The 390 is a little bit more powerful and has a longer stroke than a 351. For more power and better fuel Eco get some high compression heads more compression means less gas is required to be ignited. My friend had a brand new 1968 350 with the 390 but it had a camper shell on it, on the highway it got about 20mpg, that's preatty good for a powerful motor like a 390. With the longer stoke the 390 has more torque. I say keep the 390 the 1956 is a preatty light truck that's a lot of motor for a '56

 

Yea that was my thought too! But i was given the idea of putting a 302 in it today, what do you guys think?

 

If it's a good engine, runs well, has all the bits on it, and you have seen and heard it run and it is a bargain buy, then I would go with that little 302, but it is all relative to your budget, for all we know, you might own islands in Dubai. Heheh. In which case...hmmm, let me think...if you had the money what WOULD you put in your engine bay? Now that is a forum question all on its own.
Good luck with it either way, mate. Wish I was 15 and owner of such a cool truck!

 

This is not just what I think, it's what I know. You said it's set up and was a running and driving truck with the 390. You can work with what you have, or you can scrap everything, tinker on it for years and spend a ton of money changing everything out for a 302.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14633375

 

Here's my suggestion on how to plan a build in this topic: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...1955-f250.html
If you want my opinion: @ 15 you can't drive, so concern with the engine can be put on the back burner for now. If you are like most 15 year olds, you don't have much near time income (unless are from a wealthy family with a huge allowance) and rebuilding or replacing the drive train at this point is a costly undertaking with very little immediate value to you. If you have some money available I would suggest first concentrating on cleaning the truck up, then upgrading/rebuilding the safety parts, brakes, steering, suspension, etc. . Meanwhile concentrate on your schoolwork, studying hard to learn all you can. You'll be surprised how much the school subjects especially math, science will be useful in real life applications on your truck. Take all the mechanical arts and computer science classes you can, and/or get a job with a good old school mechanic even if it is sweeping the floors for free as long as he is willing to teach you his trade. I started at 14 working in a service station after school and on weekends pumping gas, wiping off tools and putting them away, scrubbing the grease and oil off the floors every Sunday morning, and looking over the owner's shoulder as much as possible. It's important to show a good work ethic: show up for work on time or a little early each and every time you are supposed to be there and always do more and better than the minimum expected. Always ask that the person explain what and why they are doing what they are, and keep your mouth shut otherwise. They don't want to hear what you think or listen to you trying to impress them with what you think you know.

PS: I would also suggest you go into your control panel (user cp in the blue band near the top of the page) and add your location as well as a signature containing the year and model of your truck. That will aid us in providing information and answers. Also post some pictures of your truck as it now sits.

 

I have my permit and ill be 16 soon. Also a have a bit of cash saved and a steady job

 

I have a 390 in my 56 and it is just great.
At present it has a 2 bbl carb.



56F100<br/>





390 with 2 bbl

 

I also recently purchased a 56 F100 with a non running 390, and like you I have given some thought to switching out to a 302 or chevy 350, however, after looking at all that would involve doing, such as motor mount fabrication for the Volare front end, new trans cross member, drive shaft, transmission etc. etc, I'm leaving the 390, yeah, its a bit heavy but it is a big block with lots of torque and potential and they clean up real nice. It sounds like you're pretty set on changing it out so go for it, but it isn't going to be easy or cheap to do, and keep in mind that, that is just the tip of the iceberg, if you want to build something nice, you will wish you had all the money you spent changing it over, for tires, wheels, exhaust, rust issues, interior, gauges, suspension etc. etc. etc. etc.. Good Luck with your project and have fun with it.
Don

 

That's good, you will need both. The fact is that this is not a quick easy way to get an inexpensive vehicle. You need to go into it with your eyes open: a basic, safe, running, driving truck will cost 12- 15,000.00 not including upholstery or paint or any high end mods, doing all the work yourself. That assumes you have all the needed tools, know how to use them and the dedicated space to work. Unlike what they show on TV, it will take on average 3- 10 years of almost all your spare time to get it on the road, double that if there is much rust damage.

I see you are in CA. I hope you have a valid clean transferable title for your truck that matches the serial number stamped into the top of the frame. If you do, run don't walk to your DMV and transfer the title to your name before you put another dime or minute into the truck. CA is one of the toughest states to register/title an older vehicle.

Note, I'm NOT trying to discourage you, quite the opposite, we need new blood if this hobby is going to survive, just making sure you know the realities and the commitment required before you get in too deep.

 

Hey 56 or Bust,
Hmmm... We have a 351W in our '50 & it's got a mild cam & all the bits - giving us 400hp. My son Zack & I started working on it when he was in high school about your age. He absolutely loves driving around in the truck.

I wish I had just left the 289 engine that came with it - we don't need the extra horsepower. These old trucks don't feel super safe at speed - just too boxy - They make great cruisers. My son Zack loves to take it out on dates - the girls love it. He has it up at college most of the time.

If your engine is running well - let's leave it alone & concentrate on stuff that does matter. Nice Wheels and Tires, Great Stereo, A/C, Upgrade to disc brakes so you can stop the truck, Polish that paint up & have fun!!!!

Whatever you do don't tear it apart - It takes 2 to 3 years & a pile of cash to get them running again.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Thank you guys for all the great advice, im going to try and get it running and work on the other things before any big projects like replacing the engine. Thank you all I'll keep you guys posted!!!

 

Good for you. I'm really glad to hear you're accepting of our advice. It's based on the wisdom earned from playing with these old cars and trucks for 40 years or more, and starting as an excited youth just like you are today. One thing is for sure; once you get it all done and drivable and see how much fun old American iron filled with real horsepower is to drive, you'll never, ever, want to drive a Toyota as long as you live.

 

Hahahahaha its too bad my first car is a toyota lol

 

But thank you guys for the great advice

 

Could I suggest since the truck already was changed over to the 390 that you post some pictures of the motor mounting arrangements and the transmission support? While you say it was running and driving before, we frequently see "cootie-bob'd" work done by people with more ambition than skills. If the 390 installation was botched, that could change things -- better to find out now than when you are driving!