428 Advice
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,522
Likes: 11
From: Townsend, MT
Curious if you got one of the "newer" 406's with the cross bolted mains.
Since it now has 900ish miles, might want to run through the rocker arms and check lash...if it is a 406 which has the mechanical lifters. If you verify they're actually hydraulic then forget what I said.
Since it now has 900ish miles, might want to run through the rocker arms and check lash...if it is a 406 which has the mechanical lifters. If you verify they're actually hydraulic then forget what I said.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,671
Likes: 372
Tend to agree that it's any FE besides a 406. I only mention checking the lifters because I'd want to verify whether or not it was hydraulic since the uncle for some reason said it was a 406.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 322
From: Harned, Ky
Using the 428's bore (4.125) and 390's stroke (3.780) will get you a 406 ci engine like the one I have and you can put a solid lifter cam in it, but it won't be a solid lifter only or possible cross bolt main block like the original 406, it will have the updated three bolt motor mount pads and bolt on cam retainer that the 406 didn't have.
The part I question is using a 428 block (4.125 bore) and reusing the 352's shorter stroke (3.500) will give one a 372 ci engine that would only have 7-8:1 compression using a factory type 406 piston because the piston would be around .100 down in the hole.
I may be wrong but I don't see one spending large amounts of $$ on custom pistons or rods for that combination for only a 20 ci gain, when a crank swap will gain more displacement for less $$.
The part I question is using a 428 block (4.125 bore) and reusing the 352's shorter stroke (3.500) will give one a 372 ci engine that would only have 7-8:1 compression using a factory type 406 piston because the piston would be around .100 down in the hole.
I may be wrong but I don't see one spending large amounts of $$ on custom pistons or rods for that combination for only a 20 ci gain, when a crank swap will gain more displacement for less $$.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,771
Likes: 80
From: tujunga, calif
The pentroof type valve covers don't have enough clearance for adjustable rockers used with a solid lifter cam. Been there done that. My 390 has a factory 427 cam and valve train.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 322
From: Harned, Ky
Those are most definitely not pentroof valve covers, pentroofs came on 427's that had adjustable rockers and are about two inches taller then the ones shown. I have a set of pentroofs on my 406 with aluminum roller rockers.
Looking at the pic they appear to be 65-67 flat top valve covers, I had a set of chrome ones on a 67 428 engine in a 73 F-100, I've never tried using adjustable rockers with that type of valve cover so thanks for the info.
I have ran adjustable rockers under the 68 and later Powered by Ford valve covers with a moderate lift (under .550) street cam.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,771
Likes: 80
From: tujunga, calif
Those are most definitely not pentroof valve covers, pentroofs came on 427's that had adjustable rockers and are about two inches taller then the ones shown. I have a set of pentroofs on my 406 with aluminum roller rockers.
Looking at the pic they appear to be 65-67 flat top valve covers, I had a set of chrome ones on a 67 428 engine in a 73 F-100, I've never tried using adjustable rockers with that type of valve cover so thanks for the info.
I have ran adjustable rockers under the 68 and later Powered by Ford valve covers with a moderate lift (under .550) street cam.
Looking at the pic they appear to be 65-67 flat top valve covers, I had a set of chrome ones on a 67 428 engine in a 73 F-100, I've never tried using adjustable rockers with that type of valve cover so thanks for the info.
I have ran adjustable rockers under the 68 and later Powered by Ford valve covers with a moderate lift (under .550) street cam.
Back in my circle track days we used 427's with 352 crank, rods and custom Jahns made pistons.. We had a 400 cu in limit.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Picked up the truck today. She runs great and sounds great too. My grandpa put duals under it and cut them by the rear axle. He kept the stock manifolds though. So I see some headers in my future. He also removed the gas tank from behind the seat and mounted an exterior tank. Looks nice and a lot safer. Took some pics real quick before I had to run off to work. My uncle told me the engine was built by a local guy and he thinks it actually has a 427 crank in it as well. I guess it wad thr first 406 he built because you can see the 406-1 stamped in the engine in one of the photos. I will have to try and track the guy down. I included some pics of some stuff my grandpa had taped inside the shop manual. Thought you guys might be able to help decifer it.
I can't believe how good of shape it is in. I think I will start by putting a windshield fluid resevoir in it and switching the front brakes to disc brakes to make it a little safer. Maybe put some headers on it, change the air filter to dry, rewire the headlights and put some speakers in it. Anything else I'm missing?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,771
Likes: 80
From: tujunga, calif
The one paper with info says "427 point dwell 35". 406-427 distributors were dual points and no vacuum advance typically like the one in your photo. Not sure what distributor the later hydraulic motor used.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 322
From: Harned, Ky
428 block with a 427 crank would give 406 ci, that's the same thing I have.
The torque spec paper shows rod bolt torque of 53-58lbs making me thing he installed a set of early 406-427-428CJ rods that are a little beefier with larger 13/32 bolts.
Not sure why the 427 point dwell unless he was just copying down all the 406-427 info which would bring the rod bolt torque into question, it's nothing to be concerned about unless one tore the engine down again.
Comp Cams 268 High Energy is their version of the 428CJ cam and is a real nice daily driver cam with good performance up to around 5500 rpm.
Looks like you've inherited a nice truck with a good strong engine.
Congrats!
The torque spec paper shows rod bolt torque of 53-58lbs making me thing he installed a set of early 406-427-428CJ rods that are a little beefier with larger 13/32 bolts.
Not sure why the 427 point dwell unless he was just copying down all the 406-427 info which would bring the rod bolt torque into question, it's nothing to be concerned about unless one tore the engine down again.
Comp Cams 268 High Energy is their version of the 428CJ cam and is a real nice daily driver cam with good performance up to around 5500 rpm.
Looks like you've inherited a nice truck with a good strong engine.
Congrats!
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 322
From: Harned, Ky
Pickups used horizontal mounted filters to clear the cross member, my 73 F-100 had a 428CJ in it with the vertical car filter base, I barely could get the short Chrysler style filer screwed on.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 322
From: Harned, Ky
I think I will start by putting a windshield fluid resevoir in it and switching the front brakes to disc brakes to make it a little safer. Maybe put some headers on it, change the air filter to dry, rewire the headlights and put some speakers in it. Anything else I'm missing?
Change it over to a dual master cylinder brake system, with the single master cylinder system if it has one little leak you'll have NO BRAKES. (Been there, said it louder with extra words in between.)
Sanderson makes some nice shorty headers for these trucks, I'd go with the ceramic coated, their a little pricy but will last a lot longer.
I'm guessing there's a issue with the headlights for the rewire.
Two things missing.
Enjoying your truck and stopping by the cemetery to thank your grandpa.
