i have a ford 390 in my 55 f100 was wondering should i upgrade to a bigger wut have others done with thier f100 with engine installs was maybe thinkin of a 429 but i have no probs with my 390 runs good no probs at all or should i just biuld the 390 to the fullest of my extent overtime??

 

It all depends what you want, if it`s alot more hp then the 429 maybe the way to go since there`s less speed equip avialable for FE`s.
If it`s a good 390 running FE I`d be happy with afew performance up grades keeping those extra $$$ in my jeans.

 

Like was said, it all comes down to what you want to do with your ride. These trucks are not heavy trucks and a small block moves them around really well. A properly built 390 would really scoot. If you're going for the wow factor or seconds in the quarter then you might upgrade. What do you want to do with your truck?

 

In all honesty, the aftermarket has not needed to be kind to the FE...as they produce some impressive numbers from the factory. A properly built 390 will provide plenty of git up n go, you just need to do a few things to it. These are heavy mills, so anything to shave a few pounds here or there will help. They need a diet!

First...ditch the 100lb intake. Seriously, have a friend or 3 help lift it unless you want a hernia. Get an aftermarket aluminum intake. It honestly weighs a TON...

Second, there are very VERY few differences in FE heads. There are a few good reads on this, but for conversations sake lets assume you don't have the high riser heads, or tunnel port heads. Stock FE castings actually don't do bad for street use. Aluminum heads always help and the HP guru's are quick to flaunt that...I simply prefer stock castings. Yeah, I love goin slow?!?

Third, they are not exactly a "big" block per say. The FE's are much more of a "mid" block per cubes, since they start off fairly small. Another interesting fact, all FE blocks are the same with 2 exceptions. The 427 side oiler, and the cross bolted main blocks, the rest comes down to bore, stroke, rod length, and pistons. There may be differences in the metalurgy that I am unaware of though through the years...since I don't claim to know how to test for nickel content.

If your truck already has a 390, I would say keep it in. They can be built to do just about anything but pass a gas station. Average is 12-14 MPG depending on vehicle weight...those are the higher numbers I have heard. The downside to the FE...they are not cheap to build. And by not cheap...I do mean not cheap. I put 2K in a mild freshen up/mild build up in a 289...that was a drop in a bucket for a 390...

BTW, what exactly is it the aftermarket missed on the FE? Aluminum heads, quite a few intakes, rods, cranks, cams...and a host of vintage go fast goodies plus a few companies building SOHC conversion kits? They are almost as well equipped as a SBC by the aftermarket. (That ought to bring the SBC fanatics out!!!) They also interchange with each other for the most part. The HAMB has many articles on FE's, different builds, different products available, and specs since I lack all of the above. I wanted an FE for the '49, but the 289 was all that was available at that time.

I wouldn't rob Peter to pay Paul unless your heart is set on a different mill...my honest opinion is stick with what you got. I simply couldnt cause #1...HATE SBC's (My F-1 came with a 283), #2...I gernaded it, and #3...I always wanted to build a mild 289 (LOVE the sound they make). Killed 3 birds with one stone! 429/460 (Lima) builds, for a mild street to a street/strip build end up costing close to the same with close to the same results. Just don't rev that FE over 6K! They don't like it.

Sorry for the ramble...I love me some FE's!

 

I loved my 390 in my 76 4wd. Put 600 cfm holley on it and ran great. No matter how I drove it I got 12mpg. Throw a 5 speed od behind it now might be an interesting idea...

Paul

 

Edelbrock has cheap enough heads for the FE so its not to far behind the 429/460 now unless your counting sheer cubic inches.

I would think a 390 with Edelbrock heads, and a nice cam would be excellent for the street and give back resonable mpgs.

 

You may know this, But this is a good link for FE engine info and sometimes used parts.
332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum

 

I have a 390 in my 1955 F100. This is more than enough engine for these trucks. I used adjustable rockers, comp push rods, comp cam, edelbrock - heads, intake, and carb. My fuel mileage has averaged between 12 and 15. The one thing everyone likes about an FE is the sound they make (exhaust note).

Lance

 

My thoughts on this are you'd be opening a huge can of worms doing the swap. The two big block engines are from two totally different families, so it would get really involved changing transmissions, mounts, exhaust, you name it, it has to change. You would see very little gain from the work and expense involved. If you really need more cubes, find a 428 FE for it.

 

trade you for a running 302 with trans ..I have 5 FEs..390/428..360 in a ranchero.bronco...T-bird..you can have the 302 ...wanna trade??...honestly ..it's in there it run's well ...an like the guy's say headers an' an aluminium intake is all you need ..gears are nice..oh once you start playing .there is one more shiny part ..gofast goodie..your gonna need ..drive it and be happy...

 

Hell if the 390 is working why mess with it? If you want more performance the 390 has plenty of aftermarket parts available. The 390 is one tough engine.

 

Dang it, if you all don`t stop with this 390 talk I`ll end up dropping a good spare 390 I`ve got just laying around into my almost all stock 56 M100......... but then again that`s maybe a great idea!

 

FE all the way!! I mean come on, a FE just belongs in a EFFIE!!!!

 

In truth, it does depend on what your intentions are, and your budget. I mean, if you want to make power...Ford found enough potential in the FE to make it one of the most saught after hot rod mills of all time...the SOHC. Mmmmmm.....love me some SOHC. Versions of the FE ran Nascar, and FE's have a well proven track record at the strip.

Not taking anything away from a 460...it has found it's place amongst hot rodders. It is a proven powerful mill with seemingly endless potential. It pretty much depends on how deep you want to dig.

As far as aftermarket parts, or ease of replacement parts, I see no issues with getting an FE water pump or dizzy cap and rotor, or wires for that matter pretty much anywhere...same with 460...non factor IMO.

To me, the deciding factor is the wow factor. Yeah, sounds dumb, but nothing looks better than a period mill between old framerails. Add to that the fact that the period mill is no slouch, to me it's a no brainer.

 

I have a 428 in my 79 Bronco...makes for neet go kart..to much power( as if !! ) and to much fun to be legal..build what you'v got you CAN scare yourself !!