just curious, how many BBF engine swaps?

D.Hearne said:

Not true. The 390 was planted in the 67's (and before then in the 66 Fairlane--same basic dimensions) and when the 428CJ came along in 68, they used the same chromed "Powered By Ford" valve covers the GT390 used. The Aluminum CJ covers didn't come out till 69.

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was it the head bolts then? I swore i heard somewhere that they had to change the angle of something due to the close fit...but i could just be full of ***** too.

jlangholzj said:

was it the head bolts then? I swore i heard somewhere that they had to change the angle of something due to the close fit...but i could just be full of ***** too.

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I think the valve covers were modified to clear the master cyl. and brake booster.

yep thats a big clearance issue is valve covers to master cyl, even on the later 70s cars

mr-fixit said:

I think the valve covers were modified to clear the master cyl. and brake booster.

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No, they were't modified. The 428CJ aluminum valve covers do have a different profile than the GT390 steel covers, that may have been to provide clearance for P/B's . But if memory serves me right, the GT covers give more room for this than the aluminum covers do. I couldn't tell you for sure as my 67 had manual brakes and GT covers . The only mod Ford made to fit the FE's into the Mid sized cars (Fairlanes, Mustangs,etc) was in adding a dual bolt pattern to the exhaust face of the GT390 and 428CJ heads. That was to fit their unique exhaust manifolds.

D.Hearne said:

The only mod Ford made to fit the FE's into the Mid sized cars (Fairlanes, Mustangs,etc) was in adding a dual bolt pattern to the exhaust face of the GT390 and 428CJ heads. That was to fit their unique exhaust manifolds.

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and there'n lies the answer! i knew that there was something up with the fit, but i wasn't quite sure what.... lol, thanks!