Boiler Ben
03-16-2024, 05:57 PM
Hi there, newbie here. I am about to start my MK4 journey. For various reasons, I am starting to build the engine first and will order my kit next year. Many years ago I had a 1964 Galaxie 500 with a 390 engine so I like the idea of building a FE engine for this project. I want to buy a short block and finish the assembly myself using aluminum heads, roller cam, and fuel injection. Dan at FFR was very helpful and pointed me towards the original Cobra oil pan that is still being produced. I know using a FE in the MK4 isn’t super popular but I am hoping there will be some ideas out there that would help me figure out how to spec out my engine. My initial questions are:
1) Engine mounts. I understand the MK4 has an option for FE mount and this is the 3 bolt “newer” style mount. Some older FE blocks have a 2 bolt engine mount. The place I’m looking at for the short block says that they can’t guarantee which style I would get but that they can provide an adaptor plate for either style. My concern is that if I had an older 2 bolt style block with an adaptor plate, the engine might sit 1/4” too high in the frame and I’d have other clearance issues. I’d like to ask them to ensure it is a 3 bolt mount before I purchase. Am I overthinking this?
2) Expansion tank. I like the look and the function of the FE style expansion tank. It will remind me of my old Galaxie. I think the original 427 Cobras used this tank so it should fit. Does a standard tank fit? I’ve seen some things saying they needed to shorten it by 1” but maybe that was for a small block Ford? And it looks like the upper radiator connection in the MK4 kit is on the passenger side?
3) Accessory drive. I want power steering and like the look of some of the aftermarket serpentine drive systems. But it needs to fit the steering shaft, fit under the hood, and work with the expansion tank. Any suggestions? Maybe a single serpentine belt isn’t ideal?
Any photos of a setup like I’m describing? Thanks for any advice you guys have.
1) Engine mounts. I understand the MK4 has an option for FE mount and this is the 3 bolt “newer” style mount. Some older FE blocks have a 2 bolt engine mount. The place I’m looking at for the short block says that they can’t guarantee which style I would get but that they can provide an adaptor plate for either style. My concern is that if I had an older 2 bolt style block with an adaptor plate, the engine might sit 1/4” too high in the frame and I’d have other clearance issues. I’d like to ask them to ensure it is a 3 bolt mount before I purchase. Am I overthinking this?
2) Expansion tank. I like the look and the function of the FE style expansion tank. It will remind me of my old Galaxie. I think the original 427 Cobras used this tank so it should fit. Does a standard tank fit? I’ve seen some things saying they needed to shorten it by 1” but maybe that was for a small block Ford? And it looks like the upper radiator connection in the MK4 kit is on the passenger side?
3) Accessory drive. I want power steering and like the look of some of the aftermarket serpentine drive systems. But it needs to fit the steering shaft, fit under the hood, and work with the expansion tank. Any suggestions? Maybe a single serpentine belt isn’t ideal?
Any photos of a setup like I’m describing? Thanks for any advice you guys have.