I am new to the Ford rebuilding world so I thought this would be the best place to get started. I have two basic questions to start. They both are quite simple for some of you but I have to start somewhere.

Besides stroke, how can I tell if my block is a 429 or a 460?

and

Does FE stand for Ford Edsel. How do I know if a motor is FE?

 

429/460 ID.

Check the casting numbers on the engine parts, if they are after 1972, it's a 460.

Check intake,Heads & Block & post the results here


Check the FE series forum for an answer.
Don't be surprised if there is no feedback. this topic has been dicussed to death.
Maybe do a search and see them all

 

"Besides stroke, how can I tell if my block is a 429 or a 460?"

You can't.


Does FE stand for Ford Edsel. How do I know if a motor is FE?

Yes, FE stands for Ford Edsel. FE engines have one feature that you won't see on any other Ford engine: the intake manifold encloses the pushrods. In other words, you have to remove the pushrods to remove the manifold.

A quick look at the front of the block will tell you. If the seam between the intake and the head is about halfway under the valve cover, it's an FE. On all other engines, the seam is above the valve cover.

 

Also, FEs have a separate water pump like the small block Chevy. Most other modern Ford engines have a cast aluminum front cover that the water pump bolts to.

 

Ford made industrial 429's long after 1972. Mind you, they weren't stock in pickups, but F450's and larger had them up into the 80's.