Identyfying engine, 360 or 390?

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May 8, 2004 | 01:41 PM

Azguy54

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Identyfying engine, 360 or 390?

New to here. Just got a '68 F100 2wd. Was told it had a 390 but the VIN code is for a 360. How can I tell the diff? Don't know Fords that well having built small block Chevs all my life. Wanted to try something new and couldn't pass this one up at 500 and running. Doing this with my son as a "project. Any help will be appreciated. Also looking at a long block so if it is a 360 would changing to a 390 be that big a deal or for that matter, improvement. Have heard the 360 is a dog. Thanks all

May 8, 2004 | 03:50 PM

fordeverpower

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From: iowa

the only way to check is sticking something in the plug hole and measuring the stroke. The 390 has a stroke of 3.78 and the 360 is 3.5 stroke. And yes going to a 390 will make a nice improvement in power and torque.

May 8, 2004 | 04:13 PM

Azguy54

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Thanks for the info
By your reply I will assume the block and such are identical and that installing the 390 long block should present no problem. I have ID'd the tranny as a C6 (cut out in pan on passenger side rear corner). Is that assumption incorrect? Thanks

May 8, 2004 | 04:16 PM

lee

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From: Lacey, WA

Yup,

Blocks are the same 360-390 for all intents.

May 8, 2004 | 04:44 PM

fordeverpower

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From: iowa

yes, the blocks are all the same size and have the same bellhousing bolt pattern. Motor mounts are the same as well. And yes the c6 does have a odd shaped edge on the pan.

May 8, 2004 | 04:49 PM

Azguy54

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I have been reading all the posts here and you guys are awesome. I think I may just take a real liking to this neighborhood. Thanks

May 8, 2004 | 05:39 PM

Azguy54

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This may or may not be a stupid Q but, do I need to remove a plug, bottom out the piston and measure total stroke that way by rotating the crank? I have a set of 12" dial caplipers that I could use for depth mics. I think I know thw answer already but the only stupid Q is the one that doesn't get asked I always say. Thanks

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May 8, 2004 | 05:51 PM

bassdude

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From: colorado

you could take a sparkplug out put in a wood dowel . turn the engine over by hand and just mark the dowel and measure it. without getting to technical 3 1/2" is a 360. 3 3/4" is a 390.