Building a 390

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Aug 30, 2004 | 09:25 PM

wezol5484

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 2,735

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From: TX

Building a 390

Alright Im about to but a running 390 for $200 and rebuild it. The guy said that there is a noise comming from the bottom of it but I dont care. He pulled it to drop a 460 in but anyways...I on FE motors the rods come through the intake, correct? Are new intakes are hard to find for FE's? ie: Edlebrock, Holley?
Also is what combo of intake and heads could I get that doesnt have the shaft mounted rockers and where the push rods come through the heads instead? Like having a normal intake with normal heads, or should I stick with the shaft rockers and original type intake. Im not building this motor for power, more for reliabiliy but I would like a slightly bigger than stock cam, what size cam do ya'll reccomend?
Any other pointers to keep this motor reliable?
I have a 360 right now and its misfiring on 2 cylinders, a head problem so rather than fix the heads I figured that it would be better in the long run to build a new motor and Ive heard good things bout a 390. Plus itll be easier since its the same block and I can use all my old brackets. Its going on the truck thats in my gallery.

Last edited by wezol5484; Aug 30, 2004 at 09:27 PM.

Aug 30, 2004 | 09:38 PM

85e150

Super Moderator

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 34,481

Likes: 2,801

Check out the latest Hot Rod mag. They did an FE build up with all new parts.

You can get all kinds of stuff for 390s. Read all the posts here.

You are pretty much stuck with the factory style rocker set up. And of course, the intake goes over under the rocker covers and the pushrods go through the intake. Can't be helped. But there things to do to that valvetrain to make sure it lives if you are going to spin the motor hard and use heavier valve springs.

And, try this:

http://phystutor.tripod.com/stang/engines/big.html

You'll start out on the 429/460 stuff, but you can also get FE info by scrolling to the bottom. Check to the left for other sites, or do a google search for "390 Ford".

Happy motoring.

Last edited by 85e150; Aug 30, 2004 at 09:43 PM.

Aug 31, 2004 | 10:28 AM

Mike G

Postmaster

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 3,447

Likes: 1

From: Littleton, CO

First, make sure it is a 390 by checking the stroke (see the Sticky FAQ's). If you are looking for a mild build, you can put a nice cam (Crane 343801) in with the stock valve train and heads. How much do you want to spend?? A manifold/head combo will run $1600, and they are the original design. I haven't seen a "conversion" package to get you tot he look of the ordinary V8's.

--Mike

Last edited by Mike G; Aug 31, 2004 at 10:31 AM.

Aug 31, 2004 | 01:36 PM

wezol5484

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 2,735

Likes: 0

From: TX

Yea I just want a mild motor and keep it reliable because by the time Im done building Ill be leaving for college (almost a year). Im planning on buying everything new except cranks (get it turned and balanced) and rods. (good idea?). My dad wanted me to sell my truck and but my stepmoms izuzu for reliability and I told him that I could make my motor just as reliable if not more than her izuzu is (its got 230K miles on it). Ill sooner or later get my tranny and t-case rebuild but thats later. Does the stock intake have a exhaust cross over? I was looking at new edlebrok intakes and some of them dont.
I would like to hear yalls opinions on what to use and some good tips on building it and putting it together right. Im still readin around on the forum and on the internet also.
Thanks
Dylan

Aug 31, 2004 | 09:59 PM

Dealford

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 3,237

Likes: 3

From: Belleville, Ontario

Add this link to your favorites:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/74182
Some very intense & experienced guys there. Seems every known fact about FEs is in that forum.
AL.