C8ME-A question
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 821
Likes: 292
From: Pelham Alabama
C8ME-A question
Posted this on the FE forum under C8ME-A also but thought you guys might also have some answers.
I know 440 is a 428 guy..
I have an opportunity to buy a Ford BB and the guy says it's a 428CJ engine.
I have not put eyes on it yet as it is bout 3 hrs away.
I did ask a few questions and it is a C8ME-A block
When ask about the intake I was told it had a 2 barrel intake.??
Thought all CJ's were 4 BBL.
After doin a lot of serching on inerweb, looks like that number could also be a 68 390, or several other FE;s.
Finally, my question, What on the externals if any will distinguish this as a 438 CJ if any.
Thank you, Alex
I know 440 is a 428 guy..
I have an opportunity to buy a Ford BB and the guy says it's a 428CJ engine.
I have not put eyes on it yet as it is bout 3 hrs away.
I did ask a few questions and it is a C8ME-A block
When ask about the intake I was told it had a 2 barrel intake.??
Thought all CJ's were 4 BBL.
After doin a lot of serching on inerweb, looks like that number could also be a 68 390, or several other FE;s.
Finally, my question, What on the externals if any will distinguish this as a 438 CJ if any.
Thank you, Alex
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,826
Likes: 2,339
I'm no expert but as far as I know that would be a 428 CJ, the CJ has webbing and different mains so it has it's own cast number . there are several ways to tell a 428 externally , like the counterweighed vibration damper, or the 428 cast behind the freeze plug., but I think that applies to all 428s as I recall. no 428 standard or CJ came with a 2v manifold, but that doesn't mean much it could be off a 360 or something.
Any 428 is good merchandise, a CJ is obviously better. if the price is decent I'd go look . check the boor size carefully the core shift can prevent going too much oversize sometimes.
you'll get good advice on the FE forum.
Any 428 is good merchandise, a CJ is obviously better. if the price is decent I'd go look . check the boor size carefully the core shift can prevent going too much oversize sometimes.
you'll get good advice on the FE forum.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 4,735
From: Burbank, WA
One of the best descriptions I've read regarding FE casting marks is they can help identify what it is, but not positively identify what it is. Ford used the same outer mold with different inner molds to create blocks, so the numbers on the outside can have different inner bore cores and the only way to positively know what you have is to open it up and measure it. Engines thought to be 428's have been found to be 360's and 390's. A 2 barrel intake would be a big red flag to me. Here's a great article from a credible source that may tell you more than you ever wanted to know about these, and could help you with identification. Good luck, and keep us posted on what you find. 
https://www.428cobrajet.org/id-block
https://www.428cobrajet.org/id-block
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 117
From: starship enterprise
If the price is right It might be worth looking at it. I hope if a true CJ you would be able to tell pretty quickly, However my input might be that 429 (entirely different engine platform) would have been called a thunder jet and be offered with a 2 bbl. Not uncommon a thunder jet mistakenly advertised as cobra jet. If it is actually a 428 configuration, then hopefully it is evident that it is a good one.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,826
Likes: 2,339
If it's a rebuildable 428 and the price is right just buy it. if it's a CJ that's just a bonus. 428's are getting tougher to find.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Pelham Alabama
Thank you for the reply.
I passed on that one as it was 3 + hre away.
The 2 bbl was what made me not make the drive. There will be others forsure.
One guy I know in Tpa. told me not to pay a lot of attention to the 2bbl setup.
When ask y , I was told that in the early 70's, depending on what it was in, when some repairs were made some people would
install a 2bbl manifold and carb to try to save gas.Not being familiar with the 428's I kinda call BS on that story..
I do remember the gas situation and long lines though. LOL
Thank you all again for the replies...
Alex
I passed on that one as it was 3 + hre away.
The 2 bbl was what made me not make the drive. There will be others forsure.
One guy I know in Tpa. told me not to pay a lot of attention to the 2bbl setup.
When ask y , I was told that in the early 70's, depending on what it was in, when some repairs were made some people would
install a 2bbl manifold and carb to try to save gas.Not being familiar with the 428's I kinda call BS on that story..
I do remember the gas situation and long lines though. LOL
Thank you all again for the replies...
Alex
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 349
From: Anderson, California
Aha, I just love the Nostalgia of these once semi-desirable engines.
I have a '71 F250 that I drug home from an aunt's ranch which has a '66 Merc 410 marauder engine and C6.
Yessir, it is a 2-bbl, and is an absolute Torque Monster' with the 1.8 venturi size ? motorcraft.
The only way I can tell if it may possible be a 428 undercover, is to pull a head and check the bore size.
Being an AMC owner now, for 44-years, I've also a passion for the 401 AMC engines, which are Scarce.
I have a '71 F250 that I drug home from an aunt's ranch which has a '66 Merc 410 marauder engine and C6.
Yessir, it is a 2-bbl, and is an absolute Torque Monster' with the 1.8 venturi size ? motorcraft.
The only way I can tell if it may possible be a 428 undercover, is to pull a head and check the bore size.
Being an AMC owner now, for 44-years, I've also a passion for the 401 AMC engines, which are Scarce.
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