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Spotted a 406 for sale near me. Do they have a different block casting number? All I see on this one is a 5 (as opposed to the 352). I've asked the seller for a pic of the bottom side of the block as I believe the 406 is supposed to have cross bolts. Will all the normal FE stuff bolt to this or is it like a 427 that has some of its own parts?
I've never seen a 406 but I know they have a 390 crank and an oversize bore. some were cross bolt but I don't believe all were. some were mechanical lifter only I'm not sure if all were that way.
It might be worth what he's asking or more. I'd ask about it on the FE forum there are some real FE gurus there who could answer all the questions.
Only the engines used in Nascar had crossbolts. The casting is there but they used regular 2 bolt caps from the factory. No drilled oil passages for hydraulic lifters. Will have the old 2 bolt motor mount holes, adaptable to later with some work but they don't just bolt in. May want to check casting numbers with 332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum
So is there any advantage to this block vs. a webbed 390 block? I was hoping it was a 4 bolt main block, but since it is not, I'm not sure it is worth it. I see complete 390's all the time for around 500.
Well for 2k I would be all over it. The aluminum intake and exhaust is worth that. Now if the original dual point distributor was there it would be worth more. All 406 engines were mechanical lifter and only mated to manual transmissions.
Those cast iron headers are a plus as well. The 428 bore size would suggest a different and beefier block casting. Generally speaking one cannot safely bore a regular FE block that far.
Ya for $2000 you can not miss. I'd jump on that pronto.
Ask the seller for the block casting number right side of the block just ahead and below the core plug.
Here is all the info I have on the 406 block and the casting numbers. (See below) So you have some info going in as to what it is. Also, all of the cross-bolted blocks are heavier castings than the 2 bolt main blocks.
If the block casting numbers do not match any of the below it is not a 406. And it looks like the rockers are non-adjustable and IIRC all none of the 406's ran juice cams so I question the validity of it being an actiual 406.
If the block casting number does not match any of the below, post the casting number that the block actually has and I can tell you what it is/from.
C2AE-B – 62-63, 406, cross-bolted mains
C2AE-BD – 62-63, 406, cross-bolted mains
C2AE-D – 62-63, 406, cross-bolted mains
C2AE-J – 62, 406, 2-bolt mains, Solid Lifters, oil pressure relief at back of block
C2AE-K – 62, 406, 2-bolt mains, oil pressure relief at back of block C2AE-V – 62, 406, 2-bolt mains, oil pressure relief at back of block
C3AE-D– 63, 406, 2-bolt mains, has the cross-bolt bosses but no cross bolts
C3AE-V – 63, 406, Solid Lifters, oil pressure relief at back of block
