I'm looking for info on which engine I should use in my 66, it has the 352 and still runs fine but im looking for 400-500+ hp, I've found a 390 block and also a 460, I am looking for the exact bolt in block and im unsure if the 460 is the same? also which engine would be more cost effective too build ? etc... ( I do plan on purchasing aluminum intake & heads) Any info would be greatly appreciated. Mike

 

The FE block includes the 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427 and 428 to name a few. They all use the same externally sized engine block.

The 429 and 460 are members of the later 385 series engines and are not the same bolt pattern. Nothing interchanges with the FE family.

With the right engine mounts you can put a 385 series engine in it. Would not be an era correct motor, but people have done it.

 

if you could find a 428 block and heads that would be the sure way to nail some impressive horsepower numbers . The 428's were a powerhouse for sure .

 

thanks for the great info, now can anyone suggest where too buy a high performance rebuild kit for a 390? I would like too purchase a tried and tested kit which would come with all the parts i'll need; heads, intake,piston, rods etc..

 

Survival Motorsports is a fairly popular supplier of FE engine parts and kits. Here is the basic 390 rebuild kit for $695.

Survival FE Engine Kits

Not sure that is going to get you in the 400-500 HP range or not. If you are talking about E-heads and manifold they can usually be bought as a set if you find a match that suits you. Not sure about kits with E-heads and manifold and everything else needed. You might have to piecemeal it so you can get some of the items you know you want and keep it all high quality.

I'm going to do similar but I picked up an NOS 427 side-oiler block to use as my starting point.

 

Where in Canada are you? I've got a 416 that has less then 10,000 miles that I would sell. . .

 

that is some funny ****e. A 460 is WAY cheaper to build. You don't need the AL stuff to make those numbers on either engine. It does make it easier just not on your wallet. Silly question, what kind of Torque will you be needing ? Because a 4 banger with enough Nitro will net you that. For a second or two. Here's a suggestion. If the 352 is std, have it bored .050, get a std 390 rebuild kit with a crank/rod combo. Buy a basic dual plenum 4 v intake and a set of headers. Save all that money for the tickets, and flowers.

 

You haven't said what you're going to do with all that horsepower, and what the rest of your drivetrain (transmission and rear end) will be. I've had a 390 and a side oiler 427 built in the last three years - the 390 for my '66 F100 and the 427 for my 63.5 Galaxie. To do them right costs a fair piece of change. I agree with TA455HO that Barry at Survival Motorsport's stroker kit for the 360/390 block (4.05 bore) - taking the 390 out to 442 - 445 cubic inches or so is the way to go to get performance out of the most readily available FEs. Though I've never personally had a 460 built, it's my understanding you can get the horsepower you want for a fraction of the cost of building the FE. Which brings up the question of what transmission do you plan to use? I'm no expert there (or anywhere else, for that matter), but you'll either want to use a transmission that was originally mated to your engine at some point in it's life or face the expense of adapting it. Pretty much anything can be done if you throw enough money at it. Since you're up there in Canada, you might try contacting Sean Hyland Motorsports. He used to (still does?) build some hot Fords. Good luck!

 

East coast, Moncton ,New Brunswick

 

I guess I should have posted more info, im doing a frame off resto/mod build on my 66 numbers matching short box/ranger and I know I wont be happy with the stock 352 , 10mpg & 200hp just wont cut it for me lol, trans is a stock NP 4 speed and rear end is also stock dana / 3:54 gears(limited slip). I also want too use the same block because im not interested in changing mounts etc.. It wont be a daily driver but on nice days I will be using it and im looking for some decent power & the lumpy cam sound.

 

Yeah, his Prison Break would be a decent option. The NP435 and Dana 44/60 can handle it. I'd probably add a Gear Vendors to the back of the NP435 if it were me just to give if more flexibility and reduce cruising RPMs, but the 3.54 is not bad.

While the Prison Break is the best value on
the market for somebody wanting to turn a
390 or 360 into a 445 inch thumper, with
power potential of over 500HP and torque to
match - there are a lot of other ways to build
your personal FE.

 

Gear vendors? do you meen changing the rear end gearing ratio?

 

No, it bolts to the back end of the NP435 and gives an electronic overdrive. Shifts with the push of a button. Rear gearing remains untouched.

Gear Vendors under/overdrive transmissions the most awarded auxiliary transmissions.

Gear Vendors Under/Overdrive Ford 2-Wheel Drive Manual Transmissions.

 

I was very interested until I checked the price, over 3g's? holy!!

 

Not for everyone, that's for sure.