Why Torque Plates Should Be Used On FE Ford Blocks
Some claim it is not necessary to torque hone FE Ford blocks. In fact, I am the only one of many shops in my area that even has an FE honing plate in my collection. Don’t believe that an FE block needs to be honed with a torque plate? Torque honing, especially on an old 428 or any FE Ford block is essential. On a particular 428, as I do with all blocks, I checked each bore size in four directions, 90 degrees, 180 degrees and 45 degrees both ways before torquing the CCA two inch torque plate on top of an appropriate used head gasket to the block. After torquing, the number one cylinder changed over .003 ̋, and also changed the widest location from 12 and 6 o’clock to the 10 and 4 o’clock degree direction. The measurements on all seven other cylinders changed as much as .002 ̋ plus. There were changes in new directions as well. This proves that to hone an FE block right, always use a torque plate.

Jim Feurer
Animal Jim Racing
Lacon, IL
November, 2013