Ford Performance

Thoroughly revised and updated, this edition provides accurate technical guidance to understanding and building all popular Ford performance engines. This outstanding reference covers the venerable Ford small block and big block engines. Filled with more than 300 photos and hundreds of technical secrets developed by top racers and engine builders. Includes all modern Ford performance engines.

The Ford FE (Ford Edsel) engine is one of the most popular engines Ford ever produced, and it powered most Ford and Mercury cars and trucks from the late 1950s to the mid-1970s. For many of the later years, FE engines were used primarily in truck applications. However, the FE engine is experiencing a renaissance; it is now popular in high-performance street, strip, muscle cars, and even high-performance trucks. While high-performance build-up principles and techniques are discussed for all engines, author Barry Rabotnick focuses on the max-performance build-up for the most popular engines: the 390 and 428. With the high-performance revival for FE engines, a variety of builds are being performed from stock blocks with mild head and cam work to complete aftermarket engines with aluminum blocks, high-flow heads, and aggressive roller cams. How to Build Max-Performance Ford FE Engines shows you how to select the ideal pistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts to achieve horsepower requirements for all applications. The chapter on blocks discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each particular block considered. The book also examines head, valvetrain, and cam options that are best suited for individual performance goals. Also covered are the best-flowing heads, rocker-arm options, lifters, and pushrods. In addition, this volume covers port sizing, cam lift, and the best rocker-arm geometry. The FE engines are an excellent platform for stroking, and this book provides an insightful, easy-to-follow approach for selecting the right crank, connecting rods, pistons, and making the necessary block modifications. This is the book that Ford FE fans have been looking for.

Ford's 351 Cleveland was designed to be a "mid-sized" V-8 engine, and was developed for higher performance use upon its launch in late 1969 for the 1970 models. The Cleveland engine addressed the major shortcoming of the Windsor engines that preceded it, namely cylinder head air flow. The Windsor engines just couldn't be built at the time to compete effectively with the strongest GM and Mopar small-block offerings, and the Cleveland engine was the answer to that problem. Unfortunately, the Cleveland engine was introduced at the end of Detroit's muscle car era, and the engine, in pure Cleveland form, was very short lived. It did continue on as a low compression passenger car and truck engine in the form of the 351M and 400M, which in their day, offered little in the way of excitement. Renewed enthusiasm in this engine has spawned an influx of top-quality new components that make building or modifying these engines affordable. This new book reviews the history and variations of the 351 Cleveland and Ford's related engines, the 351M and 400M. Basic dimensions and specifications of each engine, along with tips for identifying both design differences and casting numbers are covered. In addition, each engine's strong points and areas of concern are described in detail. Written with high performance in mind, both traditional power tricks and methods to increase efficiency of these specific engines are shared. Also, example builds of 400-, 500-, and even 600-hp engines are highlighted, so you can model your build after any of these powerhouses, depending on your intended use. With the influx of aftermarket parts, especially excellent cylinder heads, the 351 Cleveland as well as the 351M and 400m cousins are now seen as great engines to build. This book will tell you everything you need to know to build a great street or competition engine based in the 351 Cleveland platform.

The 5.0-liter performance wave has propelled Ford's Windsor small block to the top of the performance heap. Ford Windsor Small-Block Performance is a comprehensive guide to the tips, tricks, and techniques of top Ford performance experts that will help Fords or Mustangs run harder and faster. Engine building techniques are included for street machines, drag racers, tow vehicles--for just about any Windsor-equipped Ford. Whether owners have a 289, 302/5.0L, or 351W/5.8L, Ford Windsor Small-Block Performance is the guide to performance success--on or off the strip.

This guide for building a race-winning Ford engine includes chapters on parts and engines, cylinder block, cylinder heads, bottom-end modifications, exhaust systems, cooling systems, final engine assembly, dyno-tested performance combinations and more.

Learn how to get the most horsepower out of the popular small-block Ford with this all-new full-color guide. The attention of the performance aftermarket has turned to the Coyote platform and swaps, but Ford is a little different than GM and Chrysler in that regard. The sheer size of the Coyote engine is problematic because it is very difficult to fit into any vehicle with shock towers. However, the shock-tower cars are often the most popular cars to modify. As such, the small-block Ford remains a viable option for making a large amount of horsepower in a much more affordable package. In Ford Small-Block Engines: How to Build Max Performance, Ford expert Jim Smart covers all of the major components, including crankshafts, rods and pistons, camshafts, the valvetrain, oiling systems, intakes, carburetors, ignition systems and exhaust systems. Featured are the latest street heads from AFR, Dart, Ford Performance, Edelbrock, and other prominent manufacturers. Aftermarket blocks are also covered extensively from a variety of manufacturers, such as Ford Performance, Dart, Speedmaster, Bill Mitchell Products, and World Products. The basic design of this engine is more than 60 years old, but the aftermarket for this powerplant has grown over the years and is still growing. While the Coyote engine family has earned a strong following, the original Ford small-block engine retains just as strong of a following, with the massive number of these engines still in use throughout the hobby. Whether you want to get started on your build or you just want to learn about the small-block Ford’s capabilities, this book will make a great addition to your library.

"An illustrated history of the Ford Motor Company's classic race and street cars, including Cobras and Shelby Mustangs, from 1961 to 1971"--Provided by publisher.

Relive Ford’s glory days in the muscle car era in this stunning new volume covering the popular and powerful Cobra Jets! Ford’s “Total Performance” racing program in the early 1960s was the first stone turned in the task of repurposing its image to the youth market. The introduction of the Mustang increased that exponentially, but even in 289 Hi-Po form it was no match for the Pontiac GTO or other muscle cars. Neither was the 1966 Fairlane GT or subsequent 390 Mustang the following year. But when the 428 Cobra Jet Mustang debuted at Pomona for the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, that image evolved from wholesome to fearsome! Cobra Jet Mustangs downed all comers and took the vaunted Super Stock Eliminator crown while introducing a new weapon under the hood to serve as fair warning to what was to be uncoiled at the stoplight. By the next model year with the revolutionary shaker hood on Cobra Jet-equipped Mach Is and the striking snake adorning the sheet metal of the midsize Cobra, Ford’s image makeover was complete. The demise of the muscle car era didn’t signify the end of the Cobra Jet, as Ford continued the performance reign with the 351 Cobra Jet. The legacy left by Mustang, Cougar, Torino, Cyclone, and Ranchero 428, 429, and 351 Cobra Jet-powered vehicles is indelible. Mustang Monthly editor Rob Kinnan and muscle car expert Diego Rosenberg bring this history back to life in an all-encompassing book that is the first to specifically feature all Cobra Jet cars, including the purpose-built drag cars of today! Cobra Jet: The History of Ford’s Greatest High Performance Cars will hypnotize you as the first and complete history of Ford’s most famous engines during the era’s peak.