What a fantastic site this is. Wish I'd found it before dropping my long blocked 390 into the 1970 F-250 I just finished restoring. In reading through the archived section noticed discussions about historic problems with insufficient oil supply to lower end of engine.

Question! If Oil pressure guage reads well, (half at idle to 3/4 deflection at cruise rpm) is it safe to assume that sufficient oil is being supplied to main and rod bearings?

I requested a high volume output oil pump with the rebuild. Installed it myself, but did not know of the possibility of increasing the diameter of the channel(s) in the block and/or restricting passages that apparently go to the rocker arm area.

Does the oil pressure sending unit sense pressure in the channel that supplies oil to the crank?

If so, I assume she should be in good shape.

What do you "old pros" think

 

Not to worry, you will get plenty of service, and life out of the 390. It's a good performing engine too.

JRW