Wanted
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver WA
Still looking for a 390? I have a late '60s truck 390 4v that needs a new home. It was a runner but it has been sitting so you would need to hone the cylinders. I am in Vancouver, but I think I can get it up to Spokane. Let me know.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,908
Likes: 1
From: Algona, Washington
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 415
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From: Elk
I might be interested. want to rebuild an engine for the old gal and someone said I should just upgrade to a 390
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 7
From: Shelton, Wa
If you're going to build an FE motor then tear it all the way down and start by drilling out the Oil Galleys larger (have the sizes somewhere), then Chamfer all the holes then send the block out for all the usual machining.
You would also want to enlarge the holes in the center Rocker Stands that have the Oil Feed through them, it has become common practice for people to put carb jets into these holes so more oil gets to the crank, this is a HORRIBLE idea as it makes rocker starvation worse and still doesn't make the crank's supply enough.
Also, with a lot of crank bearing sets for FE's the #3 main had an Oil Orifice misalignment that cut the feed in half. You would want to inspect this before sending the block for machining so you can elongate the Oil hole and NOT grind the bearing.
This is all a small introduction to FE engines. I suggest BOOKS and lots of them, can never have enough reference material.
You would also want to enlarge the holes in the center Rocker Stands that have the Oil Feed through them, it has become common practice for people to put carb jets into these holes so more oil gets to the crank, this is a HORRIBLE idea as it makes rocker starvation worse and still doesn't make the crank's supply enough.
Also, with a lot of crank bearing sets for FE's the #3 main had an Oil Orifice misalignment that cut the feed in half. You would want to inspect this before sending the block for machining so you can elongate the Oil hole and NOT grind the bearing.
This is all a small introduction to FE engines. I suggest BOOKS and lots of them, can never have enough reference material.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver WA
I hadn't gotten to tearing the motor down yet, other projects. But I have a Melling High Volume pump that goes with it. OFJ is absolutely right about drilling out the oil galleries. The size you want is 3/8ths. Use a jobber length bit (they are 12" long) so that they all align. Since it is cast iron, don't use a cheap bit because it just won't do it.
Make me an offer, and if I like it I may throw in the Holley 600 I have sitting on the shelf.
Make me an offer, and if I like it I may throw in the Holley 600 I have sitting on the shelf.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver WA
I can bring the 390 up to OFJ's shop for you to rebuild Charlaine. The Melling is new in the box and the motor is complete, including alternator. I have a bell and a 4sp truck tranny for it with no shift handle (got it that way). The 390 doesn't have a flywheel, only a flexplate.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 415
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From: Elk
that would be great but let me know what you want for it. as for the tranny I have to have an automatic. docs orders. left knee cant handle the clutch anymore. whats a melling? and would the fly wheel off my 360 work?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver WA
Melling makes the best high volume oil pump for the FE motor (which includes both your 360 and my 390).
With an automatic, you don't use a flywheel, you use a flexplate.
For $300- I'll throw in the Holley 600 I have, which needs to be rebuilt. Or might not, I just rebuild every carburetor I use.
I'm not in a hurry to get paid for it, let me know if you want it.
With an automatic, you don't use a flywheel, you use a flexplate.
For $300- I'll throw in the Holley 600 I have, which needs to be rebuilt. Or might not, I just rebuild every carburetor I use.
I'm not in a hurry to get paid for it, let me know if you want it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 7
From: Shelton, Wa
Bringing it to my shop wouldn't be a whole lot of help unless I'd be able to then deliver it over east.
Yes, rebuild any old carb, especially since todays Ethanol Enriched Fuels eat the rubber components in carburetors.
Yes, rebuild any old carb, especially since todays Ethanol Enriched Fuels eat the rubber components in carburetors.
