390 rebuild
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 55
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From: Helena, AL
390 rebuild
quick question from a newbie. I am looking at buying an old engine from a guy here locally to rebuild. He has a 390 2 barrel and 390 z code. I am not sure if these make a difference for my rebuild. The engine will go in a 74 f100. Thanks for the input. I just don't want to start at the wrong starting point if a z code isn't the best fit for the truck. Appreciate any feedback
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,501
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From: Axtell, TX
Sorry I read that first post a little fast. If you're going to rebuild and it needs bored over it'll need new pistons anyway and if you plan on using an aftermarket intake/carb then it really doesn't matter much. Take whichever one is in better shape. Maybe check the head and block castings and do a drill bit test on them both.
Do they both need a full rebuild or are you planning on using the shortblock as is?
Do they both need a full rebuild or are you planning on using the shortblock as is?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 136
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From: Houston
what year 390
The 1973 and earlier blocks used 2-bolt motor mounts and 65 and up used three bolt.Not sure about 64. Also check the heads year. in 68 the exhaust ports were drformed to accomodate emissions controls, so that is a downside.
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 360
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From: Napa
The engine mount flanges changed to 4 bolts in '65, with most mounts actually using either the wider 2, or 3. Pre-'65's have the narrow 2-bolt pattern. I have a C5AE-A '65 427 block out in the shop, it's still a center-oiler, but has the 4-bolt mounting flanges. Pretty easy to adapt an early block to late mounts- especially the twp-piece Mustang stuff where you can just re-drill the solid half. Easy on most pickups too, if you have the flat mount, just make and adapter plate with 4 holes, two bolt to the early bolt holes on the block, the other two to the "other" two holes in that later mount- that's what I did when I put the '64 427 in my early '77 F250 4x4, using the frame pedestals and mounts from a '75 truck- the 351M radiator even hooked right up to the 427
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 55
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From: Helena, AL
Thanks for the input, I think I may just pull the 360 that I have now in it and rebuild it. So I guess now I need to source a 390 crankshaft and rods. I am sure I will have a lot more questions I go, this will be my first engine rebuild.
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