FE 360 to 351W
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FE 360 to 351W
This is my first post to the site. I have tried for the last hour or so to find out some information, but it's like lookin for a needle in a haystack.
I have a 1975 F250 4x4. It currently has a 360 that my dad told me had been bored over to a 390. First of all is this possible. Next, I was thinking about switching over to a 351W. I want to know what are the pros and cons about modifications and what are the modifications.
A guy wants to trade even up with me for it. My engine is just basic stock besides the bore over. His truck has a lot more tweaks. It comes out of a 84 Ford Bronco. Are there going to be problems? Help me out guys...
I have a 1975 F250 4x4. It currently has a 360 that my dad told me had been bored over to a 390. First of all is this possible. Next, I was thinking about switching over to a 351W. I want to know what are the pros and cons about modifications and what are the modifications.
A guy wants to trade even up with me for it. My engine is just basic stock besides the bore over. His truck has a lot more tweaks. It comes out of a 84 Ford Bronco. Are there going to be problems? Help me out guys...
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
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From: The hills of No. Calif.
Like Tim said, welcome to FTE!
I'm no FE expert, but the difference between the 360 and the 390 is stroke, not bore. They both have a 4.05" bore, but the 360's stroke is 3.50" while the 390's is 3.786"
So it can be easily stroked to 390, but I don't know how far a 360 block can be overbored and what you'd get if you did. That's a question for the FE forum.
If you want to change to a 351W you'll need different motor mounts and the mount perches that bolt to the crossmember, as well as either a different bell housing if standard shift or a different transmission if automatic. Exhaust will probably line up a little differently as well, so some changes are in order there.
Other than that, it's pretty straightforward.
Pros and cons? Well, different people are going to have differing opinions on that. I'm not a fan of the FEs, too big and heavy for my taste and been out of production for a long time now. The 351W was available with EFI and roller cams stock, and there's a ton of good stuff available for them. I'm sure there is for the FE as well, but I bet it's a bit more expensive and harder to find.
On the other hand, a 390 will make more torque stock than a 351W so if you don't plan to modify anything, you'll be losing a bit there. But I believe the 351W will be more fuel efficient than that 390 if that's a consideration.
I'll bet we'll get some more opinions on this as well...
I'm no FE expert, but the difference between the 360 and the 390 is stroke, not bore. They both have a 4.05" bore, but the 360's stroke is 3.50" while the 390's is 3.786"
So it can be easily stroked to 390, but I don't know how far a 360 block can be overbored and what you'd get if you did. That's a question for the FE forum.
If you want to change to a 351W you'll need different motor mounts and the mount perches that bolt to the crossmember, as well as either a different bell housing if standard shift or a different transmission if automatic. Exhaust will probably line up a little differently as well, so some changes are in order there.
Other than that, it's pretty straightforward.
Pros and cons? Well, different people are going to have differing opinions on that. I'm not a fan of the FEs, too big and heavy for my taste and been out of production for a long time now. The 351W was available with EFI and roller cams stock, and there's a ton of good stuff available for them. I'm sure there is for the FE as well, but I bet it's a bit more expensive and harder to find.
On the other hand, a 390 will make more torque stock than a 351W so if you don't plan to modify anything, you'll be losing a bit there. But I believe the 351W will be more fuel efficient than that 390 if that's a consideration.
I'll bet we'll get some more opinions on this as well...
