428 Questions
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428 Questions
Hey guys.....
I found a pair of Torino's. One is a 428 Ram Air Cobra and the other is a 68 390 GT Torino.
The Cobra doesn't have the original engine, but the guy said he has a couple 428 blocks to put together. Unfortunately, the heads and exhaust manifolds are missing. What can I do to turn a plain 428 into a Cobra Jet? Is it just in the heads and cam?
Let me know what you think!
I found a pair of Torino's. One is a 428 Ram Air Cobra and the other is a 68 390 GT Torino.
The Cobra doesn't have the original engine, but the guy said he has a couple 428 blocks to put together. Unfortunately, the heads and exhaust manifolds are missing. What can I do to turn a plain 428 into a Cobra Jet? Is it just in the heads and cam?
Let me know what you think!
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Does the service block have the webbing on the sides? Is this a very desirable block to build? Also, would I have to drop the compression to run on pump gas? Wasn't the CJ running 10.6 to 11.0 CR? If so, would I still get away with 10.6 pistons on pump gas? Would it be best to run a roller cam in the 428?
I'll try and get out there to look at the 428. If it's a webbed block, you bet I'll be all over it. I'd like to build a 428 and put it back in the Cobra.
Would it be okay to run the other 428 block in the GT or is it better to have a 390 GT motor in it?
Sorry for so many questions. Thanks!
I'll try and get out there to look at the 428. If it's a webbed block, you bet I'll be all over it. I'd like to build a 428 and put it back in the Cobra.
Would it be okay to run the other 428 block in the GT or is it better to have a 390 GT motor in it?
Sorry for so many questions. Thanks!
Last edited by BlueOvalfan85; Oct 31, 2007 at 10:23 PM. Reason: delete info
Needsmorecoffee.
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From: CT
Yes the 70's era service blocks can have the vertical ribs on the outside. They are the same EXACT block as the CJ. Even the std web 428 blocks are great to build. So don't let that stop you either. The CJ had 10.6:1 comp ratio. I'm not a numbers resto guy so I say run whatever you like. If the GT car has the original 390 just keep it to the side in the garage and build the 428. At least you'd have the original engine for it if you ever wanted to sell.
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He doesn't have the original 390 for it. Could I build a 428 CJ Torino GT? It was an option in late 68. It's a original 390 S code Torino. I like to keep cars original, but I like to add factory options to make them more valuable and desirable.
Also, the Cobra and GT are column shift C6 autos with bench seats. Both still have the original trans and rearends. The Cobra is a real 428 CJ Ram Air car, according to the VIN. When I read it and saw the 'R', I knew it was for real. The GT is kind of unique because it has a very low serial number. It was like the 3000th Torino built. It's because of this I want to restore it.
Is it true the 428 CJ was actually rated at 410 horses and over 500# torque? Could I build up both blocks to make far more than that?
Thanks
Also, the Cobra and GT are column shift C6 autos with bench seats. Both still have the original trans and rearends. The Cobra is a real 428 CJ Ram Air car, according to the VIN. When I read it and saw the 'R', I knew it was for real. The GT is kind of unique because it has a very low serial number. It was like the 3000th Torino built. It's because of this I want to restore it.
Is it true the 428 CJ was actually rated at 410 horses and over 500# torque? Could I build up both blocks to make far more than that?
Thanks
Last edited by BlueOvalfan85; Nov 1, 2007 at 10:34 PM.
Needsmorecoffee.
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From: CT
The CJ was rated at 335hp but more like 370hp as spec'd by NHRA. 440 ft lbs tq. This is with the stock cam and exhaust mani's. You can easliy uncork 400+. I beleive the CJ option came out in April 68. The Talledega's were bench seat colum shift C6 too. Sounds like a nice pair of cars.
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Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by BlueOvalfan85
Also, the Cobra and GT are column shift C6 autos with bench seats. Both still have the original trans and rearends. The Cobra is a real 428 CJ Ram Air car, according to the VIN. When I read it and saw the 'R', I knew it was for real. The GT is kind of unique because it has a very low serial number.
It was like the 3000th Torino built. It's because of this I want to restore it.
Thanks
The serial number only reflects the number built at the particular assembly plant the car was built at, not the total overall production.
Look on the Warranty Plate for the actual build date.
