390 block identification?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 30, 2009 | 01:57 PM

rteterw

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

From: Port Torture WA

390 block identification?

Hello,

Ok heres one for you I am trying to identify the engine in my 72-F250. The issue is the Truck has 390 decals etc on it yet the door panels says its a 360. I have looked the block over several times now and can find no numbers long enough to be the engine code. So whats the deal? how come theres no identification code on the engine?

Thanks all

Jan 30, 2009 | 02:14 PM

FFR428

Needsmorecoffee.

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 3,624

Likes: 2

From: CT

There are no outer numbers on the block that will tell you exactly what it is. Casting numbers on the FE blocks are pretty generic. Meaning you'll find the same casting number on different bore blocks. There are some early blocks that used a certain casting number but from 64 and up it's a crap shoot. Your casting number if you block is a D2 is inside the lifter valley area under the intake manifold. Only way to determine the stroke is to measure it short of dropping the pan and checking crank numbers. Put #1 on TDC and remove both #1 and 4 spark plugs. With #1 at TDC #4 will be at BDC. Get a 6" length of stiff wire or wood dowel. Insert into #1 and mark it using a common edge as a guide. Remove and put it in #4 and mark again. Measure the distance between the 2 marks and that's your stroke. Be as accurate as possible as there is like .250 +- difference. 360 is a 3.50" stroke. 390 a 3.78" stroke. If you come out very close to 4" it could be a 3.98 410/428 crank someone used. But that'll get you close enough where you can tell what you have.

Jan 30, 2009 | 02:17 PM

FFR428

Needsmorecoffee.

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 3,624

Likes: 2

From: CT

BTW this has all been covered before. The search function works pretty well and there's lots to read. FWIW.

Jan 30, 2009 | 02:25 PM

rteterw

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

From: Port Torture WA

Thank you for the help

Jan 30, 2009 | 05:17 PM

FFR428

Needsmorecoffee.

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 3,624

Likes: 2

From: CT

Let us know what you find out.

Jan 31, 2009 | 07:28 AM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

Likes: 74

From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by rteterw

Ok heres one for you I am trying to identify the engine in my 72-F250. The issue is the Truck has 390 decals etc on it

OK, What decals?? Maybe someone thought it might impress someone to add them.

John

Jan 31, 2009 | 07:41 AM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 88,826

Likes: 784

From: Simi Valley, CA

Reproduction Valve Cover & Air Cleaner decals:

dearbornclassics.com / Catalog: pages 101-105.

The valve cover decals were only used on certain cars.

Some of the aircleaner decals were used on 1967 and later trucks, most were used on cars.

There's some "hobbyist type" aftermarket Ford valve cover decals listed also. Ford never offered these: 289 / 302 / 390 / 428 / 429 / 460 Powered by Ford.