Any big-block (FE) builds going on right now?

[aks801]

Title says it all.

Like Gen Macarthur said, "I have returned!" Ok, no one may have noticed I have been away from the roadster land for a while. I can accept that. Sniff.

I am very interested in using a 390 stroked to 427 for a roadster build sometime in the not distant future. So I'd like to follow along anyone who is building one currently. Any such builds happening right now? Most seem to be either Coyote, 351, or 302-based and there's not a dang thing wrong with any of those.

If you know of any threads here or in the other forum(s), please tip me off.

Thanks, all.

[feadam]

Building one right now, in build section under FEAdam, got pictures of build have encountered a few detours. I'm using 4 speed toploader and 482 BBM block heads and dual 4 Blue thunder intake.

[Itchief]

I completed mine about a year ago with a 390 FE a TKO and a 3 link

[aks801]

feadam: that's too cool, I am also planning on using the Top-Loader and dual quads using the Blue Thunder intake.

Itchief: so, uh, how's it drive?!

[feadam]

You'll have to modify the trans bracket from FF5 to get it to work

[Itchief]

I got the FE from a friend at work he dropped 12 k into the motor and sold it to me for 4K still in the crate

It’s a blast to drive about 475 ft lbs at the crank

I had to work through some handling issues because my weight balance is about 1700 lbs front and 1000 lbs rear ended up with 9 inch 550 lb springs up front and 250 lb 9 inch springs rear and added anti sway bars front and rear

The ride is still stiff but it no longer hurts to drive over rough roads

Let know if I can try to answer any questions or issues I have had to work through

Good luck

Rick

[erlihemi]

Building one right now, in build section under FEAdam, got pictures of build have encountered a few detours. I'm using 4 speed toploader and 482 BBM block heads and dual 4 Blue thunder intake.

Took a quick look at your build. Nice to see an old school replification. Great job!
I would like to hear if people are happy with the BBM blocks. Has anyone considered the aluminum FE block from BBM?? Pricey but seems like a natural for the roadster. My experience is that Doug oversold the cylinder wall thickness, but, that was on the "other" make of block. I heard they are working on a coyote block also.

[feadam]

I've had many 427 blocks over the years, original, had a genesis block, this BBM is by far the best block as far as machining and no flaws. I don't think BBM has any aluminum blocks yet they keep getting pushed back on production. The heads are also the first set of heads I have not cleaned up or ported fully for an FE that I have owned, just valve job and blend.

[erlihemi]

The last time I "conversed" with Doug he was actually in Korea at the foundry. I was trying to find out the block material content and they would not divulge it other than the blocks do not require stress relief as they accomplish that in "the process". I haven't done any material checks myself, but, if I switch from ultrasonic checks on an old Chrysler high nickel block to the BBM block I have to significantly change the gain on the sensor. Obviously I'm working with the 392 repro block. The casting features on the Hemi block are not as improved as I would have liked, but, I suspect the purpose was to satisfy the investors need for a nostalgia class block. Diesel grade Iron is not a specific defined grade by our American standards. Its certainly not compacted graphite. In any case he made a better effort on the FE improvements and that's his volume for now. Good luck with your first test drive. Be conservative!!

[Big Blocker]

If you want to see an absolutely immaculate 390 build, go here (disclaimer: it's the "other" forum) - -> https://www.ffcars.com/forums/46-big...big-block.html

Or do a search for anything posted by RacerAl, he also has an extraordinary build of a FE.

Doc

[Kennyr]

Adam, Your build is really impressive. Have you given any thought to the Robert Pond block vs. the BBM? How difficult is it to get to header bolts and plugs in the Mk4?

Ken

[aks801]

If you want to see an absolutely immaculate 390 build, go here (disclaimer: it's the "other" forum) - -> https://www.ffcars.com/forums/46-big...big-block.html

Or do a search for anything posted by RacerAl, he also has an extraordinary build of a FE.

Doc

Yes Doc, I am very familiar with that thread. I have ZERO experience with an engine build, but I can tell he did it SO right.

[feadam]

Kennyr
Wanted an iron block and that meant either original ford block or BBM, which was new company at time, so took chance and bought the BBM. Its a really good block if I would have went aluminum probably would have done a Pond block. Header on right wasn't bad left was more challenging, spark plugs are easy because of the way they face up on an FE.