I recently purchased a 390 super marauder engine out of a 68 merc and I was wondering how I tell the horse power. It says super marauder on the valve covers but according to the specs it could be either 300hp or 315 hp.I would also like some input on how to build this motor for a 69 shortbed with out getting to radical.Thanks

 

Still have the engine tag on it at the coil?

 

I've got a 68 390 4V out of a station wagon, supposedly 310HP according to the air cleaner sticker.

 

IMO, 15HP isn't going to be all that noticeable in a 4,000lb. cinder block.

 

And don't forget in the early 70s that HP ratings changed from gross to net.

 

I want to say they were painted different colors. Seems like I read that in a mag years ago.

EDIT. I found this.



1968 Mercury Monterey 2-Door Hardtop Super Marauder 428 V-8 Merc-O-Matic (model since September 1967 for North America U.S.) specifications & performance data reviewSpecs datasheet with technical data and performance data plus an analysis of the direct market competition of Mercury Monterey 2-Door Hardtop Super Marauder 428 V-8 Merc-O-Matic in 1968 the model with 2-door hardtop coupe body and V-8 6384 cm3 / 389.6 cui engine size, 235 kW / 320 PS / 315 hp (SAE gross) offered since September 1967 for North America U.S.. Specifications listing with fuel economy, top speed, performance factory data and ProfessCars™ estimation: this Mercury would accelerate 0-60 mph in 7.9 sec, 0-100 km/h in 9.2 sec and quarter mile time is 16.4 se

 

Wiki says no Marauder for '66-'68. The picked it up again in'69. But either way, it would appear to be a garden variety 390 4bbl, and 315 gross HP is what is listed in a number of places.

FE specs from the day:

FE Series Engine Specification Chart

More later. How you rebuild it will depend on your appetite for premium gas in large quantities.

 

You likely have a 315 hp engine but need to forget about "390 super marauder" that doesn't mean anything today, no parts sold for one.


John

 

but "super marauder" sounds so cool , If it's on the valve covers a say keep it

 

It does, doesn't it?

 

You probably gonna vote for Bernie too, right???


John

 

No, cuz he ain't promisin me any free truck parts.

 

Yea, it has the stickers and a gold color scheme, actually looks untouched, I'm just wondering if i'm going to build one would I be better off building the 360, I also have a 330 truck engine. someone said they have a steel crank. Someone also said some of the marauders were P.I. motors?

 

I can't imagine why. If you have a 390 in hand then use it. Shoot, I have a 360 I'll trade ya for the 390 S.M.

All the old stickers and HP ratings don't mean much unless you're a collector.

 

Remember the original Marauder was "63 1/2 to '65. At that time, the PI 390 shows 330 HP on that chart I posted earlier. My uncle had a '65 Montclair with a 390 4V and 4 speed. He said the original owner had wanted a PI motor, but his folks wouldn't spring for the extra, or something like that there...

By '68, the cops had moved on to the 428, 427 in Chevs, 440 or, I swear I saw one on the freeway, Washington State Patrol--the Hemi. (Change plugs after every ticket issued I suppose) But I digress.

If you are going to rebuild the motor, you are doubtless going to be replacing the pistons and cam, and either getting new(er) heads or going through those. So as to not type it all over again, read on here:

Post 13 on:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...0-rebuild.html

You can take the 360 and make a 445 out of it, and just clean up that Marauder motor and have it on display in your living room if you like. (serving suggestion)