Input on 390
New User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I am new to this site so if i mess up take it easy
i am trying to find out about getting headers for a 390. it is in a 85 f250 that i am buying. does any one know if 460 headers will work. i would like to make this a prety bad motor. any info on this would help. this is my first big block and im ready for some power.
i am trying to find out about getting headers for a 390. it is in a 85 f250 that i am buying. does any one know if 460 headers will work. i would like to make this a prety bad motor. any info on this would help. this is my first big block and im ready for some power.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,491
Likes: 2,806
Welcome to the site.
460 headers will not fit. Different engine family. --IF it's a 390. Are you sure this is a 390? That would not be a factory installation, as the last year for the FE was 1976.
Check the FAQ's at the top of this forum. Look at all the forums in this section--each one for a different engine family.
BUT FIRST, go back to page one on this thread and read the links given in posts 7 and 8. JUST what you need to know to build a killer FE for your application.
FWIW you better double check everything about this truck if it indeed has had an FE swapped in. Don't buy a butcher job, and if it's a good job, think twice anyway, because it will be something of a "hobby" to keep it all straight when maintaining etc.
Good luck with it.
460 headers will not fit. Different engine family. --IF it's a 390. Are you sure this is a 390? That would not be a factory installation, as the last year for the FE was 1976.
Check the FAQ's at the top of this forum. Look at all the forums in this section--each one for a different engine family.
BUT FIRST, go back to page one on this thread and read the links given in posts 7 and 8. JUST what you need to know to build a killer FE for your application.
FWIW you better double check everything about this truck if it indeed has had an FE swapped in. Don't buy a butcher job, and if it's a good job, think twice anyway, because it will be something of a "hobby" to keep it all straight when maintaining etc.
Good luck with it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
I am new to this site so if i mess up take it easy i am trying to find out about getting headers for a 390. it is in a 85 f250 that i am buying. does any one know if 460 headers will work. i would like to make this a prety bad motor. any info on this would help. this is my first big block and im ready for some power.
i am trying to find out about getting headers for a 390. it is in a 85 f250 that i am buying. does any one know if 460 headers will work. i would like to make this a prety bad motor. any info on this would help. this is my first big block and im ready for some power.Are you sure it is a transplant engine? 85s came with 351Ws, & 460s, I suggest you first verify which engine you have.
Post the VIN Bill can tell you what came from the factory in it.
John
New User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
thanks. yes it is a transplant. the truck had a deisel that they blew up. it will be a project truck. i do have a mechanic back ground just not with this engine. is it a good motor for a build? it will be driving acasuanly on the road but will be off road alot. that is what it will be built for. i am putting a 79 3/4 ton dana 44 straight axel under it. so it is mostley for fun.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
The 390 is a damn good truck motor, highly sought after in the 60s & 70s trucks. A good setup 390 will run with the diesels all day long.
As prior, none were installed past 76, so anything that you do in that truck will have to be trial & error. Sounds like you like makin things work out.
guluk
John
As prior, none were installed past 76, so anything that you do in that truck will have to be trial & error. Sounds like you like makin things work out.
guluk
John
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
1974 Ford F100 390FE
Well hello gents, took a long time to find you, but I'm thankful!
I bought TSoptich's F100 with the 390. Great kid, gave me a heckuva deal. Nice truck.
As he asked, I inquire a similar thought. I've already discovered 10000's of opinions on what to do with the engine, etc. So let's get down to brass tacks.
I'm looking to build up the 390 a little, Exhaust Headers, Intake Manifold, 4BBL, RV Cam, flush the oil, clean up pistons, valves, etc, replace all gaskets, full tune-up and then hope for improved gas mileage. I'm currently seeing about 6-9 MPG. I can live with 15-20. Can I ever expect to get that out of the 390? I won't be pushing it hard, no racing, no track, just pulling a trailer, Quad and going from park to park to have fun.
I've been told EFI will yield great results also, but opinions differ there as well. I'm a beginner in the restoration process, I intend to restore the truck to it's former beauty -beast- as he should be. The final step will be 4" lift, 33's and limited slip diff. I understand the C6 is an ironclad tranny. So do I stay with the 390 or move to a 351C,W, or that route. Good power, better economy.
Thanks for all the help.
I bought TSoptich's F100 with the 390. Great kid, gave me a heckuva deal. Nice truck.
As he asked, I inquire a similar thought. I've already discovered 10000's of opinions on what to do with the engine, etc. So let's get down to brass tacks.
I'm looking to build up the 390 a little, Exhaust Headers, Intake Manifold, 4BBL, RV Cam, flush the oil, clean up pistons, valves, etc, replace all gaskets, full tune-up and then hope for improved gas mileage. I'm currently seeing about 6-9 MPG. I can live with 15-20. Can I ever expect to get that out of the 390? I won't be pushing it hard, no racing, no track, just pulling a trailer, Quad and going from park to park to have fun.
I've been told EFI will yield great results also, but opinions differ there as well. I'm a beginner in the restoration process, I intend to restore the truck to it's former beauty -beast- as he should be. The final step will be 4" lift, 33's and limited slip diff. I understand the C6 is an ironclad tranny. So do I stay with the 390 or move to a 351C,W, or that route. Good power, better economy.
Thanks for all the help.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Selah
well thank you saltysenior. I miss that truck already. but I got my 74 4x4. and I just traded my 390 out of it for a 300 inline 6 out of a 84 f150 with headers and an upgraded 4 barrel intake and carb. but thanks all you guys for the advice.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
SS, Welcome to FTE and Ford truck ownership. My first thought, How much money are you prepared to throw at it to get 12 mpg, as that is about as good as it will get. The things you mentioned new will run about $12-1500.00 for parts. EFI twice that.
You can upgrade to electronic ignition and skillful tuning of timing & carb and get there.
What's your pleasure?
John
You can upgrade to electronic ignition and skillful tuning of timing & carb and get there.
What's your pleasure?
John
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