360 performance parts?
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From: Raleigh, NC
360 performance parts?
i found a deal that i dont know if i can refuse, its an early 70's F-150 with a 360, c6, np203, 9", d44. if i get it i plan on putting all that in my '87. one thing i want to know is, is it easy to find any performance parts for the 360 and are there even any. im looking through all the summit and jegs mags that i have for any but i want to know if any of you guys have any places off the top of your heads.
thanks in advance
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thanks in advance
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Collierville, TN
360 performance parts?
There are plenty of performance parts for the 360. It is identical to the 390 except for the crankshaft and connecting rods, so anything that will work on a 390 will work on the 360.
There aren't as many performance parts for the FE engines (352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428) as there are for the small block (298/302/351) Fords, or for the SBC or BBC, but there are still enough to build a great motor.
A 360 with a C6 is an excellent starting point. The C6 is virtually indestructable, and all FEs are stout. Still, the best bang for your buck would be to toss the 360's crankshaft and rods in the nearest dumpster and replace them with a set from a 390 or a 428. The longer stroke and added displacement will make a big difference.
There aren't as many performance parts for the FE engines (352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428) as there are for the small block (298/302/351) Fords, or for the SBC or BBC, but there are still enough to build a great motor.
A 360 with a C6 is an excellent starting point. The C6 is virtually indestructable, and all FEs are stout. Still, the best bang for your buck would be to toss the 360's crankshaft and rods in the nearest dumpster and replace them with a set from a 390 or a 428. The longer stroke and added displacement will make a big difference.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Lacey, WA
360 performance parts?
To add to the above post, you may also need pistons. The origianl full shirt 360 pistons cannot be used with the 390 crank. Ya need "slipper skirt" style pistons for clearance.
Lee
Lee
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From: Raleigh, NC
360 performance parts?
so ANY part for a 390 will fit the 360? ive already found a cam i want thats made for a 390, and a bunch of other stuff too. so all i would have to do to make that engine a 390 or a 428 would be to just put in the right size crank and rods? seems easy enough.
Elder User
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From: Collierville, TN
360 performance parts?
Well, he is correct about changing pistons, but to me that's a given. I never reuse pistons, just like I never reuse main cap bolts, rod bolts, head bolts, gaskets or rings.
Yes, ANY 390 part will work just fine in a 360. The blocks are identical. The 360 and the 390 truck motors all came with the same heads and manifolds, too. MOST 428 parts will also work, but there are some differences, especially in the 428 Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet motors.
Yes, ANY 390 part will work just fine in a 360. The blocks are identical. The 360 and the 390 truck motors all came with the same heads and manifolds, too. MOST 428 parts will also work, but there are some differences, especially in the 428 Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet motors.
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From: Raleigh, NC
360 performance parts?
ive been looking for a crank for a 390 but havent found one yet, ive looked in Jegs and in Summit, still no luck.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Collierville, TN
360 performance parts?
No one is making crankshafts for the FE these days. You need to find a used crank. They're not that hard to find. In fact, I think there are a few being sold on ebay right now. Expect to pay $100-150 for a fresh one. Better yet, just ask at your machine shop. They'll either have a few sitting around or will know where to get one for you. You're also going to need connecting rods and pistons, of course. Your machine shop can supply all of those parts, and balance them for you, install the wrist pins, etc.
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360 performance parts?
You need to check the compression height on a slippered piston. When I change my 360 to a 390 it had the slippered pistons and some were marked 390 4v. My block was shot so I bought a 390 short block. when I got to looking at the pistons, the slippered one's out of the 360 had a higher compression height and would not work in the 390. I bought all new 390/410 truck pistons from Summit Raqcing for 10.69/each.
bob
bob
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From: Collierville, TN
360 performance parts?
I think you have it backwards. The 360 pistons have full skirts. The 390s are slippered. In any case, you should always check compression height. 360 pistons will be taller than 390 pistons because the crankshaft throw is shorter by 0.14". While the 360 rod is also longer than a 390 rod, it only makes up .052" of that different. Thus, pistons of the same compression height will be .088" further down the hole on a 360 crank and rods than they will be on a 390 crank and rods. To get back to zero deck or close to it, you need taller pistons. It also means, of course, that a piston designed for zero deck or close to it on a 360 will stick out the top of the cylinder when installed on a 360 crank and rods.
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