Decoding the Ford FE Engine: History, Variants, and Performance

Understanding the FE Label on Ford Motors

The term FE on a Ford motor refers to Ford Engine. This umbrella term encapsulates a complex series of engines developed and manufactured by Ford over several decades. The FE engine family is known for its versatility and powerful capabilities, making it a significant part of Ford's engineering legacy.

What Does Ford FE Stand For?

The acronym FE actually stands for Ford Edsel. Evolving from the 1957 Ford Carline, the Edsel was Ford’s ambitious yet unsuccessful entry into the mid-sized car market.

Key Characteristics of the FE Engine

The FE engine series was produced from 1958 to 1976 and is distinguished by several key parameters:

The displacement range for various FE engines spans from 332 to 428 cubic inches, prominently featuring the 390, 427, and 428 cubic inch displacement models. Additionally, there was a related FT series for medium and heavy duty trucks with similar displacement options.

Notable Performance Versions

Among the most famous variants of the FE engine include the 427 and 428 Cobra Jet series, known for their high performance. The 390 cubic inch engine was widely used in a variety of Ford cars and trucks, with millions produced from 1961 to 1976.

Personal Insights and Experiences with the FE Engine

My personal experience with the FE engine was particularly intense. I owned the 1968 428 Police Interceptor, one of the most powerful engines ever produced. Rated at 360 horsepower, this engine could reach RPMs well beyond the stock limit, reaching up to 7000 RPMs easily. Despite its powerful nature, this engine was not approved for civilian use, as Ford feared it would be too dangerous on public roads.

Performance Enhancements and Limitations

The 1968 428 Police Interceptor was equipped with NASCAR aluminum medium riser manifolds, which lacked the mandatory high risers used in NASCAR. This engine also received a three-angle high performance valve job, extensive cylinder head porting, and installed with Holley four-barrel carburetors. Hooker 2-inch diameter headers further enhanced its performance.

To provide you with a vivid idea of its power, this engine was so formidable that it could easily leave tires smoking when pushed to its limits. The factory-installed Ford vacuum secondary and Cruisomatic transmission actually restricted the engine’s power output, preventing it from reaching its full potential. This engine's power could easily surpass even the 406 cubic inch engine, rated at 400 horsepower.

Real-World Implications

Driving such a powerful engine required a high level of skill and caution. One could easily lose control if the power was unleashed too quickly. Despite its immense power, the vehicle could not handle rapid acceleration or sharp turns without risking a blowout. Friends were hesitant to ride in the car, and there were several close calls.

Performance of the 428 Police Interceptor was so impressive that braking required significant precision. The engine had such a thunderous sound that even with the stock mufflers, it resembled a double AA fuel dragster. Testing its real limits, I managed to lay down 160 feet of rubber in front of my friend's house, melting the pavement by up to 1/16 inch over more than 100 feet.

While the 428 Police Interceptor was a marvel of engineering, its power came with a steep learning curve. It was clear that these engines were designed more for specialized use cases, like law enforcement, rather than civilian use. Although many modifications could unlock its ultimate potential, the inherent danger and lack of street legality made it a vehicle for experienced and cautious drivers only.