390 Big Block question
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390 Big Block question
I have a 390 Big block from a 76 Ford truck. Is this a FE motor? What is an FE motor? Are there any known rebuild kits for this motor. Any help or knowledge on this would be much appreciated.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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390 Big Block question
Rebuild kits are readily available for the FE as well. PAW lists them and I'm sure if you go to any good full service parts store they'll be able to help.
FEs were introduced in the cars in the late 50s used until the late 60s. Used in trucks till 76. The 427 was also an FE and it was used to power the Shelby AC Cobra, as well as running at LeMans.
The most distinctive feature of the FE is the intake manifold runs underneath the valve covers. The block will probably have 352 cast in it. Solid motor. Well worth rebuilding and keeping.
FEs were introduced in the cars in the late 50s used until the late 60s. Used in trucks till 76. The 427 was also an FE and it was used to power the Shelby AC Cobra, as well as running at LeMans.
The most distinctive feature of the FE is the intake manifold runs underneath the valve covers. The block will probably have 352 cast in it. Solid motor. Well worth rebuilding and keeping.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Sun River St. George
390 Big Block question
All true and by 76 Ford was using 400, 460 and small blocks in their pickups. Count the bolts on the valve cover and post back. FE motors are very easy to spot, the intake and head meet under the valve cover. The distributor goes through the intake. On FE's the plugs are like this \ \ / /. Post back we can help!
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390 Big Block question
Thank you for all your help. Any suggestions on how to build this motor up a bit would be appriciated. Doesnt look like it can be bored out. Maybe stroke it to a 410? Are there different heads that can be put on? I dont have PAW yet, but have yet to find very many parts for it.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Omaha USA
390 Big Block question
Originally posted by Outlawrider
Thank you for all your help. Any suggestions on how to build this motor up a bit would be appriciated. Doesnt look like it can be bored out. Maybe stroke it to a 410? Are there different heads that can be put on? I dont have PAW yet, but have yet to find very many parts for it.
Thank you for all your help. Any suggestions on how to build this motor up a bit would be appriciated. Doesnt look like it can be bored out. Maybe stroke it to a 410? Are there different heads that can be put on? I dont have PAW yet, but have yet to find very many parts for it.
What makes you think you cant bore it out? Did you use a micrometer? Standard bore is 4.050. You can bore it up to .060 which would make it 4.110. Post back with some measurements.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
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From: south louisiana
390 Big Block question
Not all 390 blocks can be bored .060. I have two that are 68 blocks and .030 would be streching it on them. I have another thats out of a 64 T-bird that will go .060, possibly more. It's best to punch out the freeze plugs and measure the gap between the bores and the distance at the top of the bores and do the math to figure what a block will go to. Better yet would be to have it sonic tested for wall thickness, if you have this option available. ( I don't) The 390 can be stroked to 410 with a 3.98 crank or more with one of the new SCAT cranks ( mucho dinero) Edelbrock makes aluminum heads for the 390's ( $1200) But you can have the CJ sized valves put in your heads and port them yourself for a lot less $$
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Logistics Pro
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From: Sun River St. George
390 Big Block question
Outlawrider, You are well on your way to becoming a FE Ford fan. These engines are great and a 390 with just a few buck will make lots of power. I focus on the block, crank, rods, pistons and camshaft. Heads you can do any time or if the budget allows get a set of Edelbrocks or use 428 heads with big valves. Do a search for "oil system modifications for FE Top oilers" and poke through the archives for much info on stroking and poking these old beasties.
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