Engine Identification
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New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 9
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From: Florence, OR
Engine Identification
I am not sure if this is the place to post this, but here goes.
I have an engine that I am told is a 390, but that is all I was told. If it is a 390 I would like to rebuild it to put in my truck. Is there any way to confirm that it is indead a 390 and what year it is ?
Steve
I have an engine that I am told is a 390, but that is all I was told. If it is a 390 I would like to rebuild it to put in my truck. Is there any way to confirm that it is indead a 390 and what year it is ?
Steve
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 3
From: Billings MT
Engine Identification
Steve,
Welcome to FTE.
First off, you will need to locate the casting numbers for us. It should be on the underside of the block on the driverside I think.
I'm not familiar with exactly where it's at.
Also do a search for Engine casting number.
Once you get the casting number, we can help you.
It should be something like D4TA-4-2.
I do know that the letter represents the decade and the number is the year and the rest of it tells what it is.
Let us know when you find it.
Welcome to FTE.
First off, you will need to locate the casting numbers for us. It should be on the underside of the block on the driverside I think.
I'm not familiar with exactly where it's at.
Also do a search for Engine casting number.
Once you get the casting number, we can help you.
It should be something like D4TA-4-2.
I do know that the letter represents the decade and the number is the year and the rest of it tells what it is.
Let us know when you find it.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Florence, OR
Engine Identification
On the front passenger side are casting numbers D3TE with a casting bump with what looks to be a 1 stamped in it.
It also has a 4bbl manifold if that helps.
On the front drivers side, just below the head, is a casting number 105
It also has a 4bbl manifold if that helps.
On the front drivers side, just below the head, is a casting number 105
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 3
From: Billings MT
Engine Identification
I did a search on D3TE. I recommend doing the same. Pretty much all I can tell you is that it is a 1973 block.
Do the search and see what they mention. It'll be easier in the long run.
From what I saw, there isn't really a way to tell displacement until it's opened up and bore and stroke and stuff are measured.
Sorry I don't have more info.
Do the search and see what they mention. It'll be easier in the long run.
From what I saw, there isn't really a way to tell displacement until it's opened up and bore and stroke and stuff are measured.
Sorry I don't have more info.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 8
From: Brea CA
Engine Identification
Hi Steve and welcome to FTE!
A 4bbl. is a good sign of a 390, no such thing as a 360 4bbl.
The stroke will tell, remove the #1 and #4 spark plugs, turn the engine over to TDC, stick a stiff wire into #1 parallel with the bore, mark the wire at a reference point like the valve cover lip, stick the wire in #4 and mark the wire again (it will go deeper into the hole), measure the difference between the marks and report back here.
Barry
A 4bbl. is a good sign of a 390, no such thing as a 360 4bbl.
The stroke will tell, remove the #1 and #4 spark plugs, turn the engine over to TDC, stick a stiff wire into #1 parallel with the bore, mark the wire at a reference point like the valve cover lip, stick the wire in #4 and mark the wire again (it will go deeper into the hole), measure the difference between the marks and report back here.
Barry
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Engine Identification
Hi Steve, Welcome to FTE 
IMHO one of the best ways to check for a 390 is to put a 8" long white house wire in one of the front sparkplug holes, place a Sharpie against it and the manifold, while a bud turns the engine over a couple turnes with a socket on one of the pulley nuts.
If you will come up with a measurement, and post it here, we will galdly decifer it for you.
IMHO one of the best ways to check for a 390 is to put a 8" long white house wire in one of the front sparkplug holes, place a Sharpie against it and the manifold, while a bud turns the engine over a couple turnes with a socket on one of the pulley nuts. If you will come up with a measurement, and post it here, we will galdly decifer it for you.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 9
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From: Florence, OR
Engine Identification
Hey guys, it is me again with some 390 questions.
on the throw for #2 & #6 cylinders there is a stamp that says 3U.
is this a 390 crank?
on the pistons there is a cast number of 410, is this significant?
on the throw for #2 & #6 cylinders there is a stamp that says 3U.
is this a 390 crank?
on the pistons there is a cast number of 410, is this significant?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 8
From: Brea CA
Engine Identification
3U crank, 410 pistons, you got yourself a truck 390 Steve, and a 4bbl. to boot. 
Barry
Barry
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Montana
Engine Identification
If you have a reverse 105 block then you have a Heavy duty FT block. Ford used them a lot in light duty trucks with their 390 engines, it will have extra webbing on the main webs. this makes a strong 390 motor, and some of them can be bored for a 428 piston but only if sonic tested.
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