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Hey there, this is my first post here. I just got a 73 f350 super camper special. I’m not sure what the engine size is though and neither is the seller.
I attached pics. Any tips on working on it? I got it for $1k in California. A mechanic buddy said it’s definitely worth the price. A couple grand into it and it will at least be running he said. Thanks!
Take a pic with the air cleaner off, a pic of a head where the spark plugs are, and a pic of the vin plate in the door jam (this will say what the original engine was).
the engine in the picture is either a 360 or 390...you would have to check to stroke to confirm which (without disassembling the engine)...but as previously mentioned, the VIN number will tell you what was originally installed at the factory.
Take a pic with the air cleaner off, a pic of a head where the spark plugs are, and a pic of the vin plate in the door jam (this will say what the original engine was).
ok thanks! I can do that once it’s towed to my house. Do the stock motors on these hold up well? The odometer reads 65k miles.
the engine in the picture is either a 360 or 390...you would have to check to stroke to confirm which (without disassembling the engine)...but as previously mentioned, the VIN number will tell you what was originally installed at the factory.
I see. So it’s probably a small block I’m assuming? I haven’t seen/inspected under the hood yet completely.
A 360 or 390 would be a big block FE. I don't know about others, but mine has held up rather nicely. I was trying to see the spark plug pattern on the sides of the heads. That's how I always identify an FE, too dark in the pic. If I was you, I'd be pretty happy about an FE, but that's my taste. If you got this whole thing for $1,000 you are in great shape regardless. An FE will also have the head engineering number stamped there between the spark plugs. If you get that code someone could tell you what head you have.
Take a pic with the air cleaner off, a pic of a head where the spark plugs are, and a pic of the vin plate in the door jam (this will say what the original engine was).
ya so I didn’t tell anyone what I got it for. I posted pics on Facebook. Already got 2 quick offers above what I paid. Apparently it’s the original engine.
Let me ask, is there a place to learn about difference between the 390 vs the 360. The 360 is a 4 barrel Holley carb right?! wouldn’t that be more beneficial for a little street performance?
I eventually want to be Quick! I haven’t worked on a carburetor engine really ever. I dabbled with my friend’s dad 302 but didn’t retain much info.
I used to have a terrifyingly quick WRX. I don’t have to money to work on something new again.
the reason I ask about the engine is I am wondering if I should worry about sticking with the one I have or looking into a different one.
thanks!:
65k miles on an original big block? Holy ***** I’m lucky.
Well remember that 65k figure is on an odometer that only has 5 digits, so it could be 65k or 265k.
The 390 is definitely better than the 360. Both come in 2 barrel and 4 barrel versions. You likely have a low compression 390. So, raising the compression to 1960's FE levels would be a big bump in performance. It all depends on your budget. Edlebrock sells a Performer RPM intake that's pretty good and their heads are good for it or the Trick Flow heads.
There are many threads on 390 engine builds on here. Search and you will find. There is also a forum just for FE engines that has a lot of info. I forget the exact link right now.
The 390 is definitely better than the 360. Both come in 2 barrel and 4 barrel versions.
I don't think the 360 ever came with a 4 barrel. I just checked a dealer brochure on Fordification and it appears that 360's were 2 barrel only, 390's were either 2 or 4 barrel.
I will gladly retract this if anyone has better information!
Both the 360 and 390 in pickups were low compression, sunken piston engines. Red Mercury is right, no 4bbl 360s, and 390 4bbls were maybe '74 and up.
In a given year, the engines are identical externally, unless the 390 is a 4bbl. Same block, heads, cam, manifolds etc.
If you want to be quick and have performance, you will want to build a car spec 390 with pistons that come up to the deck and a compression ratio in the 9s or better.
A 360 with low 8s if not 7s compression and a piston .120 down the hole can be brought to a state of semi consciousness with a 4bbl, headers and a cam made for low compression engines. If you want it to wake up fully, you need make it a 390 or bigger with compression and add a cam.
JMO, but talked about endlessly since '68 when Ford reached into the parts bin to create a "new" engine, the 360.
the engine in the picture is either a 360 or 390...you would have to check to stroke to confirm which (without disassembling the engine)...but as previously mentioned, the VIN number will tell you what was originally installed at the factory.
1973/76 F350 Stupor Camper Special = The 360 was standard equipment, the 390 (and the 460) were optional.
4th digit of the VIN is the engine code: H = 390 2V // J = 460 4V // M = 390 4V (1974/76) // Y = 360 2V
Both the 360 and 390 in pickups were low compression, sunken piston engines. Red Mercury is right, no 4bbl 360s, and 390 4bbls were maybe '74 and up.
In a given year, the engines are identical externally, unless the 390 is a 4bbl. Same block, heads, cam, manifolds etc.
If you want to be quick and have performance, you will want to build a car spec 390 with pistons that come up to the deck and a compression ratio in the 9s or better.
A 360 with low 8s if not 7s compression and a piston .120 down the hole can be brought to a state of semi consciousness with a 4bbl, headers and a cam made for low compression engines. If you want it to wake up fully, you need make it a 390 or bigger with compression and add a cam.
JMO, but talked about endlessly since '68 when Ford reached into the parts bin to create a "new" engine, the 360.
Thanks for the intel! That legit helps. I’m new to carburetor engines in general.
So I did the “screwdriver test” on the heavily rusted parts, at least the ones I could reach for not having the truck up on jacks. It seemed surprisingly solid. I’m curious if you think this is TOO much rust? The drive train has it the worst I’d say. Are those easy to come across? I’m assuming the f250 long bed drivetrains will fit the fit the f350 SCS? Not sure the cross compatibility on parts. I was on the LMC truck website and they didn’t have a 1973 F350 option when selecting vehicle, they only had the f250.
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