I'm looking at a '65 F-100 with a 352, I know nothing about this engine. Should I buy it? or would I be better off with something less obscure like a 302 or 351?

 

It's one of the smaller FE series engines. Same basic block as the other FE engines, like 390, 406, 427, etc.

 

The 352 has a 4.00 cyl bore and a 3.50 crank stroke. If a big block is what you desire go for it. Parts are easily found and not very expensive for the 352. When you get into the 427's and 428's things get expensive and a little harder to find. G.

 

Its a good little engine, displacement wise, and can be the basis for a multitude of FE projects.

If its in good mechanical condition it should treat you well.

 

Some respect for us old timers, please. In its day, the 352 was the hot rod engine. FEs started with 332s, and the 352 was put into the sporty cars - pickup came with the old Y block 292, even some 312 Thunderbird engines, and, as a special order, the 352. When Ford dropped the 352 and went to the 360 we all assumed it was to make up for what was lost to the then new smog controls.

I know, I know, bigger is better but lets not forget our roots.

 

You will not find a 302 or 351 in a truck until the later 60's. The 352 first replaced the Y-block 292 in 1965 and ran until being replaced with the 360 in 1968 (the 360 uses the same block/bore as the 390). If you are interested in the truck, buy it and work with the motor (check out my gallery).

--Mike