Hmmm... Here's another thing I've been told is a component of the original 'E' code 312 engine...

The valve spring assemblies on ALL '57 'E' code and 'F' code engine cylinder heads are different than all other '57 y-block offerings.

When you take the valve covers off, look for:
- single valve springs w/ an inner damper (no damper on all others)
- one piece steel valve spring retainers (not the usual two piece style)

The valve spring retainers (by my understanding) look like the retainers presently available on eBay motors. Use the eBay search function to display item number 331006615876

There are other regulars on this Forum like Oldmics who should be able to confirm this for you.

Hope this helps!

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Charlie

While your parts information is accurate,you have the applications turned around.

The extra parts you describe only were installed on the DSO engines from the factory.

The normal 270 H.P "E" code engines did not received this treatment.The 285 H.P. "E" code engines are believed to have received the beefed up valve train and the broached heads.

The regular 300 H.P. blower engine did not receive the upgraded valve train, only the optional camshaft DSO engine got the heavy duty parts.

The exception to the rule would be IF the parts were dealer installed as per a TSB that was put out.

As you have previously mentioned "some will argue about this".

Oldmics

Thanks for coming in on this, Oldmics. What you've indicated in your entry makes much more sense to me.

My understanding has been that the '57 'C', 'D', and lower horsepower 'E' codes all used the same camshaft.

Using different valve springs and valve spring retainers doesn't seem like something that would have been purposeful.

Thanks for setting this straight. I know that you've dug into the 'E's, 'F's, the performance Mercs, and the FoMoCo camshaft nuances of this era extensively.

Regards,

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Valley Pan. Look at my profile Pic.

Cannot find it on the net but I had saved this pic.
I have the underside pic too but I guess there is no photo support on this blog.




1936 Ford 3W Coupe : 56 T-Bird 312, 47 Packard 3 speed, 40 juice brakes.
1968 Merc Cyclone FB GT 390, Getting a better front clip!
1977 Ford F-250 Supercab RWD Explorer Long box.
1976 Chev Camaro RS LT
Future rebuild : 1949 Ford F-1

Thanks for your posting, Rob.

Currently there is a listing on eBay that will provide an enlarged view of what appears to be an original '57 Ford 'E' valley pan. If you go on the Internet to eBay Motors and use their search function, search for item 350953273855.

If not stated previously in this thread, attempting to install a '56 or '57 Ford made dual quad intake manifold in conjunction with a standard '54 - '64 Ford production y-block valley pan cover is likely why a used manifold may have required aluminum welding to repair the mounting flange 'ears' adjacent to the water passageways at the front of the intake on either side of the thermostat housing.

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

While the recessed valley pan was a necessary part for the "E" code engines, it was also installed on a fair amount of "C" engines from the factory.

The recessed pans have been found on quite a few "C" Birds.

So gotta be carefull on going with the valley pan identification, you might end up with a 292 with a cool valley pan.

Oldmics

Charlie, I think Oldmics is correct. All the 57's apparently used the same cam and springs, (including the F codes) unless the optional cam was installed with the matching springs. The 285 Hp or 340 hp F code figures were never released by Ford, but invented by the aftermarket or sanctioning bodies. I'm not sure if the Stage 1 (Daytona) E/F Codes used the standard or an optional cam. But the factory built Stage 2's were sold with the regular production cam.
In the case of the F code it was NHRA I think, while the 285 number was probably an AMA, USAC, or Nascar number.

That should start some more discussion!

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Frank

There is a mention in Ford documentation specifically about a 285 H.P. "E" code engine as well as the mention of the standard 270 H.P. engine.

So Ford does admit/claim that they produced such a power plant. But that's about all they say about it!

Oldmics

My E Code heads have inner valve spring dampers with the standard cam. Jerry Ponder said his E Code cars had the inner dampers too.

Paul J. - '57 E Code

Paul J; Ford apparenty realized that they had a problem with with the non DSO, E & F code engines at some point. In Eickman's Y-Blk book, page 105, there is reference to a TSB with conversion parts. It included a different spring and damper assembly & push rod & retainer. They realized late, that running the standard valve train over 5500 rpm risked dropping a valve!

Paul