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Crankshaft and Connecting Rods
Big Block FE Series
Ford FE Engine Bottom End
BASIC INFORMATION
Once you begin to understand the workings of the “FE” series big-blocks, it becomes easier to
match the right components for mighty impressive performance. The beauty of the “FE” is its
interchangability and simple dimensions throughout. All “FE” crankshafts have 2.7488-inch main
and 2.4384-inch rod journals. This makes crank swapping a breeze. The only hang-ups are 410
and 428ci engines, which are externally balanced, unlike the rest of the “FE” engines which are
internally balanced. This means that if you intend to interchange components, you must balance
your mill accordingly or face serious vibration problems later. The 428 Super Cobra Jet mandates
further balancing considerations due to its add-on counterweight and heavier LeMans rods.
There are two connecting rod lengths for all “FE” engines—the long rod, which is 6.540-inches in
length; and the short rod, which is 6.488-inches. And there are four stroke dimensions—3.30-, 3.50-
, 3.784- and 3.984-inches, resulting in four basic crankshaft types. When these strokes are
combined with specific cylinder bore sizes, we come up with different displacements.

The shorter strokes, 3.30- and 3.50-inches, belong to the smaller “FE” big-blocks, the 332, 352,
360 and 361. The longer stroke dimensions, 3.784- and 3.984-inches, belong to the 390, 406, 410,
427 and 428ci engines. The 3.30, 3.50- and 3.784-inch engines rev high. The 3.984-inch stroke
engines, the 410 and 428, don’t rev as high because they are limited by stroke. With stroke comes
torque, however—lots of torque.
Piston types for the “FE” are certainly varied, depending upon engine type and transmission.
Likewise, flywheels, harmonic balancers and accessory drive pulleys are quite involved as well for
the FE-series big-blocks.

The 385-series big-blocks, the 429 and 460, are much easier to understand and remember than
the “FE” engines because just two displacements were offered. The 429 and 460 use the same
length connecting rod—6.6035-inches. Displacement difference comes from the crankshaft only. All
of the 385-series big-blocks are internally balanced, which means interchangeability is unlimited.
Crankshaft
332/352/360/361/390
These “FE” series engines all employ a cast iron crankshaft. The only real different is stroke. The
332 crankshaft has a 3.30-inch stroke. Three castings were made during the life of the 332. All are
interchangeable. The 352 is more involved, but just as interchangeable. Fourteen variations of the
352 crank were produced. The 360ci engine, available only in pickup trucks, used two crankshaft
types during its 1968-76 service life. The Edsel 361 was produced with two crankshaft types during
its two-year run. The 390, which arrived on the scene in 1961, employed 16 different crankshafts
through 1976.

If you are seeking a forged steel crank for your 352/360/390/406/427 engine, you may opt for an
“FT” crank from the 330HD, 361 or 391. These engines, like the 410 and 428, are externally
balanced. This means proper balancing procedures must apply in your build. Where the steel crank
suffers to a certain degree is weight because there is considerable weight gain both in the crank
and flywheel. The weight increase in the crank is due to larger counterweights. The “FT” crank also
has a larger 1.750-inch front shaft versus 1.375-inches for the “FE” shaft. The trick here is to turn
down the “FT” shaft or opt for the “FT” timing cover, harmonic balancer and pulley.
406/410/427/428
With these engines, there are a variety of crankshafts encompassing two stroke lengths—3.784-
and 3.984-inches. The 406 and 427 employ the shorter 3.78-inch stroke also common to the 390.
The 410 and 428 utilize the longest “FE” stroke of 3.98-inches. These two engines are externally
balanced, unlike the 406 and 427 which are internally balanced.
Ford 427 Crankshaft Casting Numbers Ford 427 Crankshaft Oil Plugs
Like most "FE" cranks, the 427 crank is
identified via the casting/forging number
on the journal as shown. This is a cast
crank, identifiable by its parting lines on
the journals and counterweights.
Early 427 cranks had press-in plugs (hollow
journals) like this one. Later on, these cranks
had screw-in plugs.
Previous | Next


This has been a sample page from

High Performance Ford Engine Parts Interchange High Performance Ford Engine
Parts Interchange
by George Reid
First-ever book about Ford parts interchange
Covers
the entire range of Ford engines from
221-CID to 460-CID
This is one of the best books ever written about Ford engines.
Covering both big- and small-block Ford V-8 engines, this
first-ever book on the subject provides indispensable information
to the Ford enthusiast. Included are high performance factory
parts, interchangeability between Ford Windsor and Cleveland
engines, extensive coverage of the 302 and 351 series as well as
the
352, 390, 406, 427, 428, 429, and 460 big block engines,
factory casting numbers, etc. Read the sample pages from each
chapter to learn more!
Click below to view sample
pages from each chapter
"If you are trying to mix and match cranks and rods, this book
will tell you if it can be done. If you are trying to find the correct
casting number for a Boss 429 distributor, this book will have it
listed. What we really find appealing about the book is that, not
only is it a perfect resource for those interested in factory
correct restorations, but it is equally as useful for the
performance oriented engine builder. Each chapter points out
building tips, such as how to improve a Cleveland's oiling
system, or what heads will yield the best horsepower gains. As
with all SA Design books, this one is filled with pages of detailed
photographs and diagrams. This book will prove to be a
priceless resource, as many of the original Ford V-8 parts
become harder and harder to come by."
-- FORDMUSCLE
webmagazine, February, 2000
Small Block Fords
Chap. 1 - Small Block Ford
Chap. 2 - Cylinder Block
Chap. 3 - Crankshaft & Rods
Chap. 4 - Oiling System
Chap. 5 - Cylinder  Heads
Chap. 6 - Intake System
Chap. 7 - Ignition System
Chap. 8 - Exhaust Manifolds
Chap. 9 - Cooling System
Big Block Fords
Chap. 10 - Big Blocks
Chap. 11- Cylinder Block
Chap. 12 - Crankshaft & Rods
Chap. 13 - Oiling System
Chap. 14 - Cylinder Head
Chap. 15 - Intake System
Chap. 16 - Ignition System
Chap. 17 - Exhaust Manifolds
Chap. 18 - Cooling System
All Ford Engines
Chap. 19 - Gaskets  
Chap. 20 -
Engine Math  
Softbound
8-3/8 X 10-7/8
128 pages
Over 300 b/w photos
Item # SA56
Price: $18.95
Click here to buy now!
This is a great book that any Ford engine enthusiast or
engine builder is sure to love!


 
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