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I recently purchased a 1966 F-250 with a 352. The engine is shot and I am now looking to replace the 352 with a rebuilt engine. I would like to be able to do some moderate towing (boat/trailer), but will mostly be cruising around Seattle. I was told a rebuilt 390 would be best for my needs.
Can someone recommend a reputable company to buy a rebuilt engine from? And do you have suggestions for what size/type of engine would be best for me?
It's a Crap Shoot these days. I highly advise finding a reputable shop or machinist with a real reputation and doing a lot of the work yourself.
A lot of the engine suppliers can't get a SBC right. How are they going to do an FE?
The 352 is a really good engine. If I were you I would build it. First though I would confirm that it is indeed shot. All it may need is TLC and a good tune up.
Got my 390 long block from S & J Engines. I wanted to redo my 352 into a 390, the rebuilt was cheaper and quicker. Customer support has been good. No issues with it. leaking oil, but, typical FE oil leak issues (valve covers and intake)
Like said above, make sure the motor really is shot.
I would first attempt to find a late-sixties Galaxy or big Merc with a 4V 390 with good compression. If you are successful, you can spend hundreds rather than thousands.
If you opt for a rebuilt, talk to shops that know the FE. Maybe ask on the FTE engine board or here:https://www.fordfe.com/ about experts local to you.
Yes, FEs are known to leak, and the rear main seal is a common leak point. You can ask your rebuilder to specifically guarantee a leak-free rear main.
Eric
As stated, verify with a leak down test or at least a compression test your current engine.
I'm partial to the FE so I'll talk about that though you might be just as happy with an inline 6 or small block ford (like a 302 or 351) which you'll need a different bell housing. Going inline 6 or small block opens up some tranny options.
For a reman FE with a relatively low price and decent warranty there's Jasper. At the other end is to find a builder highly experienced in the FE. After much sadness and shame trying to get a decent engine I finally went this route and am very happy. Proper engine block prep, modern ring pack, roller cam, etc makes a pricey albeit very nice running motor. Besides getting a better build, going with a builder allows you to choose from many options on things like compression ratio, rpm range of power band, stroke, etc. You'll also have an excellent consultant on dialing in the carb and timing curve. Price-wise Jasper would be $3000-ish. Custom build will be $5000 - $10,000 depending on options you pick.
If you plan to keep it a long time and put on miles, I lean toward the builder option...more power, more mpg, more reliable, more smiles on your face...
I am a novice, so just going on what my mechanic is showing/telling me. Looks like the rings were broken in two of the cylinders, which caused some scoring within the cylinders.
Don't know about already built, but if you decide to have a local shop Action Machine in Shoreline or Autosport in Ballard both know Fords. It was a matter of convenience so had Action Machine recently rebuild my '79 460. No leaks, no squeaks, runs like a Ford. I'd be happy with either one.
05-15-2019, 11:22 PM
