352 vs 390
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352 vs 390
In the process of restoring a 1966 f100 to full duty. Currently has a tired 352 and wanted to gather advice if I should rebuild it or replace it with a fresh 390. Appreciate everyone's comments as this is how we learn.
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390. The fuel economy penalty is nil. 352s always had the gas hog reputation, so you might as well get a little more out of it for the money.
What kind of use? Do you need a slogger or something with a bit more performance in mind?
What kind of use? Do you need a slogger or something with a bit more performance in mind?
Fleet Mechanic
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Many advantages to going with the 390 besides the obvious power gain. For starters, you can keep your truck on the road while you build the 390. Realistically, you can build the 390 short block, and when ready to install, swap everything else from the 352. Everything external is the same between the 2. Plus, if your looking to keep original, no one would know the difference unless you told them. That's basically what I did. Couldn't take my truck off the road since it's my daily. Then saved a bunch of money since only had to start with 390 block, crank, rods and heads. Everything else transferred over.
Tony
Tony
Fleet Mechanic
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From: Southern Maryland
I wouldn't re-use the original heads without doing a valve job and installing hardened exhaust seats. I went with later C8AE-H heads with smaller chambers to bump the compression up on my rebuilt 352. If you can find a 390 core to rebuild for a reasonable price then sure do it, but are you really going to haul/tow enough to take advantage of the extra cubes? Most of us use our trucks for cruising more than real work.
Ford Parts Specialist
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C8AE-H 360/390 heads were used 1968/71. In 1972, Ford introduced hardened valve seats, the 1972/76 360/390 heads are marked D2TE-AA
Be aware that on sale day, 352/360 engines magically become 390's!
Measure the stroke to verify: 352/360 = 3.50" // 390 = 3.78."
352 has a 4.00" bore. 360/390 use the same block, the bore is the same (4.05"), the stroke is different.
Be aware that on sale day, 352/360 engines magically become 390's!
Measure the stroke to verify: 352/360 = 3.50" // 390 = 3.78."
352 has a 4.00" bore. 360/390 use the same block, the bore is the same (4.05"), the stroke is different.
Logistics Pro
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Glad to see you around Bill.
Here is a option without all the leg work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Remanufactu...6/250837261310
Here is a option without all the leg work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Remanufactu...6/250837261310
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Southern California
Glad to see you around Bill.
Here is a option without all the leg work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Remanufactu...6/250837261310
Here is a option without all the leg work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Remanufactu...6/250837261310
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Logistics Pro
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It is more costly, no doubt. But not everyone has access to a good machine shop or can trust them. Remember what happened to Boss9 a little while back. My $0.02.
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Logistics Pro
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Southern California
THREE BLOCKS!!
Misread the micrometer and overbore into a water jacket? Cheesus Criminey.
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IIRC without going back, they took too much off the deck by a large factor. Something like .020 instead of .002, or maybe even .200 instead of .002. That's probably all the wrong numbers, but something like that. Now I'm going to have to go look it up....
EDIT: Tried to find it, no soap......
EDIT: Tried to find it, no soap......
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2019
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From: North Jersey
I did exactly what you are asking. My first thought was to rebuild my 352 but my local machine shop was very pricey! Spoke to another engine guy and he suggested going with a 390 short/long block, which he felt would be cheaper in the end. After doing some homework, I went with S&J engines in Washington and picked up a 390 long block with a mild performance cam. They also ported and polished the heads. The engine came painted Ford Blue at my request. From there I worked with my engine guy and put together the rest of the engine. I liked this process because I could pick out all my other engine components and design something that would look and perform much better then my old 352. Another plus was that while the block was out I was able to redo the engine compartment and get that looking brand new. It was a really fun project and I learned a lot along the way as my engine skills were a bit lacking prior to this build.
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