On my 68 F-250 Ranger I have a 360 engine. I have seen the 360 categorized in the small block and also the big block in different literature. Which one is it?


Thank you

 

FE motors are considered "big block" motors, based on the comparison to the 289s and 302s they coexisted with in the '60s.

You can't just use that term with Ford, as you must identify the engine series. If you say BB, you can get the FE, or the 385 series motors, the 429/460.

These days, it's a bit meaningless anyway, as you can get a "small block" GM, Ford or Mopar over 400 cubes, and as you note, the 352 and 360 are the same or close to the same displacement of the "small block" 351W.

 

hm, ok. Well the reason I am asking is because I'm shopping for new valve covers and have seen both listed. Would it make a difference on the Valve covers>?

 

Technically it is neither because externally the FE engine family are all the same... it's the engines internal components which determines the displacemt... from 330 all the way to 428.

Just say it's an FE and those in the know will give street cred for not referring to it as a small block or a big block.

 

Yes there is a difference you will DEFINATELY need the FE valve covers

 

Ok that's a good tip. I am sounding cooler by the minute, however, what about all the dummies out there that are listing valve covers as sized for big block or small block? if it states 360, does it matter what else it sais?

 

FE valve covers are all the same as far as I know. 352, 360, 390, 427, 428

 

Also, what does FE stand for?

 

awesome, it looked like the right fit so that is what it seemed to be.


Thank you!

 

I checked a 360 valve cover on summit racing. It also fits the above engines. I added 427 and 428. 406 might fit as well but its not listed as an application on the covers I looked at.

Glad to help.

 

FE stands for Ford Edsel on wikipedia...,

 

Ford Edsel is the best guess. See post number 20 here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...and-for-2.html


All the other variants are discussed, Ford Edsel is the only one that makes sense imo.

 

Good point about references of the era since the 429/460 weren,t around when the FE came to light. Nowadays tho it's SBFs (Windsors), FEs, BBFs (429/460 or 385-series). Then we have the mutts like the 351C and 351M/400

More modern families include the modulars, Coyote, Powerstrokes, and Ecoboosts.

Some say FE means Ford Edsel ... others Ford Engineering.

Colloquially, 'Friggin' Expensive'!

 

Been an interesting read going down the list. Don't matter if it's little block, or gazallion block, if it doesn't have the FE 5 bolt hole pattern you can't use them.

Edsel is the name of one of Henry's sons, the Edsel car was introduced in 58 along with the FE engine. As BoCefesis sang it's a family tradition.


John

 

I thought that the 390 and larger had sharper angles and not the rounded off look?







I have a set of 360 valve covers on the shelf that could use a good home.