In support of what John brings up regarding documentation, here is an excerpt from a memo sent to dealers late in 1956 regarding the supercharged, 270HP, and 285HP engines.

---

---

Because of the imminence of this new supercharged engine, it has been decided to discontinue the 285 horsepower engine effective immediately. We will continue to offer the 270 horsepower engine until such time as the supercharged engine supply is increased to a level permitting the phase-out of the 270 horsepower engine. During the interim, both engines will be offered.

---

As of this date approximately1,000 – 270 horsepower engines have been assembled, with 1,000 more to be assembled by January 1, 1957 and an additional 1,700 more to be assembled by February 1, 1957. …

---

---

And here’s another excerpt from some literature also listing the 270 and 285 horsepower engines.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Here are some pics of valley covers for the Ford dual quad intake manifolds. The first picture is a homemade unit while the second and third pics are the factory recessed covers for a ’57 Ford E code.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

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

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

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

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) 

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

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

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 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