Ford FE Engines: How to Rebuild

by Barry Rabotnick

Overview

Learn what you need to rebuild a Ford FE Engine for reliability and durability from FE master, owner of Survival Motorsports, and veteran author Barry Rabotnick.

In Ford FE Engines: How to Rebuild, Barry shows you how to rebuild one of these legendary engines. CarTech's unique Workbench series format takes you step-by-step through the entire rebuilding process. Covered are engine identification and selection, disassembly, cleaning, parts analysis and assessment, machine shop processes, replacement parts selection, reassembly and start-up/break-in techniques. Along the way are helpful tips on performance upgrades, trouble spots to look for, special tools required, and professional builder's tips.

Ford FE engines, which were manufactured from the late 1950s all the way through the mid-1970s, were designated as the large-displacement engines in the Ford lineup. FE means Ford Edsel and reflects an era when Ford sought to promote the Edsel name. The design of these engines was implemented to increase displacement over its predecessor, the Y-Block engines of the previous decade. Early models were fairly modest in displacement, as were most big-blocks of the era, but they grew quickly to fill the needs of rapidly changing chassis requirements and consumer demand for larger vehicles. As it grew, the FE engine performed admirably as a heavy passenger car and light truck engine. It also became quite accomplished in performance circles, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as powering Ford’s muscle car and drag racing programs in the mid-to-late 1960s.

Whether you are simply rebuilding an old truck for reliable service use, restoring a 100-point show car, or building the foundation for a high-performance street and strip machine, this book will be an irreplaceable resource for all your future FE engine projects.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613252444
Publisher:	CarTech
Publication date:	06/05/2018
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	528,297
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Barry Rabotnick has worked at Holley and later managed the performance parts program at Federal Mogul. He currently owns and operates Survival Motorsports, which specializes in high-performance FE engine parts, machine services, and engine building. He built a 750-horsepower FE engine that runs on 91 octane for Jeg's Engine Master's Challenge. Survival Motorsports is based in Commerce Township, Michigan.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: Planning the Engine Build

Budgeting Process

Performance Goals

Formulas for Engine Design

Ford FE Specific Design Choices

Build Process

Choosing and Qualification of Your Core

Teardown and Inspection

Chapter 2: The Engine Block

Engine Block Inspection

Sonic Checking Charts

Pre-Machining Block Preparation

Oiling System Modifications

Casting Preparation

Machine Work: The Big Stuff

Block Detailing

Camshaft Bearing Installation

Block Final Work: Paint and Plugs

Chapter 3: Crankshafts

Identification

Measurement and Inspection

Grinding and Polishing

Balancing

Bearings and Assembly

Chapter 4: Connecting Rods, Pistons, and Rings

Aftermarket Connecting Rods

Pistons and Piston Rings

Installation and Fitting of Piston Rings

Installation of Piston Assemblies onto the Connecting Rods

Piston, Connecting Rod, and Ring Assembly Installation

Chapter 5: Camshafts, Lifters, and Timing

FE Camshaft Design Specifics

Camshaft Bearings

Lifter Selection Criteria

Cam Specs: Lift, Duration, and Lobe Separation Angle

So How Do I Pick a Cam?

Cam Thrust Plate and End Play

Timing Sets

Timing Covers

Dampers

Chapter 6: Oiling System

Oil Pans and Oil Pump Pickups

Chapter 7: Cylinder Heads and Valves

Basic 360 and 390 Heads

Aftermarket Head Designs

Cylinder Head Reconditioning

Castings: Cleaning, Inspection, and Qualification

Component Selection

Valves

Valve Springs, Locators, Retainers, and Keepers

Setting and Inspecting Stem Tip Height

Valve Stem Seals

Cylinder Head Assembly

Mounting the Cylinder Heads

Head Fasteners

Chapter 8: Valvetrain Assembly

Pushrod Length Measurement

Assembling the Valvetrain

Chapter 9: Intake Manifold Selection

Fitting the Intake Manifold

Installing the Intake Manifold

Chapter 10: Carburetors

Carburetor Tuning

Chapter 11: Ignition and Distributor

Installing the Distributor

Chapter 12: Pre-Oiling and Final Assembly

Oil Selection

Pre-Oiling the Engine

Valve Covers

Finishing Up: Sensors, Thermostat, PCV, Pulleys, and Belts

Chapter 13: Exhaust

Chapter 14: Initial Start Up and Break-In

Source Guide

Appendix

Editorial Reviews

"FE Master Barry Rabotnick shares all of his tricks and secrets on building a durable and reliable FE engine."

engine professional - Dave Hagen

"If there's a Ford FE in your future, this book is money well spent."

Hemmings Muscle Machines - Mark J. McCourt

"This terrific new book is literally everything you need to know from A to Z regarding your FE."

Fairlaner