Did I buy a 428 and get a 390 Thunderbird?
Okay, I am not an expert, but I thought I did everything right when I bought a 1966 thunderbird with all matching VIN numbers (6y81q138432). The car had a blown head gasket so I took the heads in for re-working. The machinist told me they were 390 heads. That started a sinking feeling that something was wrong. So upon looking at the engine cast: "C6ME-", I called him with that and he told me that in looking that up the book says the cast code was for "all Ford Engines EXCEPT a 428" Is there anyone who would agree with this machinist? I am very discouraged as I paid a higher price for the car for a Q code engine. Many Thanks.
Many thanks for the encouragement,
but I did not mention too that my husband measured the stroke and it was under 4 inches! (3 and 7/8) Well, we only had a cheesy tapemeasure and not a micrometer. I told the machinist that and he said that is not acceptable to verify. Since I have to put it back together obviously, and make decisions as to re-ordering parts, he wants to be sure he orders the right thing. He will only accept the crankshaft for verification. Also, the intake manifold says C6AE 9425-G. It will become obvious I know NOTHING about engines! I read the posts and can see there is alot of respectable expertise out there, but this machinist seems dead set on his idea too and I a little afraid to challenge him since I don't know anything. That bore measurement convinces my son and husband that I got taken!
Oh, and notable is there is
NO "A" after the dash mark, it is C6ME only. There seems to be an obvious grind mark after the dash though.
well, I was afraid of that!
it seems there are too many things that point to the 390, but does anyone know why the machinist is not satisfied with anything other than a piston and/or a crank number? It seems obvious enough with the stroke measurement and his response to me was: A tape measure is a tool for carpenters and I ain't a carpenter" boo hoo.
How about THIS information ?
I just talked to a person referred to me who is quite involved with T Birds and clubs and all. HE says the Engine block I have C6ME is a Mercury Block and could have a 428 crank in it. He referred to it as a 410. He also says to look for counterweights on the flywheel. And I do NOT like to get under the car because it wrecks my hair and my hands, but what do you think of the other ways of finding out about the block. I guess we are certain the intake manifolds etc.. are 390-ish, but are they built that way? Why would this happen?