Small Block or Big Block?
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Freshman User
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From: Pasadena CA
Small Block or Big Block?
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
Thank you
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Joined: Apr 2004
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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.
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.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 29
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From: Pasadena CA
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.
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>?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
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.
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.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Pasadena CA
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.
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.
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?
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FE valve covers are all the same as far as I know. 352, 360, 390, 427, 428
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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.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
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.
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.
More modern families include the modulars, Coyote, Powerstrokes, and Ecoboosts.
Some say FE means Ford Edsel ... others Ford Engineering.
Colloquially, 'Friggin' Expensive'!
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
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
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 474
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From: Central Wisconsin
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.