I've decided to find a "new" engine to replace the tired 360 in my 69 F100. So far, I've learned that a remanufactured and warranted 68-76 390 truck motor (long block assembly) will run me about $1200 delivered to my door, but I'd still need to have it balanced and get the oiling mods done locally (total of about $200-250). Local shops that seem to know what they're doing charge at least that much to rebuild a core you provide, and of course there's no guarantee that the core will be rebuildable. Adding in the cost of a new 390 crank and rods, rebuilding my existing 360 as a 390 would cost $1500-2000 with balancing and oiling mods.

Alternatives include the FE 428, and the 385-series 429 (car) and "2Y" 460 motors. The 429 and 460 are each about $1400 ($400 more than the FE 390), and the 428 about $1700 ($700 more than the 390). Is there any good reason to spend the extra dough on one of those engines? My truck is otherwise stock, and I'm building it for towing. I'll be adding headers, duals, 4v intake, etc. I know that dropping in a new 390 should be pretty painless. How much of a hassle would the 428 and 385-series motors be in comparison?

ksd
69 F100 Explorer lwb 2wd FE 360 C6. WANTED: straight/clean styleside long box w/aux fuel tank for 67-69 F series.

 

If you change engine family you need to consider hidden cost/work. Will the tranny/torque converter bolt up? How about the accessories and brackets? Headers, carb, motor mounts? Those things can eat up the budget and patience.

1977 Ford F-100
400m/c6/4:11/Gear Vender O.D.
Crane hydralic roller, forged, ported polished,Deamon,Edlebrock, yada, yada, yada
280,000 miles
Stock on the outside
modified/rebuilt everything

 

Yeah, I know. That's why I'm asking. Does anyone know, for instance, whether the C6 on my FE will bolt up to a 460? Would it require a different radiator? Would the existing motor mounts work, or would I need new or relocated ones? I have three bolt mounts on my FE, but I don't know what the 385 series uses or where they are on the block. I'll be replacing just about everything that attaches to or hangs on the engine, so that's not an issue (other than general "fit" issues, but the engine compartment is pretty big).

ksd
69 F100 Explorer lwb 2wd FE 360 C6. WANTED: straight/clean styleside long box w/aux fuel tank for 67-69 F series.

 

The C-6 that mates to your FE (360) will not fit on the 385 Series 429/460. They are different families and have different bellhousing patterns as well as everything else. Nothing interchanges such as motor mounts, brackets,or exhaust manifolds.
The radiator could still work with the proper hoses. Hope this helps. 429/460 make lots of horsepower and get better fuel mileage but there is still nothing like a 390/428!

 

if i was you id put the same engine in thats in it. you would ending up spending a lot more trying to put a different engine in with the tranny and stuff like that.
Anthony DiPietro
79 F150 Ranger

 

Your best bet is a 390 with flat-top pistons and about 8.5~9.25:1 compression and a good dual pattern RV type cam. I'd look at the Crower cams for a good selection. Getting a good 390 rebuilt and delivered for $1,200 seems like a good deal. I'd check the rep of the shop first. I used PAW and had bad parts that cost me time and money, so it's worth asking about the company.

One advantage of a local shop is that you can go back to them with any problams, and you can order up whatever cam you want.

Changing to the 385 family is a lot of work, new mounts, tranny...

Most local shops can tell you if the block is good for a rebuild for cheap.

Overall, I think the 390 with a few mods is an excellent choice for your app.