Questions on early 352 FE

[46yblock]

It looks likely that the 352 in my '60 Tbird will need a rebuild. I am getting conflicting info about the early FE's vs. later. Can someone clue me in on the differences between the two engines?

I want to keep this one, not change to a 390. Things like common bearings, cams, rods, lifters, timing sets, cam bearings, head gaskets, etc. are of interest. I do know the early and late valves were the same. Heads are likely different. These heads and engine are the 300 HP Interceptor variety.

I am really having a time getting some straight info. Like combustion chamber volume. So far one dude seems satisfied to lecture more than instruct.

Maybe someone could steer me in a direction.

Thanks, Mike

[Fordors]

Google is your friend-

http://www.hotrodreference.com/81/fo...sting-numbers/

[46yblock]

Thankyou. The linked chart reminded me to look in the High Performance Ford book by Reid. If shows confirmation that the COAE D head is 59-62 cc. That is good! I want to keep the dynamic compression as high as possible while still using 92 octane pump gas.

Mike

[46yblock]

Originally Posted by Fordors

Google is your friend-

http://www.hotrodreference.com/81/fo...sting-numbers/

Thanks! The chart reminded me to look at the Ford High Performance book by Reid. It confirmed the COAE D heads as being 59-62 cc. That is GOOD. I will try to keep the dynamic CR as high as possible on 92 Octane pump gas, and the original cam profile.

[TedEaton]

Camshaft in the pre '63 engines are the non-thrust plate design which uses a spring to hold the cam to the block. Finding a new non-thrust plate cam is a challenge but drilling/tapping the block for the '63 and later camshaft is doable so that the thrust plate can be used. You'll have to use the later timing set also with the later model camshaft. Ted Eaton.

[46yblock]

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Originally Posted by TedEaton

Camshaft in the pre '63 engines are the non-thrust plate design which uses a spring to hold the cam to the block. Finding a new non-thrust plate cam is a challenge but drilling/tapping the block for the '63 and later camshaft is doable so that the thrust plate can be used. You'll have to use the later timing set also with the later model camshaft. Ted Eaton.

Ted, thanks. I had planned on having the original cam ground to stock specs at Oregon Cam, if that makes a diff.

Mike

[JeffB2]

I guess mre-books offers some coverage: http://www.mre-books.com/engine/bigblock.html

[scicala]

Originally Posted by 46yblock

It looks likely that the 352 in my '60 Tbird will need a rebuild. I am getting conflicting info about the early FE's vs. later. Can someone clue me in on the differences between the two engines?

I want to keep this one, not change to a 390. Things like common bearings, cams, rods, lifters, timing sets, cam bearings, head gaskets, etc. are of interest. I do know the early and late valves were the same. Heads are likely different. These heads and engine are the 300 HP Interceptor variety.

I am really having a time getting some straight info. Like combustion chamber volume. So far one dude seems satisfied to lecture more than instruct.

Maybe someone could steer me in a direction.

Thanks, Mike

Also if you go to the NHRA website and look for the engine blueprint specs, they list the head casting numbers, combustion chamber cc's, compression ratios, valve sizes, deck heights, carburetor numbers, etc. for the different years.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by scicala

Also if you go to the NHRA website and look for the engine blueprint specs, they list the head casting numbers, combustion chamber cc's, compression ratios, valve sizes, deck heights, carburetor numbers, etc. for the different years.

Sal, That's good stuff to remember right there...

[46yblock]

Very helpful info guys! Thankyou!

[JeffB2]

This is also a good place to check out:http://www.network54.com/Forum/74182/

[craig]

why not bore the block .050 and use a std. bore 390 piston along with a 390 crank and rods. Use your original heads, etc., nobody will be the wiser, but you will gain some very noticeable torque

[46yblock]

Originally Posted by craig

why not bore the block .050 and use a std. bore 390 piston along with a 390 crank and rods. Use your original heads, etc., nobody will be the wiser, but you will gain some very noticeable torque

As time progresses, I am becoming more flexible on this project. Thanks.