stk crate vs. custom build

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 28, 2006 | 12:33 AM

lscolonel

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 45

Likes: 0

stk crate vs. custom build

Hi guys this is my first post. Anyways my wife unfortunately doen't share my adoration for the FE in my 74 F-100 (or more specificly the money it costs to keep it going), and its time for the old 360 to go and she keeps telling me to just buy a crate motor and be done with it. I kinda want to try my hand at custom building my own motor and was wondering if the extra cost is really worth it for a daily driver with no plans for the track. I have 2 possible donor 390 blocks that both run now but need tlc (one is out of a dump truck) and any info is welcomed.

Feb 28, 2006 | 02:42 AM

ford390gashog

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 26,007

Likes: 575

From: Brentwood,CA

the 390 in the dump truck is most likely not a FE but a FT 391 or 330. you can get a new 390 for 1200.00. if you did it yourself you would be in 1200.00 just in machine and head work.

Feb 28, 2006 | 03:26 AM

gtex

Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 6,175

Likes: 21

From: Texas

I agree, if your on a tight budget (money and time), a Crate motor under $2000 is gonna be hard to beat.

Now, if you can convince the misses to let you learn and enjoy a little by doing your own build, then go for it. Just know that it will prbably cost more and take more time. Parts for FEs aren't exactly cheap. but, there is a decent selection now available.

Is this a daily driver with mileage concerns?

Feb 28, 2006 | 09:43 AM

FalconStng

Elder User

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 669

Likes: 1

I rebuilt my 390 and went for many of the performance modifications that get talked about in this forum. If I had it to do over I would do the crate engine. I've rebuilt a ton of engines over the years with no difficulties. I don't know if it's the 390 or the modifications I made or maybe I'm just an idiot but this thing kicked my butt. I'm just now getting to where I'm happy with my build and that's after 2 rebuilds and pulling the top off a 3rd time. It would have been much easier and faster to do the crate engine. Now don't get me wrong....after I recover from this thing I've got a hankering to get started on a 428....stroker crank, big a$$ cam, ported, polished heads,....well you get the picture...it's addictive...and EXPENSIVE!!! LOL.

Good Luck however you go,

Tracy

Feb 28, 2006 | 01:12 PM

tastyklair

Elder User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 867

Likes: 0

From: Eastern Pa

If you would like to give the diy a try go for it. It's fun, rewarding, and sometimes forces you to relieve great amounts of stress. The previous post suggests possible problems. While that can always happen, I believe if you were to take your time, get a decent manual, and when in doubt jump on the boards here and get help, you can avoid most problems. Start getting help here right from the get go in the planning phase. That will eliminate alot of future problems. Convince the wife and go for I say.

Feb 28, 2006 | 09:34 PM

lscolonel

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 45

Likes: 0

First no worries about mileage her SUV only gets 10 in town. Time is an issue and as much as I want to try my had at building my own if I am honnest about what you said she wins this round. Thanks for the info. By the way what's the difference between a FE and a FT?

-Garrett

Feb 28, 2006 | 11:56 PM

Putt

Posting Guru

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 2,232

Likes: 1

From: Colville, Washington

The FT is a medium/heavy duty truck motor, same basic engine design but heads, intakes, exhaust manifolds, and a few other parts are different. It is a low speed motor designed for heavy loads.