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Nov 6, 1999 | 08:08 PM

GWB

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From: Washington

Blocks FE

Just wanted someone to refirm what I am see and understanding On the two blocks I have One just removed and On the engine stand. And the other just drag home. One is C7ME-A and other is C9ME-A just wondering if these two are just reg. 352/360/390 Blocks and also I think is funny they had to put this number upside down. Did not want to distract from the tuning thread with Chris . But just wanted to Know if this is the date code. I.E 1967?engine part -A=big ford
Thanks in advance

Nov 7, 1999 | 04:54 AM

BigBrownTruck

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Blocks FE

C7ME-A C7=67 M=Mercury E=Engine part A is a change level A,B...Z,AA AB ect.
C9ME-A same except 69
The letter after the date is the car line.
A-Ford G-(66-68)Comet,(69-70) Montego J- industrial
K-Edsel M-Mercury O-(66-68)Fairlane,(69-70 )Torino
S-T-bird T-Truck W-Cougar(67-70) Z Mustang.
Since Comets,Cougars,and Montegos have their own code that Mercury would be for whatever the fullsized cars and wagons were...Grand Marquie?

Nov 7, 1999 | 09:35 AM

390fe

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From: Iowa

Blocks FE

According to the Steve Christ book "How to rebuild yoru big block Ford", the C7ME-A block should either be a 428 or a 330. However, I have a C7ME-A block and a C7ME block in my garage and they're both 390's. The only to positively identify an FE block is to measure it.

Nov 7, 1999 | 02:52 PM

BigBrownTruck

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Blocks FE

Do you have the heads off? The bore of a 428 should be 4.13" instead of the 4.05" that 360/390 use. A 330MD is a FT motor from a medium or heavy duty truck. The 330has a 3.875" bore. FT's also have a different intake manifold. The exhaust crossover heat passage are from middle to middle instead of diagonal. The 330MD uses a 352FE cast Iron crankshaft instead of a forged steel crank used in other FT motors. The stroke of these discussed engines are: 330: 3.5" 360: 3.5" 390: 3.784" 428: 3.984" Also a 428 is not internally balanced and would have a counterweight on the flexplate or flywheel. The 330 (352,360,390) are Internally balanced. Get yer measuring tools out and have at it. Be on the lookout for markings on the piston tops to indicate oversized pistons from a previous bore job. My 390 pistons were stamped 30 on the tops. Hope this helps. I have a copy of Steve Christs rebuild book by HP Books (390FE refered to this book) I have found it and a similar book by HP books on Smallblock rebuilds (I also have a 302 torn down) very useful and informative. It is easier to find the torque specs and other things than my catch-all Haynes manual.

Nov 7, 1999 | 06:07 PM

GWB

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From: Washington

Blocks FE

I sure it not a 428 because of the crank does not have the extra weight, our big counter on the third or fifth jornel. I petty sure one is a 360 and one is a 390. My 68 is so untouch it even still had the staples holding the old valve covers gaskets to the covers. That book have stated that the M meant Mercury. I just wonder why. Also I went and look at my 72 and no numbers. Just raised ridges up and down about 1/4 wide.
Lost my thought Anyway the one I am tearing down still had the orinal bearing in. but the 76 I drag home I do hope it has oversize piston, so can use them. Also the 76 has a C4 four barrel intake on it just wondering how good these are. Still stange see oil filler in the intake. enough for now and thanks for the reply

Nov 7, 1999 | 07:55 PM

BigBrownTruck

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Blocks FE

If you are looking at the crank, have you found the casting number for it? Also what's this about an oil filler in the intake manifold? I have a 4v fe manifold from the late 60's. I'v been told their nothing special and heavy. I replaced with an Edelbrock Aluminum Performer 390. This won't break you back to lift. I've seen pictures of older FE's with a radiator surge tank on top of the front of the manifold. My engine fills oil into the valve cover.

Nov 7, 1999 | 09:06 PM

GWB

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From: Washington

Blocks FE

No have not look at the crank. So where I do not have to wipe the whole thing down. about where is it on it. Also was just thinking about using the intake. Hopfully will get to OR to pick this other Junk truck . trying to get owner to come down to 200.00 Has nice rims and alum 4 barrel.