-Machining Block Preparation
Oiling System Modifications
Casting Preparation
Machine Work: The Big Stuff
Block Detailing
Camshaft Bearing Installation
Block Final Work: Paint and Plugs
Chapter 3: Crankshafts
Identification
Measurement and Inspection
Grinding and Polishing
Balancing
Bearings and Assembly
Chapter 4: Connecting Rods, Pistons, and Rings
Aftermarket Connecting Rods
Pistons and Piston Rings
Installation and Fitting of Piston Rings
Installation of Piston Assemblies onto the Connecting Rods
Piston, Connecting Rod, and Ring Assembly Installation
Chapter 5: Camshafts, Lifters, and Timing
FE Camshaft Design Specifics
Camshaft Bearings
Lifter Selection Criteria
Cam Specs: Lift, Duration, and Lobe Separation Angle
So How Do I Pick a Cam?
Cam Thrust Plate and End Play
Timing Sets
Timing Covers
Dampers
Chapter 6: Oiling System
Oil Pans and Oil Pump Pickups
Chapter 7: Cylinder Heads and Valves
Basic 360 and 390 Heads
Aftermarket Head Designs
Cylinder Head Reconditioning
Castings: Cleaning, Inspection, and Qualification
Component Selection
Valves
Valve Springs, Locators, Retainers, and Keepers
Setting and Inspecting Stem Tip Height
Valve Stem Seals
Cylinder Head Assembly
Mounting the Cylinder Heads
Head Fasteners
Chapter 8: Valvetrain Assembly
Pushrod Length Measurement
Assembling the Valvetrain
Chapter 9: Intake Manifold Selection
Fitting the Intake Manifold
Installing the Intake Manifold
Chapter 10: Carburetors
Carburetor Tuning
Chapter 11: Ignition and Distributor
Installing the Distributor
Chapter 12: Pre-Oiling and Final Assembly
Oil Selection
Pre-Oiling the Engine
Valve Covers
Finishing Up: Sensors, Thermostat, PCV, Pulleys, and Belts
Chapter 13: Exhaust
Chapter 14: Initial Start Up and Break-In
Source Guide
Appendix
Learn what you need to rebuild a Ford FE Engine for reliability and durability from FE master, owner of Survival Motorsports, and veteran author Barry Rabotnick.
In Ford FE Engines: How to Rebuild, Barry shows you how to rebuild one of these legendary engines. CarTech's unique Workbench series format takes you step-by-step through the entire rebuilding process. Covered are engine identification and selection, disassembly, cleaning, parts analysis and assessment, machine shop processes, replacement parts selection, reassembly and start-up/break-in techniques. Along the way are helpful tips on performance upgrades, trouble spots to look for, special tools required, and professional builder's tips.
Ford FE engines, which were manufactured from the late 1950s all the way through the mid-1970s, were designated as the large-displacement engines in the Ford lineup. FE means Ford Edsel and reflects an era when Ford sought to promote the Edsel name. The design of these engines was implemented to increase displacement over its predecessor, the Y-Block engines of the previous decade. Early models were fairly modest in displacement, as were most big-blocks of the era, but they grew quickly to fill the needs of rapidly changing chassis requirements and consumer demand for larger vehicles. As it grew, the FE engine performed admirably as a heavy passenger car and light truck engine. It also became quite accomplished in performance circles, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as powering Ford’s muscle car and drag racing programs in the mid-to-late 1960s.
Whether you are simply rebuilding an old truck for reliable service use, restoring a 100-point show car, or building the foundation for a high-performance street and strip machine, this book will be an irreplaceable resource for all your future FE engine projects.rn
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Planning the Engine Build
Budgeting Process
Performance Goals
Formulas for Engine Design
Ford FE Specific Design Choices
Build Process
Choosing and Qualification of Your Core
Teardown and Inspection
Chapter 2: The Engine Block
Engine Block Inspection
Sonic Checking Charts
Pre-Machining Block Preparation
Oiling System Modifications
Casting Preparation
Machine Work: The Big Stuff
Block Detailing
Camshaft Bearing Installation
Block Final Work: Paint and Plugs
Chapter 3: Crankshafts
Identification
Measurement and Inspection
Grinding and Polishing
Balancing
Bearings and Assembly
Chapter 4: Connecting Rods, Pistons, and Rings
Aftermarket Connecting Rods
Pistons and Piston Rings
Installation and Fitting of Piston Rings
Installation of Piston Assemblies onto the Connecting Rods
Piston, Connecting Rod, and Ring Assembly Installation
Chapter 5: Camshafts, Lifters, and Timing
FE Camshaft Design Specifics
Camshaft Bearings
Lifter Selection Criteria
Cam Specs: Lift, Duration, and Lobe Separation Angle
So How Do I Pick a Cam?
Cam Thrust Plate and End Play
Timing Sets
Timing Covers
Dampers
Chapter 6: Oiling System
Oil Pans and Oil Pump Pickups
Chapter 7: Cylinder Heads and Valves
Basic 360 and 390 Heads
Aftermarket Head Designs
Cylinder Head Reconditioning
Castings: Cleaning, Inspection, and Qualification
Component Selection
Valves
Valve Springs, Locators, Retainers, and Keepers
Setting and Inspecting Stem Tip Height
Valve Stem Seals
Cylinder Head Assembly
Mounting the Cylinder Heads
Head Fasteners
Chapter 8: Valvetrain Assembly
Pushrod Length Measurement
Assembling the Valvetrain
Chapter 9: Intake Manifold Selection
Fitting the Intake Manifold
Installing the Intake Manifold
Chapter 10: Carburetors
Carburetor Tuning
Chapter 11: Ignition and Distributor
Installing the Distributor
Chapter 12: Pre-Oiling and Final Assembly
Oil Selection
Pre-Oiling the Engine
Valve Covers
Finishing Up: Sensors, Thermostat, PCV, Pulleys, and Belts
Chapter 13: Exhaust
Chapter 14: Initial Start Up and Break-In
Source Guide
Appendix
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