OK... it's started.

I have a 68 F100 that has been sitting in my shop for a couple years now. I bought it from a friend, and have just not had the time to tackle it YET. I drove (barely) it to the shop when I bought it, and it has not run since.
<O:p</O:p

Here's what I think I have:
<O:p360 FE
<O:pC6
<O:pReally straight, rust free body, with the original paint just about gone
All glass in great shape
Fuel tank looks like it'll be OK, but will need cleaning
Radiator looks to be full of rust and will need to be reworked or replaced<O:p
2bbl carb<O:p</O:p
Point ignition
Cast exhaust manifolds<O:pDual exhaust pipes (not too sure about the quality, but they can stay for now)

<O:p
What I'm doing:
<O:pNew 360
<O:pMild cam (read MILD), this thing is not a racer
<O:pEdlebrock Performer intake
<O:p4bbl Edlebrock Performer carb
<O:pAccel electronic ignition and distributor
Headers
Rebuild C6
Paint & body work

I've decided on not lowering or changing the suspension at this time. The truck was originally a light greenish blue, with white trim. I will stay with the greenish-blue color, but the white parts will all be painted mineral gray (like on the Mustangs). There will also be some sort of graphics added, but I'm still trying to figure those out

Thoughts or suggestions are welcome. This is my first truck to do, and my first Ford in about 15 years (first FE block ever).

 

UB, Glad to hear that you are about to start the process of getting the truck back on the street.

Got one suggestion, instead of rebuilding the engine as a 360, why not turn it into a 390. The 360 is a 390 bore block with 352 rotating assembly. All you need is a 390 crank, rods, & pistons to size and you will have a 390, which IMHO is a much better package.

I suspect most of our posters here will agree that it is a better choice.

John

 

I agree its good to hear your starting the restoration looks like you got the perfect truck to do it with that is a good idea no replacement for displacement lol thats just my 2 cents do what you want 360 would be fine

 

mmm... OK, you got my attention. Why is a 390 so much better?

Looks like the original specs are would (baseline) give me about 40 extra hp. But, I figure that extra power comes at a price of fuel usage and heat. Since this is going to be just a cruiser, I don't really need the power. And, isn't there a heat problem with the FE motors?

Thanks for the input

 

the beuty of the fe from wht i have seen and heard is that they get pretty simmilar fuel mileage all the way around. The 390 pulls harder and runs strong. even cruisers can use a little extra muscle once in a while. as far as the heat goes they run at the same temp as long as everything is configured properly.

a few pointers go to the fe engine forum on this site. they will have several helpful rebuild tips. when you get the headers if you are woried about under hood temps spring fot the coated headers both inside and out. The coating will help to keep the exhaust heat in the pipes. As far as the ignition you can save a few dollars if you want too. the later 70's fe engines used electronic ignitions, the distibuters are available at local parts stores and you canplug them into the ford style igniton module or wire them to an aftermarket ignition control box.

hope this helps.
James

 

UB, The 390 was one of those designs that just hit right on. The 360 while still powerful engine was one of Fords first attempts with new emmissions laws. The 360 is a detuned 390. "390 bore block-352 rotating assembly" It is the same engine family that the most reviered 427 was in.

Hey you will enjoy the 360 but you will enjoy the 390 much better. IMHO
I had one in one of my trucks that would still be pulling when you hit the gas no matter how fast you were driving. Even at 100 mph, smack the gas and it still had power.

John

 

I am sure I will sound stupid for asking. And I agree I have always opted for the 390 over the 360. I see the term "FE" all the time in this forum an have no idea what it means

 

the only stupid question is the one not asked.
"FE" refers to the fe series of engines that all use the same block.
they were the 332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, and 428.

 

...and it's been a matter of debate for years just what FE actually stands for. The most common opinion is that it simply means "Ford Engine" but even Ford doesn't seem to know for sure...

Given the opportunity to go inside and do a rebuild, I think that I would go with John's advice and build it as a 390. The crank, rods and pistons from a 390 can be pretty easily found, and I doubt you'd notice any difference in mileage between the two, FE's just aren't known for fuel economy anyway.

UBDog, I left my '68 360 alone internally because I didn't have to go in. At 150K miles it still runs strong so I just went with a Performer manifold and carb, and plan to add headers as soon as I can swap in the Saginaw steering box and column from my '72, and change or modify the DS engine perch. (The Bendix steering box has clearance issues with most headers, so you may want to check to see if that's what you have as well)

 

FE = Ford-Edsal. These cars were the first to hold the new engine series.

 

FE = Ford Edsel

The "FE" stands for Ford and Edsel as those engines were designed in 1957/1958 for the Ford and Edsel lines.

351m and 400m are 351 Cleveland engines. The "M" stands for "Modified". The 351c block was modified to accept a 460 CID bellhousing (bolt pattern change). This allowed the 351 block to be installed in heavy duty trucks, LTD's, Lincolns and Thunderbirds where 460's were used.

Best Regards,

Jeffrey Crocker
Research Assistant
Ford Motor Company Archives
Global Information Management


John

 

Ive heard that FE can stand for Ford Engine, Ford Edsel or the symbol for Iron.

As for the 351m/400 ive heard that the M could stand for Modified, or Michigan casting center.

 

The Ford Engine thang never made any sense to me because back then they all were Ford Engines. There were no International Harvester, Mazda, or anything borrowed between the frame rails. The term Ford Engine would not give you a clue except it had a blue oval. Ford Edsel on the other hand is very distinct with it's intake, head, and valve cover placement, and that is the easy visual while still installed in the truck. IMHO

John

 

I caught Hell here in one of my first posts, when I called the 351M: Modified. I told the fellow that was what we referred to them as, from day one.

The Ford reps called them, too...all to no avail. I finally gave up...and said "Maybe it's a CA thing!"

The Edsel was introduced before the rest of the 1958 FoMoCo line in 1957, and had it's own FE, a 361.

 

Yall Ca guys do have a different twist. I guess you have to be tested to see if you could stand the heat before you were allowed to do anything more than mop the floor in the kitchen.

John