ok first off, this is my first thread posting. I need some help here guys. I'm buying a 1967 ford galaxie this weekend, and the guy I'm buying it from put a 360 FE in it that came from a 1974 f-series truck. I don't really have the money to buy an era correct 390, but I will if I have to. I've read in other forums that its possible to make a 360 into a 390, but is it possible to turn this unleaded 360 into a leaded 390, as in make it into a 67 specs 390 with the same compression and hp? or is there something else I can drop in it? The trans is supposedly the original c6 tranny that was rebuilt. I dont really know crap about engines, so I figured some one here could definitely help me out.

 

360 to 390 the fast way is to install a 390 crank with 390 rods in your engine. You'll probably get about 9.5 compression. (same as a '67 2bbl regular fuel 390)

For your '67, I would go beyond that and fiddle with the cam, heads, maybe even a big inch stroker. (445 big enough?)

Depend$ on $, what you want to do with it, etc.

You can try to replicate the factory specs--did it have a 2bbl or 4bbl?

As for leaded gas, you can't get that, so you get hardened valve seats instead, and adjust timing and compression to run on 87 or 91, whatever you want to buy in bulk to keep an FE running....

 

im honestly not sure if it had a 2bbl, or a 4bbl. I'd honestly like to try to get this 360 as close to the 67 390 as possible. What would I need in order to make the 360 like the 390 with the 4bbl? And I know there's no leaded gas anymore hahaha I just meant the spec of the ones before 1971. I really need to start reading up on this stuff. Going to pick up a copy of "How to rebuild big-block ford engines" later today.

 

also with my 360 being a 74 with lower compression, wouldnt putting a 390 crank and rods in it just make it into a 74 390 with more compression, but still not as much as the 67 390?

 

A 1967 Galaxie 390 2 barrel had a 9.5 to 1 compression ratio and 10.5 to 1 for a premium fuel 2 barrel engines. The 2 barrel was rated at 270 hp @ 4400 and the premium fuel engine was rated at 280 hp @ 4400.

A 1967 4 barrel had a 10.5 to 1 compression ratio and was rated at 315 hp @ 4600. The GT engine was not available in the Galaxie.

The highest compression without buying new pistons is using the 360 pistons. If you go higher you will HAVE to run Premium Fuel.

 

Im totally fine with running premium. Its cheaper than the diesel in my van, so its all good. Im pretty much a newb at this guys, so anything you can share is much appreciated. The 360 in it sounds like it could use a rebuild, but I can't really afford to have some one else do it, so sounds like taking it apart and cleaning it up and changing it to a 390 is my best bet. If I were to buy an edelbrock aftermarket 4 barrel carb, would i need to change the pistons? or would it depend on the carb? Ive been looking at different heads that napa sells, and pistons that autozone sells, but is there any place that has stuff more suited? I'm not looking to build a racing engine or something, but would like the engine to have some ***** to show off. and on a side note, anyone know where i can get a dash pad, or has anyone used a dash pad cover?

 

Why spend the money for an aftermarket intake instead of digging up an "S" code iron 4 barrel manifold? It is what came on the engine to start with. It will cost a lot less and will work just as well for your heavy old Galaxie.

 

What are you trying or wanting to do here?? You can't look at the engine and tell if it is a 390 or 360. The 360 will have hardened heads already.

If it is running just drive it.




John

 

A few things, and I mostly concur with the others who've already posted:

The '74 360 has a timing set that changes the cam timing for emissions, but makes it a DOG. If you install a pre-72 360 (or plain 390) timing set (cam/crank gear and timing chain) you will gain a bit in performance, maybe enough to make you keep it the way it is

If the motor itself is in good condition as it stands, heads, cylinders, etc, you can get a 390 crank and rods, use your existing 360 pistons (if they are in good condition), hone the block slightly, a set of new rings, and you have a 390 with decent compression. At the same time, ditch that 1974 360 timing set and set up the cam straight-up.

As time permits, get a 4bbl intake, you can use the cast-iron 4bbl stocker and you'll be way ahead of the game in terms of $'s.

After that, or during, depending on how much you want to spend, a cam, valve springs to match, and so on and so on and so on