Go 390 or keep 400?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: West Jefferson,ohio
Go 390 or keep 400?
I have a 78 F-250 4x4 with the 400,C6,205. I want to put a 390 in it.I have a 71 F-100 2wd,That the 390 is in now an it runs great.Is it worth the trouble to take the 390 out an put it in my 78? The engine,trans an transfer is out of the 78 already. The 400 threw a rod out the side.No big deal have 3-400 engines laying around.I have ford parts coming out my ears.I'm also a mechanic by trade.So i have the tools to get it done.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
My opinion would be to swap to the 390. There's more torque for pulling and they have the potential for a lot of power.
I have a '69 F250 4x4 with a 400 in it and a '75 hi-boy with a 390 in her. There IS a difference in power!
Don't get me wrong thou.....that 400 in the mud truck sure likes to scream!
Mike
I have a '69 F250 4x4 with a 400 in it and a '75 hi-boy with a 390 in her. There IS a difference in power!
Don't get me wrong thou.....that 400 in the mud truck sure likes to scream!
Mike
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: West Jefferson,ohio
Do you know if the 2wd frame mounts for the 390 will work in the 4x4? I know i'll have to get a rear sump oil pan an pick up tube.But I don't know about any other complications.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
well no. you need fe 4x4 towers, is the t case divorced or married? you will need a transmission for a fe because they don't swap with any other engine. the 390 was not a option that year it was discontinued in 76 so there is some drilling to do.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: West Jefferson,ohio
I was going to take the trans for the 400 gut it.Gut the 390 trans an swap the output shafts.The t case is married,but I have a cousin who has a divorced 205.laying in his garage an wants a $100 for.The engine towers from the 390 2wd won't work cause there to short? Does anyone know where I can get the 4x4 towers?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 2
From: where the deer and antelo
I'd stick with the 400. They can make a ton of power if built right. If your bent on a engine swap, put the best engine Ford never put in a 70's 4X4-- the 460. It would be a fairly easy swap, and you can pass another vehicle with out the need of a three mile passing zone.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 9
From: Sun River St. George
I love my FE's but 460's are what I will use in the future. Parts and potential for torque are the driving factors. IMHO!
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: West Jefferson,ohio
I haven't been able to find a 460 resonable priced.The one's i find in junk yards they want to much for them,an can't tell me if they even run. I got this 71 F-100 for free an it runs an drives.So I know this engine is good.I had a 390 in my old 75 F-250 an it ran great an I had straight 2 1/2in pipe with headers all the way to the bumper,my mom could hear me going to work at 6 in the morning 2 blocks away.I just miss that sweet sound.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 9
From: Sun River St. George
bhawkin2, There are many late model 460s with transmissions for sale on e-bay. I got my current powertrain for 500 bucks. I'll freshen it up and eliminate a lot of crap on the engine that is not needed for my application and stuff it in a 66 SWB. You know that with the increase in gas prices those fat block gas guzzeling Fords will be plentiful. Sometimes you are well off if you can buy a running vehicle like an E 350 and move all the stuff over. You are right about those FE's and with a flowmaster they sure sound sweet. I think you just add up the numbers and whatever works for you is the right answer.
