How to tell....
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
How to tell....
Hello all,
I am new to this forum but I frequent the 61 to 66 Forum.Me and my dad have found a 74 f100 xlt,lwb w/ac in cherry condition.It has 70k original miles.Its a second owner and this is where the question comes in.The owner says it has a 390, but his son is sayin 360.How do you tell?According to the vin# it is a 360 but a friend of mine said that ford didnt always install the motor listed in the vin.Is this true? Are there numbers on the block I can run to tell?And where would they be located?Thanks in advance
I am new to this forum but I frequent the 61 to 66 Forum.Me and my dad have found a 74 f100 xlt,lwb w/ac in cherry condition.It has 70k original miles.Its a second owner and this is where the question comes in.The owner says it has a 390, but his son is sayin 360.How do you tell?According to the vin# it is a 360 but a friend of mine said that ford didnt always install the motor listed in the vin.Is this true? Are there numbers on the block I can run to tell?And where would they be located?Thanks in advance
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Only way to check is measure the stroke of motor. Using a coat hanger, rotate crankshaft by hand and measure down and up, difference is stroke. There is NO outside markings that say one way or other. That is the one bad thing about FE's.
This question has been discussed ALOT on this forum. I'm sure with some searching you'll find more information about this subject.
This question has been discussed ALOT on this forum. I'm sure with some searching you'll find more information about this subject.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 346
From: SE Iowa
If the motor is original to the truck, the VIN is correct. Factories dont get in the habit of giving out free options. Check the stroke if your still skeptical. Also look to see if the orgianal engine info sticker is still on the driver side valve cover. It should tell you which motor you have.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,785
Likes: 4
From: Mddl A MexCans
if you pull all the plugs and rotate it to TDC on #1 there is no need to turn the engine over after that just drop the dowel in the other holes and I think it's #3 or #4 that will be at the BDC but don't quote me on it.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Originally Posted by stryder
If the motor is original to the truck, the VIN is correct. Factories dont get in the habit of giving out free options. Check the stroke if your still skeptical. Also look to see if the orgianal engine info sticker is still on the driver side valve cover. It should tell you which motor you have.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 359
Likes: 1
From: Saint Paul, MN
Originally Posted by baddad457
They may not have done it regularly, but it DID happen more than you think. I've had two FE's that were the original motors in their vehicles and both turned out to be something they weren't. One was a 390 that was a 410, the other a 410 that was a 428. Ford had a habit of using up parts inventories that may have been so called "high perfomance" parts, but that also could be readily used in std applications. Lots of this went on in the mid 70's as well as the 60's.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,499
Likes: 2,811
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Thank you all for the help.I did get in touch with the original owner and it is a 360.Since I have your attention, which one is better?The 360 or 390?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 1
From: Littleton, CO
Originally Posted by dustybb01
Thank you all for the help.I did get in touch with the original owner and it is a 360.Since I have your attention, which one is better?The 360 or 390?
--Mike
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,499
Likes: 2,811
There are several 360-390 threads here. If your 360 runs ok and meets your needs, then you're good. Twice pipes, maybe a 4bbl will wake it up. Several have listed what they did to the 360.
If it needs an overhaul, then you need to read the "360 to 390" threads, as you will want to correct the p--poor compression and sunken piston situation in the 360, and the easiest path to that is 390 crank, rods, pistons.
390s are better, use the same fuel and more power, although your mileage may vary.
If it needs an overhaul, then you need to read the "360 to 390" threads, as you will want to correct the p--poor compression and sunken piston situation in the 360, and the easiest path to that is 390 crank, rods, pistons.
390s are better, use the same fuel and more power, although your mileage may vary.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
"Back in the day" the 360 was always the less desireable of the two. Probably had more to do with the compression ratio they were saddled with plus the cam grind. Never drove a 352, but I'd be willing to bet, they'd run rings around a 360.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,499
Likes: 2,811
352s were also known as something of a gashog in the day. However, the 352 had a good rep as several versions were high compression 4bbl twice pipes runners right from the factory. Ditto the 390, which was possessed of a fine rep. Enter the 360. No HiPo pedigree, a bowser from day one. Gas hog and gutless compared to other FE's, it was unloved from the start. Never mind it performed just about the same as a truck 352 2v.
The most common comments I remember were "you're better off with a 390, as they use the same amount of gas"..........or even "...you'd actually get better mileage with a 390.........'. True or not, from my very small slice of the universe.
The most common comments I remember were "you're better off with a 390, as they use the same amount of gas"..........or even "...you'd actually get better mileage with a 390.........'. True or not, from my very small slice of the universe.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DavidSa
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Oct 2, 2021 01:02 PM
deronyv8
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
5
May 10, 2016 09:09 PM
Damifiknow
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
11
Jul 13, 2015 08:19 PM
keyul
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
11
Apr 11, 2008 03:32 PM
Broncopirate
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Dec 28, 2001 07:08 PM
