Had a 5 min conversation with a retired Ford engineer (Len) who started in 1967 and worked for the original FE design engineer who has passed. Here are a few facts that were shared:
1. From the time he started, mid 67, till the FE was done (1978)
ALL FE engines were assembled at the Dearborn Engine Plant (DEP) located in the Rouge complex. Lima built the 429/460 engine family along with some 4 cylinders later on. No FE's in Lima according to Len.
2. The FE castings were done in two locations, (a) the Dearborn iron foundry in the Rouge complex, and (b) the Flat Rock (MI) iron foundry. Both of these are long closed. The Flat Rock site is where Mustangs are assembled today.
3. Intake valves were made at the Northville (MI) plant, a very small building located on the Rouge River. Henry Ford located about 8 or so small plants along a 30 mile stretch of the Rouge River (that flows next to the Rouge complex), thinking that the farmers in the area could make small parts during the winter season. The Northville plant is one of those. There is quite a bit of information on this on the internet.
4. At the DEP, machining was done on the 1st floor, and assembly on the 2nd floor.
5. The 390 production ended in 1976. 391 and 361 engines were made through 1978. Most if not all FE's installed in 1971 and later were in pickup trucks.
6. All of his engineering log books were thrown out in the mid 80s
We are going to connect with a 77 year young FE expert who spent most of his time in the racing program. Now that will be interesting. Future posts on what I find from these gentlemen will be posted in "the assembly line" "sub assemblies" category.