Ford Expert needed:

I thinking about buying a 58 Edsel with the 400 engine. the guy says it is an FE engine. Does anyone know if parts interchange with other FE's (390 etc.). Stuff like cams, intakes, headers, valve covers etc.? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, Tom

 

I am not an expert. But I do know that was an odd ball Edsel only engine. The 400 on the air cleaner is actually the Torque rating of the motor. (I believe it is the only motor to do that) The actual displacement is 361ci. That might help you on your quest for parts.

Mike

 

This is from "The Ultimate American V-8 Engine Data Book" by Peter C. Sessler:


"The 361 cid version of the FE series was available in cars only in the 1958-1959 Edsel line. It was basically a bored 352, as its bore and stroke were 4.0469 x 3.500 in. The 1958 engine, with its 10.5:1 compression ratio, Ford four-barrel carburetor, and hydraulic lifter camshaft, was rated at 303 hp..."

For every other engine I've ever looked up in this book, there is a chart with engine size and HP/Torque ratings. For these FE engines, even though the 360-361 are mentioned on the description for FEs, they are not listed on the chart. However, the 1958 352 is rated at 350-380 lb/ft of torque, and the first 390s are rated at 427, so that 400 figure above is probably accurate.

 

sounds like the lincoln y-block 341 i used to have. go look for parts and they just looks at you like a deer in headlights.

 

i just made a post about one of these, might try looking for it. buddy of mine has a 58 as well. autozone has a few parts in their computer for it, prolly have to go to the ford parts shops for most of it, or edsel specific catalog guys. oversized pistons will have to be custom made, pretty sure anyway.

 

Thanks guys, I found an old Chilton Manual with some specs. It is a 361 with 10.5 compression ratio, 303 horsepower and 400 ft lb torque. It's just over a 4" bore with a 3.50 stroke - should rev up quick and nice. My Best Gasket Catalog says they take the same gaskets as ALL the other FE engines. Maybe I will finally have a place to hang my 1969 vintage E-T five spoke wheels. Thanks, Tom

 

The Standard Catalog of American Cars says that the 361 is a 352 with a slight over bore, think I am safe. Tom