I have a question about converting a 1976 FE 360 to a 390. I’m gonna post this in the 57 to 60 pages also since it will be going into a ’58 F100.

I was given a donor truck with a rebuilt low mile 360. It had to be smogged so I am assuming the cam and pistons are stock. My original plan was to drop the engine and trans in my ’58 to get it running until I get around to rebuilding the 292 Y block. Will likely be a year or 2.

I’ve dug around on the forums and it appears I can convert the 360 to a 390 with a 390 crank, rods, and possibly pistons. Some of the posts confused me on whether I can or can’t use my pistons. Not trying to build a 6 second motor but if I can get away with a few cheap upgrades, I will while it’s out.

I originally planned on a 4bbl intake and carb, cam, and headers/larger exhaust. Will I get enough bang for my buck converting to a 390 over just the intake, carb, cam and exhaust upgrade?

 

You'll need crank, rods and pistons. Most likely you'll be buying new pistons to match the bore of the 360. Although stock bore is the same for both 360 and 390, it's quite possible that it's been over bored 30, 40 or 60 thousandths. If the 360 is in good running order, I would't convert it to a 390 if building a 292 (or 312) was on the horizon.
We haven't even touched upon the transmission or what mods this engine swap will require. Is it a drop-in? The FE engine did become available in 58, no?
All that said, I have a 390 crank (30 under and in need of more), rods and 30 over pistons but I'm in Georgia so it wouldn't be feasible to transport it to CA.

 

'Might as well build a 434FE.

 

Transmission and any mods are non issues. Was just looking for info on what I would need to do the conversion. from the other responses I've gotten elsewhere, I should be able to keep my pistons. The skirt issue was on the early 360's apparently.

If I can find the parts reasonable, I may do it.

 

434? Tell me more....

 

I haven't heard of a 434 combo, but I'm sure it's possible with some combination of overbore and a stroker crank. OEM equipment combinations:

FE Engine C.I.D. Combinations

What you do hear about here is the 445. Stroker in a 4.05 (plus overbore) block:
Survival FE Engine Kits

If you are going to put the Y block back in there, rethink installing the FE.

Mounting and other things are so different you will spend a lot of time and money only to spend more reversing the install.

JMO

 

I saw your reply in the '57-'60 forum, so ok, good luck with it. But I would guess that if you make a decent 390 and certainly if you make a 445 you will not be wanting to go back to the 292.

 

A 445 stroker fe uses a .060 overbore. The 434 is a .030 overbore.