I found a 390 block that looks different than the one I have in my 1972 F250. The guy wants $200 is that a good price? The engine in my truck is supposed to be a 360.

 

OK, What looks different? They should look the same.

I believe the 427 side oiler is the only FE block that is different from the 352, 360, 390, & 428 blocks.

The 360 & 390 are the same block, with the 360 having a 352 rotating assembly.




John

 

Some of the later blocks have external ribbing.................

 

Nothing special about the ribbed blocks.

 

A while ago I had a freeze plug leak, and needed to have it replaced. So when looking at this new block, I looked for the freeze plugs, to see if they were ok,,, but this block does not have freeze plugs. When I go see the block later today, I will take a picture.

 

Sounds like it's a REALLY OLD block, with screw-in-freeze plugs?

 

I took two pictures of the block. As you can see, the front of the block says 352, so it must not be a 390. Also you can see no freeze plugs.



Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - travelerest's Album: 390 engine

 

Nothing special there....just a cross-bolted block....probably one of those cheap 427s Ford used to cobble together with different tooling.

i.e. grab it quick.....then start checking it out to see what you've got

 

Are you kidding me? LMAO!!!!! Is it April 1st today?

 

$200?

Missing a zero.

BUY IT NOW!

Maybe check the bores first, make sure it isn't cracked or maxed out. Even if maxed out, it can be sleeved methinks.

BTW, "352" is cast into all these blocks up to some time in the early '70s.

 

I will take it to a shop and lot them check it out. I thought that the 390 was the best engine for our trucks??

 

If your on the level and can really buy that block for $200 it's a 427 sideoiler block. The King Daddy of the FE blocks. And the deal of the century if it's for real and the block isn't trashed. Even if the block is crap you can sell the maincaps and spacers for $250-300 and get your money back.

 

It MAY be/looks like a 427 block. Worth a lot more than a 390 block. If it is a sound 427 block, you should be able to resell it for enough to put a serious dent in a complete 390. Does the guy selling it say it's a "390" block?

Have the bores checked. A 4.05 is a 360/390/410, 4.13 is a 406/428, 4.23 is a 427. Only the 406 and 427 would have had the cross-bolted mains stock, and iirc very few 406s were done that way.

Date codes can be looked at too:

FE Quick Facts - Mustang & Fords Magazine

Ford Date Decoding id

http://www.clubfte.com/users/ratsmoker/FAQ.html

 

85 pic #1 shows the front threaded hole of the sideoiler galley. No ribs on the sides would date this between 65-67 solid lifter and possibly 68 if it's a hyd lifter block.

 

Run, don't walk. lol