FE Longevity

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Nov 4, 2004 | 10:32 PM

FORD352V8

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Joined: Jul 2004

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From: North Carolina

FE Longevity

Hey there I was wondering how long a mild 352 would last compared to a stocker? I am sorta worried with my mods, that the engine will wear out faster, any truth to this? My mods include

Crane 901
Ebrock Peformer RPM
Headers
4bl Holley

Other then that its stock, stock rockers, stock pushrods, stock valves and springs, stock rods, stock crank, stock pistions, etc, etc, etc.

Basically its a stock motor except for that cam and I was wondering if it would lead to any premature wear?

Thanks again for the help

Johnathon

Nov 4, 2004 | 11:09 PM

Scouder

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From: Evanston, WY

It all depends on how you drive it. If you are shifting at 6000 every time you drive it, expect to rebuild in about 15,000 miles. The list you show is quite mild, so if you drive it normally with only an occasional squirt up into the higher revs, and you built it with TLC, it should go 100,000 easy.

-Scouder

Nov 5, 2004 | 12:41 AM

dinosaurfan

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Joined: Aug 2000

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From: SW Michigan

durability

Jon, I think it will last a long time, at least as long as stock. The build you have listed is very mellow. I don't know where the 15K estimate came from for daily 6k shifts, but I believe it to be way off base. I have brutalized engines- FEs included- with shifts at or above 6K on an every day basis for years without a failure. My FEs have always gone over 100K without trouble. One 390 that I DID mange to kill was going about 35 mph, loafing my way into town. As long as you assemble it properly and keep it full of oil, you'll be fine. Those 6K shifts ARE going to make a noticable dent in your fuel economy, however. DF

Nov 5, 2004 | 01:06 AM

Scouder

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From: Evanston, WY

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinosaurfan

I don't know where the 15K estimate came from for daily 6k shifts, but I believe it to be way off base. I have brutalized engines- FEs included- with shifts at or above 6K on an every day basis for years without a failure. My FEs have always gone over 100K without trouble. DF

I was simply trying to create an extreme as a point to emphasize that usage has an effect on longevity. After all, it may get lucky and go 16K just to prove me wrong!

But you ARE going to have to run pretty fast to sell me on the idea that someone can shift a mostly stock FE at 6000 EVERY time they drive it (note that I didn't say "daily") and expect 100,000 miles out of it. It certainly isn't a rule by any means, but let's just say I wouldn't bet MY farm on it... If I had a farm.

-Scouder

Nov 5, 2004 | 01:51 AM

averagef250

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Joined: Sep 2003

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From: Portland, OR

I have not had the opportunity to brutalize several FE's, but I did run the living heck out of one never rebuilt 66 merc 390 with a mild cam and rpm intake for 40K miles in one year. It had 250,000 miles on it when I bought it for $100. The engine never missed a beat. Just leaked alot of oil and the rockers rattled alot when the oil was getting low. Johnathon, your 352 sounds like a very mild build. I would expect it to last a very long time. You didn't mention if you had hardened valve seats installed, but if you didn't, running it hard without a lead additive will erode the seats faster.

Nov 5, 2004 | 02:02 AM

gtex

Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 6,175

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From: Texas

I got my 68 F100 in High school, with about 40,000 miles on the 360. I proceeded to put about 70,000 miles on it in the next 4 years, driving like I was a 15-19 year old male from Texas....I think I replaced 1 lifter and 1 fuel pump.... but that was a stock 360. It was fast enough.

I think with every aftermarket upgrade you make, you increase your chances of early failure. The aftermarket guys just don't have the resources to engineer the parts like Ford did. I don't have any dreams that the engine I just built will go 100,000 miles.

Nov 5, 2004 | 03:02 AM

Hypoid

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Joined: Apr 2004

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From: Golden, CO

Balance Danielsan! Dynamic balance that is. Manufacturers do it, people who can afford to do it. The last time I was in a balancing shop (clutch assembly), I talked with an old boy that had his Harley motor balanced when he rebuilt it 20 years ago. Rides every summer, hasn't had to take it apart since rebuild. He said everyone acted like he's just a stupid old man for spending the extra money. I don't know about stupid, but he did look pretty happy.

I agree that Ford built FE's with longetivity in mind. I think they knew I'd be driving one.
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