You can get a copy of the original Ford build sheet for a fee from: martiauto.com
I can decode the VIN, and all the codes found on the Warranty Plate.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Nov 2, 2007 at 05:45 AM.
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Needsmorecoffee.
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From: CT
It can....but so can most other bore blocks too. The ribs came into play in 68 on some blocks and was used from then on for most. There are some blocks cast thru the 70's without them too. Some also have no casting number both service and production.
Last edited by IB Tim; Nov 4, 2007 at 12:43 PM.
Hotshot
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From: south louisiana
Yea, you can run 10.6 to 1 on pump gas, just not 87-89 octane. Cam choice has a lot to do with it too. So does ignition timing. Should be no problem running 93 octane, even with the stock CJ/GT cam. I ran my 68 Merc's 390 on 93 with the stock 2 bbl cam and 10.5 to 1. After the overhaul, it was fine with 89 and a Crane 272 Energizer cam, 1/4 point less compression (head gasket change from .020 shims to .042 Felpro Permatorque Blues) and 12 degrees initial timing.
Last edited by baddad457; Nov 2, 2007 at 06:00 PM.
Needsmorecoffee.
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From: CT
Originally Posted by Mr. G
Is it considered a better block if it has them?
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
The Cobra: 9K46R137728 / 63E Z CA 17K 74 A U
9 = 1969
K = Kansas City Assembly Plant
46 = Torino Cobra 2 door HT Fastback
R = 428 4V Cobra Jet-Hydraulic Lifters
137728 -Numerical Sequence of Assembly-Kansas City Plant
63E = Torino Cobra 2 Door HT Fastback
Z = Dark Gray Metallic
CA = Charcoal Black Corinthian Vinyl & Charcoal Black Kiwi Vinyl
17K = October 17, 1968
74 = Seattle WA Ford District Sales Zone (where dealer placed order)
A = Ford 9 Inch / 3.50-1 / Non Limited Slip
U = C6 Automatic (XPL)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The GT: 8K42S103938 63D R 8U 12J 42 7 U
8 = 1968
K = Kansas City Assembly Plant
42 = Torino GT 2 Door Hardtop Fastback
S = 390 4V
103938 = Numerical Sequence of Assembly-Kansas City Plant
63D = Torino GT 2 Door Hardtop Fastback
R = Dark Green Metallic
8U = Pastel Parchment Crinkle Vinyl & Pastel Parchment Kiwi Pattern Vinyl
12J = September 12, 1967
42 = Fargo ND Ford District Sales Zone (where dealer placed order)
7 = Ford 9 Inch / 3.25-1 / Non Limited Slip
U = C6 Automatic (XPL)
Are you certain of the Z color code on the 1969? The Z code in 1969 is listed as a T-Bird color. (2 = Light Ivy Yellow).
9 = 1969
K = Kansas City Assembly Plant
46 = Torino Cobra 2 door HT Fastback
R = 428 4V Cobra Jet-Hydraulic Lifters
137728 -Numerical Sequence of Assembly-Kansas City Plant
63E = Torino Cobra 2 Door HT Fastback
Z = Dark Gray Metallic
CA = Charcoal Black Corinthian Vinyl & Charcoal Black Kiwi Vinyl
17K = October 17, 1968
74 = Seattle WA Ford District Sales Zone (where dealer placed order)
A = Ford 9 Inch / 3.50-1 / Non Limited Slip
U = C6 Automatic (XPL)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The GT: 8K42S103938 63D R 8U 12J 42 7 U
8 = 1968
K = Kansas City Assembly Plant
42 = Torino GT 2 Door Hardtop Fastback
S = 390 4V
103938 = Numerical Sequence of Assembly-Kansas City Plant
63D = Torino GT 2 Door Hardtop Fastback
R = Dark Green Metallic
8U = Pastel Parchment Crinkle Vinyl & Pastel Parchment Kiwi Pattern Vinyl
12J = September 12, 1967
42 = Fargo ND Ford District Sales Zone (where dealer placed order)
7 = Ford 9 Inch / 3.25-1 / Non Limited Slip
U = C6 Automatic (XPL)
Are you certain of the Z color code on the 1969? The Z code in 1969 is listed as a T-Bird color. (2 = Light Ivy Yellow).
Last edited by NumberDummy; Nov 3, 2007 at 04:09 AM.