Replacement Engine Advice
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Joined: Jun 2019
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Replacement Engine Advice
I've been lurking on this site off and on for a couple of years... only because I haven't needed any serious advice and my truck (1971 F250 Camper Special) ran great. I've had it 6 years, and it started most days. Recently, however, I threw a rod and the mechanic says the engine is a mess... smashed plugs, etc. I've been told by a few people that replacing the engine would be better than rebuilding what I have at this point.
The very first stock engine was a 360, according to the original paperwork. However, the first owner (I'm the third owner) replaced it with a 390 at some point. And, somewhere along the line of ownership, Edelbrock headers were put in.
So, my questions are these:
1.) How do I know what engine to order that will fit what is currently under the hood?
2.) Will going back to a 360 help with fuel economy or just create headaches for fit?
3.) What other factors should I be considering that may not be obvious?
This truck is my everyday ride. I'm not looking to make it a show car, or a high performance vehicle. And, I don't tow anything. I just putz around town, going about my daily routine. I've done a lot of research on the replacement, but I am hesitant to pull the trigger on ordering an engine until I know it will be a good, reliable solution.
Any help is welcome. You all really seem to know your stuff. I, on the other hand, had to learn which dipstick was for the transmission when I bought the truck. However, I'm learning. I've flushed the brakes, replaced fuel lines, fixed a loose vacuum tube, etc.
Thanks!!!
D
The very first stock engine was a 360, according to the original paperwork. However, the first owner (I'm the third owner) replaced it with a 390 at some point. And, somewhere along the line of ownership, Edelbrock headers were put in.
So, my questions are these:
1.) How do I know what engine to order that will fit what is currently under the hood?
2.) Will going back to a 360 help with fuel economy or just create headaches for fit?
3.) What other factors should I be considering that may not be obvious?
This truck is my everyday ride. I'm not looking to make it a show car, or a high performance vehicle. And, I don't tow anything. I just putz around town, going about my daily routine. I've done a lot of research on the replacement, but I am hesitant to pull the trigger on ordering an engine until I know it will be a good, reliable solution.
Any help is welcome. You all really seem to know your stuff. I, on the other hand, had to learn which dipstick was for the transmission when I bought the truck. However, I'm learning. I've flushed the brakes, replaced fuel lines, fixed a loose vacuum tube, etc.
Thanks!!!
D
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
The 360, and 390 are both FE engines, and are dimensionally identical. It will probably be easer to find a 390, as it was fitted not only to the trucks, but a lot of cars of the era. There were probably 3 or 4 times as many 390s, as 360s. The difference in fuel economy is negligible.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,093
Likes: 14
From: Lind, WA- Eastern WA
As mentioned, the 360 & 390 use the same block. The only difference is the stroke. But if you stay with the 390, you'll know that the stuff that you have will fit the new engine. Let us know what you end up doing.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,671
Likes: 372
The only weirdness you might get into is if you switch to a different purposed head that has a different bolt pattern for the exhaust manifold.
Edit: As stated below, the crank is also different between the 360 and 390...meant to include that. The blocks are identical, just don't intermix the rotating assemblies. Otherwise you can swap internal and external parts between the two.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 344
Likes: 7
What's your budget? I just put in a fresh 302 from Blueprint engines. If you wanted to go with a crate engine, that might be something to consider. Here's a link to their website:
https://blueprintengines.com/collect...ines/make_ford
https://blueprintengines.com/collect...ines/make_ford
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Tuned
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 348
Likes: 29
From: NW LA
What's your budget? I just put in a fresh 302 from Blueprint engines. If you wanted to go with a crate engine, that might be something to consider. Here's a link to their website:
https://blueprintengines.com/collect...ines/make_ford
https://blueprintengines.com/collect...ines/make_ford
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Good advice. Thanks!
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 344
Likes: 7
My truck had a 302 in it when I got it. I was not looking to build a hot rod or a show truck. My biggest goal going into my build was reliability. I doubt that my truck will be a true daily driver, but I do expect that I will drive it at least half the time.
So, I went with this engine:
https://blueprintengines.com/product...block-bp3060ct
It is a 302 bored to 306. Has a mild cam and some nice heads. I had purchased a new set of Hooker Headers for my truck before I knew I was going to replace the engine, so I bolted them on. I planned to use my existing manifold, but upon taking it off, found that it was cracked in two places and someone had repaired it with epoxy. Ended up buying new Edelbrock Performer manifold.
As for problems....I just started the engine for the first time today. Other than needing to drain the gas tank and put in some higher octane gas, it runs great!
So, I went with this engine:
https://blueprintengines.com/product...block-bp3060ct
It is a 302 bored to 306. Has a mild cam and some nice heads. I had purchased a new set of Hooker Headers for my truck before I knew I was going to replace the engine, so I bolted them on. I planned to use my existing manifold, but upon taking it off, found that it was cracked in two places and someone had repaired it with epoxy. Ended up buying new Edelbrock Performer manifold.
As for problems....I just started the engine for the first time today. Other than needing to drain the gas tank and put in some higher octane gas, it runs great!
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 960
Likes: 10
From: Victoria (North Saanich)
I'd never go back to a 360. Fuel economy won't improve noticeably unless you drive it harder because the 390 has some snap.
I built my own, so can't refer you to a good mild builder. If you want some fun, Brent Lykins, Barry Rabotnick, and a few others are well known builders who are expert at FEs, Barry in particular will only build an FE. Of course, they are a little pricey.
Fitting a small block may require a new transmission as the bell housings are not compatible.
I built my own, so can't refer you to a good mild builder. If you want some fun, Brent Lykins, Barry Rabotnick, and a few others are well known builders who are expert at FEs, Barry in particular will only build an FE. Of course, they are a little pricey.
Fitting a small block may require a new transmission as the bell housings are not compatible.
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