Here is wha the plate on my 65 f250 says:

I know I've got a 390 inside and the trannie has been moved from the column to a 4 on the floor. The fenders say i-beam, but with all the modifications, I'm trying to verify what I can...

129 O F250 C81 G B4 7500 172 4000 74

Warrenty Number: F25DL606362

Can someone break this down for me...

Thanks!

Ben B.

 

1965 F250, maanufactured in Oct. '64 in Michigan, 352 engine 172 hp @ 4000, Cruise-o-matic trans, 129" wheelbase, standard cab, Light Peacock exterior color, 4.10:1 rearend gear ratio, 7500 gvw, truck ordered for Seattle area.

That's about all I can come up with. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

 

I forgot to note that it is a custom cab. But based on what you said: Someone changed out the motor and tranny.

Does anyone know if there is a height difference between the 390 and the 352? I'm asking because I know that the hood that is on my truck now is not the original hood (chrome trim stops at the door).

I also would like suggestions on weather I should swap out the 390 for a rebuild or just tear it down and re-work it myself? Also wondering if a 352 back in it would be better than the 390 in it.

I am new to what engine/tranny is what and what is going to perform better...

I have read quite a few topics here, but none of them state what is better for what...

 

Externally the 352 is the same as the 390. The difference is .050 on the bore and a longer stroke for the 390. The 390 is a great engine with plenty of power and plenty of torque. I've had several 390 engines and I love them. I would rebuild what you have and upgrade it to a 390.
You may want to post the engine questions in the FE V8 engine forum section for more info
Hope this helps..

 

Hi Ben, just gotta ask, How do you know it's a 390?

not a smart A question

John

 

Says 390 on top of the carb. (air filter cover). I guess it could be anything, how can you tell for sure?

 

Hi Ben, Welcome to FTE...a few things more on your door tag...the L on the VIN...Michigan truck....odd as all of the trucks I have seen around here are from San Jose...The C in your body code denotes a green woven plastic w/foam cushion seat...sounds like a Custom cab truck to me...As for telling if its a 390 or 352, there have been some who posted on here taking a plug out and putting a wooden, as I recall, dowel or similar down the hole while at bottom of the stroke ...A pretty good way to tell as to the year of the engine is to look at the casting numbers on heads, intake and block(block is on oil pan surface area on driver side front corner....there possibly could be a metal tag attached to the coil bracket, the dipstick to block retaining bolt, or, like mine...is on the dipstick bolt but wrapped up to do double duty as a wire retainer for the oil pressure gauge and idiot light wiring....these tags say right on them the engine size and other info including date. Also if the carb has the tag, that is also easily broken down...
If you wanna, drop me either a private message or email if it will let you, if not post here and I can email ya....I am in the Seattle area loving the sun we are getting at last....


Let me know....cs65

 

Hi Ben, Was just wondering, because you can't tell the difference from a 390 and a 352 from the outside, they all become 390s on sale day.

I have tried the wooden dowl but found a piece of white 14/2 or 12/2 house wire works better because it is smaller. You can use a Sharpie resting on the manifold to mark the wire while a friend rotates the engine with a socket on one of the pullies or crank. I advise not to turn it with the starter.

John