ford 390 into 406?
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New User
Joined: Feb 2009
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ford 390 into 406?
yes I have a 390 block out of a cop car and a 360 block I know there the same fe block. but If i was going to turn one into a 406 what would you all say the best one to use is and can I stick with the same heads or not? I really want to make a 410 but it seems easier and less expensive since you dont have to buy a 428 crank to make a 406? what would you all recommend?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 5
From: Northern CA
I would recommend checking in at the FE forum for answers to your 390/406 project.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum51/
BTW welcome to FTE.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum51/
BTW welcome to FTE.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 2
i would contact barry robotnic at survival motorsports and get a stroker kit you can get i think 445ci out of a 390 for not much more money than a 428 crank rods and new pistons if nothing else just price them out survivalmotorsports.com
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
The 360 block should be a reverse image 501 block with extra webbing in the bottom, and that would be a little better than the 390 block. Other than that the block should be the same.
John
John
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 355
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The 406 would require boring out .080 to 4.130 - not recommended in most 390 blocks, and definitely not without a sonic test. And custom pistons will damage your wallet. I don't think anyone has an inexpensive 406 piston out there right now.
Using a 428 crank would create a 410 as used in 1966 Mercurys - pretty straightforward depending on your budget. And collection of parts. In the end the 410 might actually be the same cost as the 406.
Other sizes are possible these days from the aftermarket. They are easy to assemble - no block grinding is needed. If you take a full cost analysis approach the kits end up looking pretty decent - factor in the cost of magging, grind the crank, reconning and rebolting the rods, and buying the small stuff.
Using a 428 crank would create a 410 as used in 1966 Mercurys - pretty straightforward depending on your budget. And collection of parts. In the end the 410 might actually be the same cost as the 406.
Other sizes are possible these days from the aftermarket. They are easy to assemble - no block grinding is needed. If you take a full cost analysis approach the kits end up looking pretty decent - factor in the cost of magging, grind the crank, reconning and rebolting the rods, and buying the small stuff.
