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.

In Ford FE Engines: How to Rebuild, you will learn every thing you need to know 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, re-assembly and start-up/break-in techniques. Along the way you find helpful tips on performance upgrades, trouble spots to look for, special tools required, and professional builder's tips.

FE master, owner of Survival Motorsports, and veteran author Barry Rabotnick shares all of his tricks and secrets on building a durable and reliable FE engine. 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 is irreplaceable resource for all your future FE engine projects.

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

Specifications:

Pages: 144
Size: 8.5 X 11 (inches)
Format: Paperback
Illustrations: 388 color photos and charts
Publisher: CarTech
ISBN: 9781613252444
Product Code: SA352