FE valve cover interference

[jgkurz 52]

Hi All,

 

I am putting an FE back in my 69 Mach1 with power brakes. Today it has a 385 series 429. I hear there may be some FE valve covers that fit and some that do not. Before I start putting in the engine, how do I tell if I have compatible valve covers? Here are some pics of my current setup.

 

 

[jmlay 80]

If i recall correctly what you have will fit IF you trim a couple of the fins on the drivers side where it is near the booster/master.

[SM69Mach 68]

I will see if I can get a picture of mine in the car this weekend, but I have the stamped Powered By Ford valve covers and they are close to the Booster. Hard to tell from the angle if yours stick out any farther than what I have.

[jgkurz 52]

Thanks for the help. I'm new to FE's and Mustangs so I appreciate the advice.

 

I found these finned covers with no lettering. I believe they are more correct for a 428CJ. My current valve covers seem taller with less of a divot.

 

Edited March 20, 2014 by jgkurz

[Rsanter 152]

Are you worried about being stock?

I just installed a tuff stuff power booster in my 69 to replace the original be did

Wow does this one give me more space

 

If you want to be stock, remember that the Shelby's came with some nice big tall fined valve covers that fit....so you have options

 

Bob

[jgkurz 52]

I don't care about a pure stock look, but I do like having a period correct look. Given that my engine is a 427 my current black finned Cobra covers wouldnt cause me heartburn. The plain aluminum finned covers seem to be 428CJ and would probably fit without modification. It sounds like my black finned covers will also work with a little trimming.

[Raven R code 281]

Those plain, finned aluminum covers are what came on my 428. Does anyone know how the plain covers are to be finished? Are they polished or like a satin (bead blasted ) finish?

 

thx

[LindenBruce 27]

jgkurz,

 

Are you looking for covers for a 428 FE or a 429 385 series? Because those two are not cross compatible with each other. I have the valve covers as pictured in post number 4 of this thread on my FE. They clear the power brake booster, but there is not a lot of spare room. Go with new motor mounts so things don't torque around and you hit the brake booster. I believe the natural as cast finish is correct for those valve covers. B.

[jgkurz 52]

jgkurz,

 

Are you looking for covers for a 428 FE or a 429 385 series? Because those two are not cross compatible with each other. I have the valve covers as pictured in post number 4 of this thread on my FE. They clear the power brake booster, but there is not a lot of spare room. Go with new motor mounts so things don't torque around and you hit the brake booster. I believe the natural as cast finish is correct for those valve covers. B.

 

I was looking for opinions on which FE style alum valve covers work well in a 69 Mach1. Thanks for chiming in.

[jholmes217 65]

The valve covers you have may work as is, or might need "shaved" as somebody already mentioned to clear the brake booster.

 

Three things to consider when looking for period correct FE valve covers:

 

1. Do you have power brakes? We know the answer to this one.

2. Do you have roller rockers? On some stock type valve covers, roller rockers will hit the PCV/breather baffles, so the baffles will probably need removed or modified.

3. Is your car from the period before PCV's were installed? We know the answer to this one.

 

For 1969, there were three types of valve covers used from the factory for 428 Cobra Jets. All will clear brake boosters, but some work better than others with roller rockers. All also have PCV provisions:

1. Chrome Powered By Ford: Supposedly all/most R code (thinker shaker scoop) cars came with these. These sit pretty low, and will clear the brake booster no problems, but will probably not work with roller rockers. http://www.cobranda.com/chpbyfobigbl.html

2. Aluminum "finned" valve covers. You posted a picture of these. I believe these are the tallest of the three, so will have the best chances of fitting with roller rockers without modification. http://www.cobranda.com/newbigblnona.html

3. 428 Cobra Jet "Snake valve covers: Supposedly used on all/most Super Cobra Jet engines: The height of these is between the R code and finned, so need to check clearance with roller rockers. http://www.cobranda.com/428cojetsnva.html

 

Other alternatives that looks period correct is some tall valve covers from a company called Blue Thunder, and 427 stye chrome pent roof . These are pretty tall, so can probably be used with roller rockers without modifying the baffles. Also, there are spacers you can use under valve covers to provide clearance for roller rockers. There are examples of these on this page. http://www.cobranda.com/39vaco.html Tony Branda isn't always the cheapest for these, but just happens to have them all on their web site. They sometimes have "factory second" sales on Ebay. For example, I got a set of the "snake" covers for half price because the had machine marks on them. The marks polished out pretty easy with a fine file! While not correct for my Q code, I like the look of them best.

 

Hope this helps.

Edited March 21, 2014 by jholmes217

[jgkurz 52]

Excellent post. Thank you Jeff. I currently have these valve covers. http://www.cobranda.com/colefialvaco.html

 

I hear that they will work with roller rockers and my power brake booster if I do a little grinding. If I can't make the modification look like nice I will probably buy the 428CJ plain finned covers.

