I'm gearing up to rebuild a 390 and I need some advice on bolts.

Can I get by without replacing the cylinder head, intake, and rod bolts? I know every engine is different and it's never a bad idea to replace, but is it necessary on these? I know aluminum engines all but require it

If it is, any cheap reliable alternatives to ARP?

Any advice on parts to replace while I'm in there? I plan on putting in a hi output oil pump, summit cam, double roller timing set. Re-ring if needed too.

 

You can reuse the Most all of the bolts if they are not corroded or showing signs of obvious stretch. A rebuild would include rings, bearings etc. I recommend a good engine assembly manual to answer most of your questions. It will go into more depth for you.

 

Great, I meant refresh, not rebuild. The motor has ran propane since the early 80's or earlier, possibly since new. It's out of a 76. I am hoping its clean inside. If it needs it, I will do bearings and rings, seems cheap enough.

Thanks for the info on the bolts. I have 2 motor that run so I should be able to get all the bolts I need. Just realized I won't even have to remove rod bearings if it's good.

I've got a Chilton manual from 1972 that covers everything, just didn't answer my specific questions.

 

Chilton and Clymer manuals are both printed by the same publisher. A good assembly manual that focus's on the FE series engines are much better. They give you casting information as well as interchange info. Luckily for me my wife has no problem with the huge amount of books I've purchased over the years sitting on and around my desk in the house. They pretty take up a corner of the room.

 

Good advice, I picked one up last night on Amazon.

I am very familiar with motors, but have never had a 390 in pieces. I don't anticipate it being hard, but I only had to pay $10 for the book to hopefully make it much easier!

Funny you said that though, my manual collection is starting to burst off my shelves, too.