390

goonie · Post by **goonie** » June 10, 2007, 1:02 am

Alright I got another question. I posted something about changing my engine out with a lightning engine some time ago. Well, we all know that fell through, but someone had suggested that I put a 390 in ol' betsy. Well I was on a website that has rebuild kits and replacement engines. I saw that a replacement engine for the 352 would cost me just over a grand after the core. I can get a 390 for 525 after core (I hope I got the prices right, it listed the 352 for 1499 and 375 core. kinda confusing for a newbie). Anyways, my question is I understand that the 390 is more powerful, but why the cost difference in the engines? Is the 352 rare? And if I wanted more power, could I get a supercharger for my 352? Thanks!

jeramy · Post by **jeramy** » June 10, 2007, 1:09 am

thee 390 ran for many years and was stuckin just about everything ford built a one point or another

64 f100 · Post by **64 f100** » June 10, 2007, 11:00 am

Difference is cost of parts. Since the 352 went over the age wise long before the 390, parts are more expensive because of less demand. It's a botom line thing. Cost for keeping inventory that doesn't move, and bookkeeping, plus inventory taxes in some places, etc. It doesn't pay to have dead inventory, that doesn't move, so they charge more for these parts. Makes more sence to go with the 390, rather than a supercharger. However, the supercharger should work well with either 352 or 360 because of the lower compression. Not sure what it is you are shooting for, but cubic inches are hard to beat for power. Plenty of 460's around for reasonable prices, but then you have to get tranny and all. 5 speed overdrive would be nice, if you bought a later fuel injected engine.

Rich

goonie · Post by **goonie** » June 10, 2007, 11:20 am

How much trouble is it going to be to go to a 460? And what would be the possible cost?

ripsnorter · Post by **ripsnorter** » June 10, 2007, 11:53 am

The nice thing about 460s is they made so many of them. Your best bet is to find some old thunderbird or some such car, maybe an old "gasp" truck off in the bushes somewhere, and give the guy a couple hundred for it. Occasionally you can find deals like that where they just want "that old junk car" off their place.

goonie · Post by **goonie** » June 12, 2007, 6:23 am

What year truck or trucks should I look for to get the 390 and is it a bolt on application or do I need to modify anything?

banjopicker66 · Post by **banjopicker66** » June 12, 2007, 8:22 am

The FE was used in Ford trucks up to '76. I have heard it was used in U-Hauls F-350s and up after that, but I don't know that of my own knowledge.
The last year for the FE in cars was either '69 or '70.

If you look at anything higher than an F-250, be sure to examinie it carefully. The larger trucks usually used the FT engine, which although similar to the FE, was designated as the 361 or 391 - paralleling the 360 and 390.

I would stay away from the FT engines, as they are different enough to cause a LOT of compatibility problems.

The FT can usually be indentified with center dump exhaust manifolds on both sides, and by a front engine mount with 2 bellhousing engine mounts - instead of 2 mounts on the sides of the block.

goonie · Post by **goonie** » June 12, 2007, 9:21 pm

what do you guys think about the 360 engine. A fellow has one for about 300 dollars. Is this a good deal? What should I look for when it comes to inspecting and engine? Thanks again guys (or gals)

Phil · Post by **Phil** » June 12, 2007, 11:02 pm

Maybe the purists will flame me but I got a C6 and a running 460 from a Lincoln Mk4 for $300. Parts are plentiful and the knowledge base on the 460s is growing. Its THE new ford engine for horsepower and torque.

There are 3 guys on here I have seen with 385 series engines and my 62 that is coming tomorrow has a 429 in it.

Apples to apples a 385 has to be cheaper than an FE to build.

When I get my truck Ill put up a million pix of what the PO did to get that engine in.

ripsnorter · Post by **ripsnorter** » June 12, 2007, 11:16 pm

I grew up around 460s. We never built any (as I've mentioned before my dad was very much an "engines are engineered right at the factory, dont mess with them" type of person) but we had a 460 in just about every truck we had, and were big lovers of the 69-71 Lincoln Mk IIIs. I've always felt like I should put a 460 in one of my slicks because of that. Right now my little 223 and 240/300 are perfectly fine for my current needs, but I do plan on sticking a 460 in at least one of my rigs.

My only real ponderings are whether I would be better off building a 390 or even a 400 (cleaned up and desmogged with the compression bumped up) as far as fuel economy goes.

Phil · Post by **Phil** » June 12, 2007, 11:52 pm

Maybe I have heard the old addage FE stands for F*%$ing expensive too many times. Im not used to looking at cars/trucks from that era

I have to admit I wanted a 6cyl stick in my new truck. The 429 is an accidental find. I really wanted something good on gas.
On the upside I have a lot of 385 series experience

Bodyworx · Post by **Bodyworx** » June 13, 2007, 10:59 pm

What Series is a 223 ? Is that an FT ? FE ? What. I would also like to know what my motor options are. What will mount to that 3 on the tree ?

Post by **Greg D** » June 13, 2007, 11:15 pm

I have heard FEs referred to as F___ing Extinct, lol. Don't get upset guys he, was driving a 69 Torino GT 390 4 speed when he said it, he was referring to what parts for them cost. Holman Moody has a blower intake for FEs, and one that takes 4 Webers if you want to think further out of the box. You can probably buy a real good running 460 with a C-6 or an AOD for what either manifold costs though.

Post by **Greg D** » June 13, 2007, 11:16 pm

I have heard FEs referred to as F___ing Extinct, lol. Don't get upset guys, he was driving a 69 Torino GT Fastback 390 4 speed when he said it, he was referring to what parts for them cost. Holman Moody has a blower intake for FEs, and one that takes 4 Webers if you want to think further out of the box. You can probably buy a real good running 460 with a C-6 or an AOD for what either manifold costs though.

Post by **Greg D** » June 13, 2007, 11:19 pm

Don't know how THAT happened.

banjopicker66 · Post by **banjopicker66** » June 14, 2007, 5:33 am

I went from a 352/3speed to a 460/C-6 and really like it. It is all Ford too, so it looks like the 460 came in the truck from the factory.

66rattyford · Post by **66rattyford** » June 14, 2007, 8:18 am

goonie i bought a 65 ford galaxie 500 ltd 4 door had a 352 automatic and a 9inch in it. Car sat for 10 years or so a friend and i put a battery in it pored a little gas down the carb and it started right up no knocks ticks or anything.

I junked the rest of the car except the motor tranny i sold the rear end.

but if your looking for a 352 let me know.