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I started my truck about 3 months ago with intent of putting a fuel injected motor in it. The truck started as a long bed camper special with a 390. It is now a short bed with Crown Vic swap and coils in the rear. I started to think about rebuilding my 390, so I started to disassemble the motor. This is what I found, sludgy oil, surface rust under valve covers, and motor would only turn over 3/4. I was able free the motor with little work. If I started a full rebuild is it worth it or start with a new motor.
390 is a good motor. It will definitely still be here another 45 years long after any plastic/aluminum/computer controlled engine.
These motors are directly related to (read: FAST, powerful) musclecar engines of the 60s and 70s (427, 428cj/scj 390gt etc) so parts are cheap and interchangable) Install is a breeze compared to wiring/tuning etc late model stuff. They are heavy though.
I'd say take it to a machine shop, if it's still a standard bore, (not previously rebuilt) that cylinder {and heads) should clean up nicely.
I'd be stoked as hell to have a 390. Lots of dependable power and so much you can do to them.
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