302 or 390?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 317
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From: Minnesota
302 or 390?
I need an engine for my 71 Mustang. I was going to get a rebuilt 302, but was just offered a 390 from my father in law for free. All I have to do is get rid of the 68 Galaxy that it is in. The old car is rusted out beyond repair. The engine is real strong in it. I am pretty sure will fit with some modifications to the car.
I am trying to find out the most cost effective way to get this car running. It is mostly my wifes car and she just wants to cruise in it, but it would be real cool to have a FE in it. A 302 or 351 would be more than enough for me also, but it is hard to turn down a good 390 that I know the history of. There are a few things I am trying to find out about each engine-
302 vs. 390
What does each weigh?
How much taller is a 390?
Are the bellhousings different and can they be adapted to a 3 speed?
Anything else I should be concerned about?
Thanks
I am trying to find out the most cost effective way to get this car running. It is mostly my wifes car and she just wants to cruise in it, but it would be real cool to have a FE in it. A 302 or 351 would be more than enough for me also, but it is hard to turn down a good 390 that I know the history of. There are a few things I am trying to find out about each engine-
302 vs. 390
What does each weigh?
How much taller is a 390?
Are the bellhousings different and can they be adapted to a 3 speed?
Anything else I should be concerned about?
Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 1
From: Littleton, CO
Most effective way to get it running - replace what it has now.
Coolest effective way - drop in the 390
The 390 of course does weigh in at a few more pounds than the 302, but with some aluminum bolt-ons, you can shave the pounds. I do not recall how far into the 70's the FE was in the Mustang (I'll guess 72 at most), but you should be able to get your hands on some motor mounts and associated FE stuff for your car and swap it in (front springs too). The bell housings will be different and you will probably want more than the 3-speed behind it. The issue with the FE in the 'Stang is not so much how tall, but how wide. You will want as much together as possible when you drop it in and that includes plugs.... Hold on for more from the experienced, they'll check in soon.
--Mike G
Coolest effective way - drop in the 390
The 390 of course does weigh in at a few more pounds than the 302, but with some aluminum bolt-ons, you can shave the pounds. I do not recall how far into the 70's the FE was in the Mustang (I'll guess 72 at most), but you should be able to get your hands on some motor mounts and associated FE stuff for your car and swap it in (front springs too). The bell housings will be different and you will probably want more than the 3-speed behind it. The issue with the FE in the 'Stang is not so much how tall, but how wide. You will want as much together as possible when you drop it in and that includes plugs.... Hold on for more from the experienced, they'll check in soon.
--Mike G
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 908
Likes: 4
FEs in Mustangs required special exhaust manifolds to clear the shock towers. There was still barely enough room between them to get your little finger in.
It's a hard swap including the tranny. There is no way to change bellhousings on a C-6. If you have a C-4, finding an FE bellhousing for it might be almost impossible. You didn't say what tranny it currently has.
Weight: 302 = 460; 390 = 650.
It's a hard swap including the tranny. There is no way to change bellhousings on a C-6. If you have a C-4, finding an FE bellhousing for it might be almost impossible. You didn't say what tranny it currently has.
Weight: 302 = 460; 390 = 650.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 8
From: Missouri
FE bellhousings for C4s aren't hard to find at all. There are at least a couple manufacturers I know of. They are just very expensive.
My buddy had a 302 in his '73. It was amazing how small it looked compared to my 390. All I could think is "cute"!
A 302 can make your pickup truck scream if you want it to. It will probably handle better too on the corners. The swap to a 390 is too complicated unless you need massive amounts of power in my opinon.
My buddy had a 302 in his '73. It was amazing how small it looked compared to my 390. All I could think is "cute"!
A 302 can make your pickup truck scream if you want it to. It will probably handle better too on the corners. The swap to a 390 is too complicated unless you need massive amounts of power in my opinon.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 1
From: Littleton, CO
Get the 302 up and running - $500
Happy wife - $500
More time for your toys - Priceless
--Mike
Happy wife - $500
More time for your toys - Priceless
--Mike
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,043
Likes: 4
I don't believe an FE was offered in the mustang in the 71-73 body. But a 429 was............... :-)
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