 

-John

[jholmes217 65]

Just take your time John and remove a small amount of material at a time. I've seen those covers on Mustangs before, so I know they can work.

 

Where are you in Oregon? I have a sister-in-law in Hillsboro, and my in-laws in Rockaway Beach on the coast. If your close to either of those cities, I can bring the Powered By Ford, finned aluminum, and "snake" covers so you can test fit them if you like one of these times I'm down that way. Or, I can send height or other measurements. My engine is out and disassembled now, so can't send pictures.

Edited March 21, 2014 by jholmes217

[jholmes217 65]

Is your car an original 390 or 428 car? I noticed in your original post you said putting an FE back in the car.

[jgkurz 52]

Is your car an original 390 or 428 car? I noticed in your original post you said putting an FE back in the car.

 

Its a Q code 428CJ car. I purchased the car last Sept with a 385 series 429 that is OK, but not what I envisioned long term. I recently bought an original 427 side oiler with dual carbs that should make a bit more power.. :biggrin:

[jholmes217 65]

Its a Q code 428CJ car. I purchased the car last Sept with a 385 series 429 that is OK, but not what I envisioned long term. I recently bought an original 427 side oiler with dual carbs that should make a bit more power.. :biggrin:

 

If your new to the FE engine and Cobra Jet's, here some other web sites and books you may be interested in.

Web sites and forums

http://fepower.net/simplemachinesforum/index.php

http://www.mach1club.com/

http://www.network54.com/Forum/74182/

http://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/index.php'>http://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/index.php

http://www.428cobrajet.org/

Books

http://fepower.net/GFEIC.html

http://www.amazon.com/Build-Max-Performance-Ford-Engines-Performance/dp/1934709158/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395430613&sr=8-1&keywords=ford+fe

http://www.amazon.com/How-Rebuild-BIG-BLOCK-FORD-ENGINES/dp/0895860708/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395430613&sr=8-2&keywords=ford+fe

http://www.amazon.com/Performance-Engine-Parts-Interchange-Design/dp/1934709190/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1395430613&sr=8-4&keywords=ford+fe

https://pemcor.wufoo.com/forms/2010-428-cobra-jet-registry-book-order-form/

http://www.amazon.com/Mustang-Cobra-Engine-Reference-Manual/dp/0976747200/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395439876&sr=1-7&keywords=428+cobra+jet

 

I like to take the Cobra Jet registry book and the parts interchange book to swap meets to help identify correct parts.

 

I'd love to have an intake manifold, carbs, and oval air cleaner like you have. One of the benefits of the Q code is you don't have to worry and carb and intake working with a shaker scoop. You can have dual quads or a small supercharger and it all fits nicely under the hood and only you know. I was told my Q code had a street racer past. I found 351 scoop emblems in the ashtray! Evidently, a previous owner would put those on a go trolling for suckers thinking the were racing a 351 Windsor instead of a 428 Cobra Jet!

Edited March 21, 2014 by jholmes217

[Raven R code 281]

Great info on this Jeff!

 

Thanks,

Dave

[jholmes217 65]

Great info on this Jeff!

 

Thanks,

Dave

 

Your welcome Dave! Us crazy FE guys gotta stick together!

[Raven R code 281]

Us crazy FE guys gotta stick together!

 

lol!!...There is nothing like a built FE....and nothing better than it being in a 69 Mach 1!! I've never seen the snake CJ covers before ....I think I need them!

Edited March 22, 2014 by Raven R code

[jholmes217 65]

lol!!...There is nothing like a built FE....and nothing better than it being in a 69 Mach 1!! I've never seen the snake CJ covers before ....I think I need them!

 

Yep. My dream car has always been a Cobra Jet Mach 1 with a 4 speed. Picked up a runner in Fall of 2010 as an Army retirement present for myself! Can't say I like changing spark plugs, especially #8 under the brake booster! Header bolts aren't much fun with an FE either!

 

Be on the lookout for the "snake" valve covers made in Mexico. They don't have the baffles and the casting quality isn't very good.

Edited March 22, 2014 by jholmes217

[Raven R code 281]

My dream car has always been a Cobra Jet Mach 1 with a 4 speed. Picked up a runner in Fall of 2010 as an Army retirement present for myself!

 

Trying not to be partial but....the 69 Mach 1 is probably one of the best looking muscle cars. The front and rear spoiler, side scoops,roof medallions, blacked out hood, rear window slats and shaker hood set it apart from anything else! The Mach 1 was designed to replicate the awesomeness of the P-51 Mustang and I believe that is where the Mustang name originated.....not from the horse. I picked mine up as a present to myself for the end of my army stint.

 

good call on the mexically trash ;)