thoughts on this 352...
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 63
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From: clementsport canada
thoughts on this 352...
o.k. i just picked up what i belive to be a 352.( 4.00bore@ 3.50 stroke). this engine has 68 390 heads and 4bbl intake..how would this engine work in a 1/2 ton truck?..i"m not lookin for tons of speed, just a nice sounding good working crusin truck....i"ve heard that the 352 is a real dog of a motor, but i was wondering if the 390 heads and 4bbl intake would make a difference ..the heads are ported and polished if that matters....all opinions welcome....paul...
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 962
Likes: 2
From: Collierville, TN
thoughts on this 352...
It'll work just fine. The 352 is not a "dog", it's just not as powerful as the 390, 428 and other variants of the FE. That shouldn't surprise you, because higher displacement means more power.
I think that the 352's bad rep generally comes from two things -- it doesn't have anywhere near as many cubes as the 390/410/428, but it has the size and weight of a big block. Thus, a 351 has just as much displacement as a 352, but weighs a lot less.
Ford also never really meant for the 352/360 to be performance engines, and never developed them along those lines. By contrast, there are lots of performance parts available from both Ford and the aftermarket for the small blocks and the larger big blocks.
Unless you really need big, big power for racing, towing a very heavy trailer, etc., stick with that 352. Keep it tuned up, put a good dual exhaust and electronic ignition on, and you'll have a great truck motor.
I think that the 352's bad rep generally comes from two things -- it doesn't have anywhere near as many cubes as the 390/410/428, but it has the size and weight of a big block. Thus, a 351 has just as much displacement as a 352, but weighs a lot less.
Ford also never really meant for the 352/360 to be performance engines, and never developed them along those lines. By contrast, there are lots of performance parts available from both Ford and the aftermarket for the small blocks and the larger big blocks.
Unless you really need big, big power for racing, towing a very heavy trailer, etc., stick with that 352. Keep it tuned up, put a good dual exhaust and electronic ignition on, and you'll have a great truck motor.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 227
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From: Kent, WA
thoughts on this 352...
I have a 352 in my truck. The truck sat for 10 years before I got it. I put some gas in it, put a new battery in it and started it right up. They are great old motors. I have a 65 F-250 4x4 and it pushes that beast along great. I have lots of power, and plenty of torque.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
thoughts on this 352...
Paul, There are a few 390 only heads listed, but most are 352, 390, 428 WO air or something simular. If you got $1500.00-2000.00 to burn, rebuild it and bore it, otherwise it should perform just fine. 
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John
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[link:www.ford-trucks.com/users/jowilker|My Club FTE Page] Member since 01 01
[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker/NCFTE.html|NCFTO] North Carolina Ford Truck Owners Group
In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.
