how do i modernize a 390?
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New User
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Canton IL.
how do i modernize a 390?
Hi, I'm new here and I have a 1975 Ford F-750.
It has a holly G 4050 carb on it and points and condenser distributor on it.
58,XXX original miles.
my question is, without going all stupid what are some few little things I can do to modernize the engine like for example perhaps an electronic distributor in stead of the old points and condenser.
I'm just trying to get the old girl back in good working shape, and since it is a dump truck I'd like to put it to work.
Any ideas? Thanks for your time.
It has a holly G 4050 carb on it and points and condenser distributor on it.
58,XXX original miles.
my question is, without going all stupid what are some few little things I can do to modernize the engine like for example perhaps an electronic distributor in stead of the old points and condenser.
I'm just trying to get the old girl back in good working shape, and since it is a dump truck I'd like to put it to work.
Any ideas? Thanks for your time.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 21
From: Western Montana
One popular mod is a drop in electronic ignitor to replace your breaker plate, condenser, and points. Pertronix is popular for their ignitor, and much info and many threads can be found about it by searching.
Exhaust and intake are also popular mods, but make sure you get appropriate parts since you probably have an FT engine and not an FE. Intake and exhaust manifolds from an FT don't work on an FE IIRC and vice versa.
Exhaust and intake are also popular mods, but make sure you get appropriate parts since you probably have an FT engine and not an FE. Intake and exhaust manifolds from an FT don't work on an FE IIRC and vice versa.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Canton IL.
These are all good ideas, and no its not a FT its FE. The truck came special ordered with a 390 I ran all the numbers. And the block has 352 on the front. I'll have to check into the electronic ignition that you guys mentioned. Thanks for some ideas.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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There is no way Ford would put a light duty 390 in an F750 on "special order".
Does your engine have an iron front cover with a motor mount incorporated?
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New User
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From: Canton IL.
I asked if you could tell the difference between FE and FT. I was told by an Old ford medium duty mechanic that FE has 352 on the front of the block on the drivers side. Ft would be nothing or 101.
There is an extra motor mount though. How much of the FE and Ft will exchange? I just replaced thewater pump for it and got one for a 390, its works. Please insight would be helpful. 390 in my opinion is a tough motor.
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 21
From: Western Montana
From what I have read on this site, FT has different heads, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, timing cover, oil pan, crank shaft (has bigger snout than FE and is stronger), and runs at a lower compression ratio than FE. There may be more differences though and buried in various threads is much more info about all of the above.
Some people find FT blocks and put FE stuff on/in them, since the blocks are pretty much identical, and others have tried to take FT parts and put them on/in an FE with mixed results.
I've also heard that some of the FTs are externally balanced whereas their FE counterpart is internally balanced.
More research is needed for me to give very specific info though.
Some people find FT blocks and put FE stuff on/in them, since the blocks are pretty much identical, and others have tried to take FT parts and put them on/in an FE with mixed results.
I've also heard that some of the FTs are externally balanced whereas their FE counterpart is internally balanced.
More research is needed for me to give very specific info though.
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Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Canton IL.
From what I have read on this site, FT has different heads, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, timing cover, oil pan, crank shaft (has bigger snout than FE and is stronger), and runs at a lower compression ratio than FE. There may be more differences though and buried in various threads is much more info about all of the above.
Some people find FT blocks and put FE stuff on/in them, since the blocks are pretty much identical, and others have tried to take FT parts and put them on/in an FE with mixed results.
I've also heard that some of the FTs are externally balanced whereas their FE counterpart is internally balanced.
More research is needed for me to give very specific info though.
Some people find FT blocks and put FE stuff on/in them, since the blocks are pretty much identical, and others have tried to take FT parts and put them on/in an FE with mixed results.
I've also heard that some of the FTs are externally balanced whereas their FE counterpart is internally balanced.
More research is needed for me to give very specific info though.
Second place was a place out of Ohio, they sold only medium duty trucks there(Ford Chevy Dodge, Hi no, mack, and Mercedes) they said the same thing as rush in Denver Colorado. ( built Oct. 1974/ 4bbl carb/ 390ci. ) which that guy said that was weird cause he said they usually have Ft not fe. I wanted to be sure that I really had a 390. Once again called down to Dallas Texas, ran the vin, same. The farmer I bought it from was the original owner and when I bought It he told me it was a 390.
I called him back asked him if the engine was the original andhe said yes. Based off of 4 people telling me I have a 390 in this truck I'm going off of that info.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 21
From: Western Montana
We're just trying to determine without a doubt which engine since we don't want you to buy parts that won't fit. It is very unusual for a medium duty truck to have a light duty engine from the factory, so we have our doubts. If it is an FE great and you have a very unique package.
Either way, without spending much $$ the only modernizing is the electronic ignition and maybe a newer alternator. Headers will help with power as will dual exhaust or a good two to one exhaust setup. To fully modernize this old engine there are fuel injection intake manifolds available for FEs.
Either way, without spending much $$ the only modernizing is the electronic ignition and maybe a newer alternator. Headers will help with power as will dual exhaust or a good two to one exhaust setup. To fully modernize this old engine there are fuel injection intake manifolds available for FEs.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
I have to second (third/fourth) the Pertronix. A standard Ford setup for the time period, FT or FE should be the same. Should be.
As for FT or FE, post a picture of the exhaust manifold, it'll tell us all we need to know.
As for FT or FE, post a picture of the exhaust manifold, it'll tell us all we need to know.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
We're just trying to determine without a doubt which engine since we don't want you to buy parts that won't fit. It is very unusual for a medium duty truck to have a light duty engine from the factory, so we have our doubts. If it is an FE great and you have a very unique package.
Either way, without spending much $$ the only modernizing is the electronic ignition and maybe a newer alternator. Headers will help with power as will dual exhaust or a good two to one exhaust setup. To fully modernize this old engine there are fuel injection intake manifolds available for FEs.
Either way, without spending much $$ the only modernizing is the electronic ignition and maybe a newer alternator. Headers will help with power as will dual exhaust or a good two to one exhaust setup. To fully modernize this old engine there are fuel injection intake manifolds available for FEs.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
They would also open up the purse strings big time.