FE in a fox

[WFOranger]

I have recently aquired the body of an 87 gt t-top car. Someone i know has a 428 FE for sell and i was wondering how hard it would be to mate the two together. What kinda motor mounts would i need and what kinda headers could i get away with. Also would i have to modify the strut towers to allow for the bigger engine. Any information would be helpful.

 

[smittyb]

ISn't the 428 the same as the 460 block? They make mounts for 460 swaps.

 

[Hickfied]

I don't think they are.... There is the FE series (390, 428) and the 385 series (429, 460).

People have put a FE into these cars. I know I wouldn't do it... I would go with a 385 series engine, or a 351W.

 

[Dark Knight]

428 isnt the same as a 460. It's a common swap in NHRA super stock.. there are a few kits out there, just cant remember who makes them..


If it's a 428CJ, it'll be worth some $$$

 

[85ragtop]

I am looking for a fox to put my 460 in. It is rated at 648hp. I think that would be cool. I also have a 351w. I went for a ride in the truck the 460 came out of, and it was crazy fast.

 

[smittyb]

Yeah, I was just gonna repost. I was thinking 429, not 428.

 

[zidane45]

dont do it. Restore that junk back to original man. T-tops are hot!
either that or sell it to someone who will appreciate its rarity.

 

[86bluecobra]

There is a 86 in my town with a 428 in it. It took them a couple of weeks to shoe horn it in. It won't fit under the stock hood. My 351w kicks its butt at the strip all the time.

 

[R2D2]

My 351w kicks its butt at the strip all the time.

that doesnt mean anything, anyone can build junk

 

[88Stang331]

that doesnt mean anything, anyone can build junk

I think hes calling you out...

 

[R2D2]

I think hes calling you out...

Im not doing anything, a guy could be running a 347 and the guy down the block dumps a bone stock 400hp 460 in a mustang and the 347 is quicker, means much of nothing.

 

[Sicarius428]

I don't think the 428 would be a good swap for a fox. Please don't get me wrong. I absolutely love the 428(see sig). Also depends if it is a cobra jet, if not it was probably lifted from a truck or wagon. You would be better off putting a stroked 351 in there IMO. The potential weight of a 351, ease of finding parts and cheaper, ability to bolt it in without too much work really make it the ideal swap. Leave the FE for the classics. FEs also have heat issues so there are a lot of things that are tricky with them and don't have 30 years of refinement to back them up. Again, I do love the FEs but are probably not best suited for your street fox. A CJ will probably will tweak your T top pretty easy in stock form too. Definately get some subframes and possibly a cage.
Kevin

 

[cleanLX]

weight, cost, avaliability of parts, oiling, and cooling are all against the FE. On top of that, not many machine shops have experience with FE's like they do with windsors.

I love the mild FE390 in my '69 F250, but I don't desire to build another one...

Also depends if it is a cobra jet, if not it was probably lifted from a truck or wagon.

trust me, you don't want an "FE truck" motor in your mustang... Max tq is in by 2000rpm, and drops off after that, max power will be used up long before 5000rpm, not like shifting up there is going to do you any good given the way tq is produced... they are basically gas versions of a diesel engine.

 

[WFOranger]

I know the car is one of few but if you saw how strip down the car was you would just think twice about rebuilding it to stock. All that is left is the main body, the doors, and the t-tops thats it. This is just a side project for me to do over a couple of years so it doesn't matter how hard the swap will be. And i thought the 428 was a great street motor because of the small bore and large stroke. Its suppose to have a wall of torque. Plus i am looking for something different.

 

[R2D2]

just go to the network54 FE forum, they will help you. Nothing wrong with being different, I encourage it. Just cause it's not a 289-302-351 doesnt mean its wrong. Your gonna run into alot of people that were never even thought about being born when the FE was around. There a great engine, kinda like my beloved clevelands that people have no clue about

 

[Sicarius428]

There is definately nothing wrong with the idea. By all means whatever floats your boat. The mustang platform is very versitile which is one of its strongpoints. The question was posed as a what will it take... We are just adding to that with its not a simple shoe-in and what is involved with just the FE alone. Again if its not a CJ, don't bother... Network54 is a great resource you might want to poke around there.
Kevin

 

[Tonys96Cobra]

If its a real 428 CJ and your getting a good deal on it, you may consider selling it and using the extra $$ to help fund the project. If not, put her in and let her rip! Remember, the mostest famoustest mustang of all time has a 428Cj on it......