What Size Engine?

[stevegintn]

Guys, I am befuddled as to what size engine my '61 parts car has in it?

The 390 was supposed to be the ONLY engine for 1961. My first clue that this motor is not a 390 was when I tried to salvage the oil dip stick, and it was WAY SHORT. Also, notice that the coil is mounted on the LEFT (behind the expansion tank).

What other engines (small block) could it be, that would work in a '61? (and how can I tell what this one is?)

The attachment engine1.jpg is no longer available

[stevegintn]

another view

[stevegintn]

Guys on FE Big Block group on Facebook are all saying it IS a 390

[stove]

Definitely an FE

[redstangbob]

That is an FE engine, it has pre-65 valve covers but are painted blue. It's very possible that it's a transplant out of anything from a Galaxie to a Pick-up. The distributor is old style steel line and has an Autolite 4100 carb, both will have date codes. The block and heads will also have date codes, but you need to measure engine stroke to be sure of engine size. Don't judge by the dipstick, there's better ways to tell. good luck, Bob C

[redstangbob]

check here http://www.fordification.com/tech/casti ... Eblock.htm

[Alan H. Tast]

One of the locations for the coil bracket for '61 and earlier FEs was on the passenger side below the expansion tank. Chances are someone did a "spray can overhaul" and painted the covers blue. The brake booster has been replaced with a non-OEM one.

If you could, please post the VIN/serial number. Determining if you have an early-, mid- or late-production car would be beneficial as there were numerous running changes during the model year.

How long is the dipstick/oil level indicator? I am attempting to compile a list of dipstick lengths in order to help ID applications - measurements I'm needing are from the bottom of the shield at the handle end to the full mark, add mark and end of indicator.

https://www.vintagethunderbirdclub.net/ ... gth#p86185

has more information on oil level indicators for '58-'66s.

[stevegintn]

One of the locations for the coil bracket for '61 and earlier FEs was on the passenger side below the expansion tank. Chances are someone did a "spray can overhaul" and painted the covers blue. The brake booster has been replaced with a non-OEM one.

If you could, please post the VIN/serial number. Determining if you have an early-, mid- or late-production car would be beneficial as there were numerous running changes during the model year.

How long is the dipstick/oil level indicator? I am attempting to compile a list of dipstick lengths in order to help ID applications - measurements I'm needing are from the bottom of the shield at the handle end to the full mark, add mark and end of indicator.

https://www.vintagethunderbirdclub.net/ ... gth#p86185

has more information on oil level indicators for '58-'66s.

Alan, the VIN for my '61 (parts car) is 1Y712148117.

I remember that dip stick size discussion we had, as I was trying to find a replacement for one on my '62, but the one I got from Mac's was too wide.

Here's that longer discussion:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=14271&p=85293&hilit=dip+stick

I will go out and get the additional dip stick lengths you are asking for, later.
Thanks

[tbird]

Steve looks like a 390 to me, there are several different dipstick and tube combinations for the 390. This same engine block can be a 332, 352, 360, 390 and 428 just by changing bore and or stroke and some different components.