Decisions, decisions

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Dec 31, 2009 | 06:22 AM

mikedc8371

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From: corbin ky

Decisions, decisions

Recently had a pair of motors literally fall into my lap. a 390 and a 351m. my truck currently has a 351w in it. My question is this; for power without worrying about fuel economy or the block crapping out on me, which would be my best pick? This truck has lead a long hard life of having its guts worked out. now its time for her to just play. The truck wont be used for anything other than the ocasional drive around the block and to tow a couch once in awhile lol.The years of the motors and what they came out of is unknown as of right now. I havent gotten the numbers off of them to run them and see where they came from. Also i'm new to the mod and the fe series engines, or i wouldnt be asking, i just dont know these motors.

Dec 31, 2009 | 07:19 AM

427 fordman

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From: Plankinton, SD

The 390 would be by far the best motor of the two but neither one will bolt up to your bellhousing (maybe you already know this). You'll need a new bellhousing, motor mounts, flywheel if it doesn't have one, exhaust, etc.

Dec 31, 2009 | 02:11 PM

mikedc8371

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From: corbin ky

I already hve the bellhosing for te 390, but not for the 351m if it requires a dif bellhousing. also, would i have to chnge the perches? how well would a 5spd truck tranny stand up to either of these engines? i plan on the truck being able to "play", without grenading the tranny.

Dec 31, 2009 | 05:13 PM

bmuhlbach

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From: hinckley ohio

the frame perches are different for the Windser then the Fe and the Modified.I would keep the Windser

Dec 31, 2009 | 06:13 PM

427 fordman

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From: Plankinton, SD

Your 4 speed will probably hold anything you do to it unless you get real craaaaazzzzy. I am not a real manual person so I can't tell you too much on the 5 speed. I know those 4 speeds are tough.

Is there a reason to change the windsor? That is a real good motor like bmuhlbach said. If there is nothing wrong why switch? I assume something is.

Your 390 will have a bunch more power than the 351M. The M bellhousing is different too.

What I would do is if the windsor is shot put the 390 in if you have everything to change it over. If the windsor is not too bad I'd re-build it and have a pretty strong motor fairly cheap.

Good luck and have fun whatever you do.

Dec 31, 2009 | 06:13 PM

montana_highboy

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From: Big Sky Country

This is going to be a weekend fun truck, go with the FE, it's not even a close call, your wallet may not be happy with your decision but you will lol.

Jan 1, 2010 | 07:51 AM

miottimouse

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Joined: Oct 2007

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bump for the 390 fuel milage its crap but tons of tork if built right

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Jan 3, 2010 | 09:07 AM

mikedc8371

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From: corbin ky

Thats my ultimate goal: weekend fun truck. no theres nothing wrong with the motor,other than being ragged out by the PO. I have a 67 mustang that is gonna be needing a donor real soon and the W will drop real nicely, and give me a reason to go bigger and better with the 390. You just have to understand the history of this truck. Im the 3rd owner of her. But when i got her she leaked from everywhere. I have that taken care of but you can tell she dont have the power shes capable of. No im not making it an obomination but i am gonna give her some umph when i step on her. Once again, gas mileage isnt a concerne with her, when shes done she's just gonna be or weekend use, or when i wanna show what these ol' trucks are capable of..