Identifying FE big blocks

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Mar 29, 2001 | 02:55 PM

phaffy12

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Junior User

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 79

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From: Granger, IA

Identifying FE big blocks

Can somebody tell me how to quickly identify a FE big block in a junkyard. I don't care about size, just need to be able to tell if its a FE big block.

Mar 29, 2001 | 03:19 PM

tuff1

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Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 55

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From: St. Helens USA

Identifying FE big blocks

It should have a 352 on the left front of the block and the intake will extend beneath the valve covers.

The only good chevy is a dead chevy

Mar 29, 2001 | 08:54 PM

BigBrownTruck

Elder User

Joined: Aug 1999

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Identifying FE big blocks

Five bolts hold valve cover on, the plugs angle to the middle instead of all one direction, and the intake is covered by part of the valve cover. All these things I believe are unique to FE's when looking in Ford Trucks. I know my smallblocks (302) have 6 valve cover bolts, and 351M/400 has 8, and 429/460 have 7. I'd say the quickest is the plug angle thing //\\. I'm still working on telling a 335series (351M/400) from a 385series (429/460). I was looking the other day at the tag on an 80 truck on the radiator support that said the motor was a 351M and clearly looking at the 302 that was sitting in it. So I wouldn't take the tag for gospel especially if it's not on the valve cover.

BBT

Mar 30, 2001 | 01:13 PM

chilly390

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 122

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Identifying FE big blocks

460's have the thermostat housing going into the intake, 335 style engines have the thermo housing going into the block.

Mar 30, 2001 | 01:34 PM

fairlaniac

Tuned

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 380

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From: Denver, PA

Identifying FE big blocks

I use the method that BigBrownTruck used. The intake and the head gasket joint is under the valve cover. I've found this to be the easiest way to distinguish an FE from another block. Now to determine whether it is a 352,360,390,406,410,427 or 428 is a whole other hornets nest of info. Check out this illustration to see what I mean
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=159742&a=1166960&p=45232976
Doug

1966 Fairlane 500 428 2-4v MR 4/spd
1995 F-150 4x4 5.0 5/spd
Ford Mercury MuscleCar Era Cars & Parts Board
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