New 352 owner
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 563
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From: Texas Hill Country
Originally Posted by ARMORER
Anyway, the guy at the muffler shop says "I cant believe that nobody's ever had the manifolds off of that old 390!" I told him it was a 352. He laughed and said that he's been doing this for over 20 years, and it is definitely a 390. Is my engine a 390? What are some visual cues? How do you tell?
Go ask the muffler shop guy how HE knows... could be a learning experience.
Thanks...
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 742
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Iowa
LOL! I don't think he could have told me if I'd asked! He's one wierd dude. Anyway he was wrong. I measured the stroke, and it is a 352! I was kinda happy about that, it just seems more nostalgic somehow. The more I drive it, the more power it seems to have. After sitting all this time, finally the "cobs" are getting blown out of it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
Dont forget to change the oil a few times. Avoid SM rated oil, as it lacks the necessary ZDDP additive, in the necessary quantities, to protect your flat tappet cam. I'd look for a diesel rated oil, preferably in 10w30. Something with the CH-4 and CI-4 ratings.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 742
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Iowa
If this engine never had a detergent oil ran in it will switching to one cause problems? I am surprised that 10-30 would be optimal. In an old FE in the summer I would have thought at least 10-40 probably 20-50. That must be too thick?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
If it's not making noise, 10w30 is optimal. Remember these engines have large diameter bearings, and dont require heavy oil. If you feel the need to use something heavier then use 15w40, but no heavier. All you do with a heavier oil is make it harder to start, run hotter, and lose power. You'll also make life harder for your oil pump, oil pump drive shaft, distributor gear and cam gear.
The detergent oil will help slowly clean out the engine, it's perfectly safe. What you want to avoid are engine flush products, they can clog things up.
The detergent oil will help slowly clean out the engine, it's perfectly safe. What you want to avoid are engine flush products, they can clog things up.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 0
From: Jackassville
Before I pulled my 352FE and rebuilt it, I tried some of that engine flush stuff. It did nothing, nadda. That stuff is a scam if you ask me. About the detergent oil, if the motor is gunked up, the only its gonna get clean is a hot tanking.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 742
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From: Eastern Iowa
Hey Guys, I've been gone for a few weeks for some military training(2 week annual training). While I've been gone, the old Galaxie has been getting her body panels straightened and filled. In 1 or 2 days, it will be in primer and ready for a fresh coat of paint. Here's the dilemma, I have no Idea what color to paint it! It is currently white. The body guy says it should stay that way, he thinks it will look nicer. But he will paint it any color I want. My wife wants it to be bright red. Any input on this? I know this is not the right forum, but you have helped me with other things on the Galaxie so I typed it here!-----Ryan -----pic is a visual so that you can imagine the different colors on it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 992
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I have a 1964 galaxie 500 thunderbird special that is gold. Now IMHO i think that is a very pretty color. Nothing beats that gold shining in the sun with the top down.
I will try to get a color strip for you to see if you want it. If i can not get it to post it is the original color for the 1964 Galaxie 500 converitble. With the Thunderbird 390 motor that is painted the same color as the car.
I will try to get a color strip for you to see if you want it. If i can not get it to post it is the original color for the 1964 Galaxie 500 converitble. With the Thunderbird 390 motor that is painted the same color as the car.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2005
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I agree with several that the 352 is an excellent engine. If I am remembering correctly, this is the engine put into the Thunderbirds of the day, so it was used much as a precursor to the muscle cars of later in the 60's. I have had two different F-series pickups with this engine and had no problem with either. They have incredible torque, I have often put my 66 F-250 in the granny gear and let it idle across a hay field while picking up hay. This same pickup routinely ran 16+MPG.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 992
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Originally Posted by ARMORER
Hey Guys, I've been gone for a few weeks for some military training(2 week annual training). While I've been gone, the old Galaxie has been getting her body panels straightened and filled. In 1 or 2 days, it will be in primer and ready for a fresh coat of paint. Here's the dilemma, I have no Idea what color to paint it! It is currently white. The body guy says it should stay that way, he thinks it will look nicer. But he will paint it any color I want. My wife wants it to be bright red. Any input on this? I know this is not the right forum, but you have helped me with other things on the Galaxie so I typed it here!-----Ryan -----pic is a visual so that you can imagine the different colors on it.
keep us posted on the color.
i would like to see a picture after the car is painted
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 742
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Iowa
Originally Posted by hiball3985
Black comes to mind for me... what color is the interior?