Is it a 390 or a 391 Casting numbers
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5
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From: Sacramento, CA
Is it a 390 or a 391????
Hello all,
I just baught a 69 f100. The engine compartment is empty, however there is an old ford big block in the back. The guy I baught old blue from thinks the eng is a 391 cid but he is not sure. It just looks like an old big block to me. How can I determine what it is? I do not see a 352 stamped on it!
I just baught a 69 f100. The engine compartment is empty, however there is an old ford big block in the back. The guy I baught old blue from thinks the eng is a 391 cid but he is not sure. It just looks like an old big block to me. How can I determine what it is? I do not see a 352 stamped on it!
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: kingman az
391 engine?
are the exhaust manifolds with it . if they are log style it is a 390 .
if they dump in the middle it is a 391 .also does the engine have a governed dist. it is a big dist with two lower vacuum hoses and a hose for the vacuum advance .i have a 330xd that is the same block .also does the carb have a governer in it . also how many bolts does the water pump have .mine has 6.also the crankshaft is longer than the 390 .
if you can send me pictures of the engine .
my name is mike davis .
Edited for content by FTE
if they dump in the middle it is a 391 .also does the engine have a governed dist. it is a big dist with two lower vacuum hoses and a hose for the vacuum advance .i have a 330xd that is the same block .also does the carb have a governer in it . also how many bolts does the water pump have .mine has 6.also the crankshaft is longer than the 390 .
if you can send me pictures of the engine .
my name is mike davis .
Edited for content by FTE
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sacramento, CA
The exhaust manifolds are on it (eng is complete), one side dumps in middle and other side at rear. I don't see any vac disk like you described. I will get the cast numbers and upload pics in the morning. thank you
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sacramento, CA
390/391? I got the cast numbers
The numbers I retreived off the block are as folows.....
89AE601SB
9K20:4
44
The numbers are a bit on the worn side so if it doesn't add up I can recheck the questionable one(s).
Thank You
89AE601SB
9K20:4
44
The numbers are a bit on the worn side so if it doesn't add up I can recheck the questionable one(s).
Thank You
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 702
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From: kingman az
330/361 /engine id
the 330 ?in my bus has a block #d4te.1 the local machine shop says its a 361 or 391 the valve cover says 330 and the head casting # is hidden under the intake. i dont want to take apart the running engine to find the number .
if anybody can help thank you.
if anybody wants to trade ft parts for fe parts email me please
if anybody can help thank you.
if anybody wants to trade ft parts for fe parts email me please
Last edited by lrd56; Dec 8, 2003 at 06:14 PM.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
One easy way to tell FT from FE is the engine mounts.
FE: The mounts bolt to the side of the block; they cover up (full or partially) at least one freeze plug. There will one or two sets of threaded hols for the engine mount bolts. (Earlier FE blocks have one set on each side, later ones have two.) The timing chain cover is cast aluminum, with no engine mount flanges.
Under the driver's side head on the block will be a 352. 352 will also be cast into the rear of the block behind the flywheel.
FT: The sides of the block have no threaded holes for engine mounts. (Note: this isn't always true, though. However, if there are no holes, it is an FT block.) The timing chain cover is usually cast iron, with a flange bolted to it (behind the crankshaft damper) to mount the front of the engine to the truck frame. You can make out part of this flange in the pictures which BB posted. The bellhousing or transmission will have two angled flanges for mounting the rear of the engine to the sides of the frame.
If you search on this forum: http://www.fomoco.com/forummain/ you can find some more details which may help you out better.
Hope this helps.
FE: The mounts bolt to the side of the block; they cover up (full or partially) at least one freeze plug. There will one or two sets of threaded hols for the engine mount bolts. (Earlier FE blocks have one set on each side, later ones have two.) The timing chain cover is cast aluminum, with no engine mount flanges.
Under the driver's side head on the block will be a 352. 352 will also be cast into the rear of the block behind the flywheel.
FT: The sides of the block have no threaded holes for engine mounts. (Note: this isn't always true, though. However, if there are no holes, it is an FT block.) The timing chain cover is usually cast iron, with a flange bolted to it (behind the crankshaft damper) to mount the front of the engine to the truck frame. You can make out part of this flange in the pictures which BB posted. The bellhousing or transmission will have two angled flanges for mounting the rear of the engine to the sides of the frame.
If you search on this forum: http://www.fomoco.com/forummain/ you can find some more details which may help you out better.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by banjopicker66; Dec 8, 2003 at 06:56 PM.
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Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sacramento, CA
ford bb cast numbers / please help
my engine cast numbers are:
89AE601BB
9K29:4
44
If someone with the book could tell me what year and weather its a 390 or 391 I would realy appreciate it. All indications tell me it is a 391 ( cast timing cover, it has two bolt holes on each side one above the other for motor mounts that appears will cover one freeze plug up, no stamp of 352, oil dip stick tube right next to oil filter, water pump has 4 bolts, a bracket bolts to the timing cover for the front motor mount behind crank pully).
thank you for your help and wisdom!!!!!!
P.S. What are the pro's & con's on a 391 vers 390? I am putting it in a 69 F100
89AE601BB
9K29:4
44
If someone with the book could tell me what year and weather its a 390 or 391 I would realy appreciate it. All indications tell me it is a 391 ( cast timing cover, it has two bolt holes on each side one above the other for motor mounts that appears will cover one freeze plug up, no stamp of 352, oil dip stick tube right next to oil filter, water pump has 4 bolts, a bracket bolts to the timing cover for the front motor mount behind crank pully).
thank you for your help and wisdom!!!!!!
P.S. What are the pro's & con's on a 391 vers 390? I am putting it in a 69 F100
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 8
From: Brea CA
It's a 391 (or 361, can't tell without checking the stroke) cast on Oct. 29, 1969. Not sure how you're gonna mount it, you need the 4 bolt hole style motor mount bosses. The two bolt holes that you are seeing are not used. Also it's got pretty low compression with small port/valve heads. I'd consider another engine imo.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 794
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Hey there,
The biggest problem in using a 391 block for a pickup is the hole in the block for the distributor is bigger on the 391's and you probably don't want to get stuck with the monster 391 distributor. An experienced machine shop will tell you you can turn a 390 into a 391, but not a 391 into a 390 (block that is) I'd yank the crank out and toss the rest. If the crank's standard, sell it on ebay, they're going for $150 for a standard forged 391 crank.
The biggest problem in using a 391 block for a pickup is the hole in the block for the distributor is bigger on the 391's and you probably don't want to get stuck with the monster 391 distributor. An experienced machine shop will tell you you can turn a 390 into a 391, but not a 391 into a 390 (block that is) I'd yank the crank out and toss the rest. If the crank's standard, sell it on ebay, they're going for $150 for a standard forged 391 crank.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 93
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I would keep that block, its as solid as a rock. They're cast with a high nickel content cast iron, and the cylinder walls, deck, and main line are very thick. I've hear of these blocks getting bored out as much as .120!!!! I wouldn't let it go, because the FT motors are a good base for a fast motor. Put on a new intake, some better flowing heads, good carb, and your good for turbos or NOS!! The motor has a stock compression of something like 8 to 1. Perfect!
