Need your guys opinion on a motor choice. First choice is a 390 with an original all aluminum 6 pak intake i have had for some time. This was my first choice due to the fact i have seen very few effies with 6 pak's. Second choice is 351 carburated motor with overdrive trans. This choice is being considered due to fuel economy and the fact that i plan on driving to a lot of shows. I trust your guys opinion so let me know what you think

 

i would do the 390. There is plenty of room under the hood for it and it would be unique. I am building a 408w for my 56 but if you have a good 390 i would do that. Just put an OD behind it and you can still drive it

 

Ether way is going to be nice so its really up to you on this. I'd go with which ever is the easiest for you to do...

 

DA BIG BLOCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this will make some angry but why mess with a small block if you got the 390 with a triple duece ready to go ??????? torque rules !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The FE might be cool, but you won't think so in a couple short years when gas is over $4 a gallon again. There just aren't any easy OD options available for it and that 6-pack sounds thirsty as it is. My vote is for a 351W and an AOD. IMO, it's one of the best powertrain combos out there and it can pull down real close to 20 MPG if carefully tuned.

 

Well, that depends. I'm assuming you are talking about your 56.

I have a 390 in my 51 F1 and absolutely LOVE IT (except at the gas pump).

But I had a 289 in my 55 and loved that too. It wasn't as "spunky" as the 390 but was reliable and parts were plentiful - as they are not for the FEs.

I guess what depends is what 351 you are talking about. If I were to build another truck, I would very strongly consider a 531 Windsor engine. As I mentioned, it's a proven work horse but parts are VERY easy to find.

HOWEVER, if that engine is a 351C (Cleveland, or even worse a 351M (Modified) I WOULD NEVER EVER CONSIDER PUTTING EITHER OF THOSE IN ANY VEHICLE I EVER HAD AGAIN!

I had a 56 for a short while with a 351 Cleveland in it and it was the most "do nothing" engine I've ever had. No mileage, no power, parts a little hard to find. But the 351M is an even bigger DOG as it was designed more to accomodate pollution control, has a lower compression rating and has a VERY weak valve train.

So, I'd consider either the 390 or a 351W depending on your driving habbits (daily driver VS Sunday go to the car show) and you pocket book.

Personally, like Kevin, the 390 set up sounds a little "evil" - I love it!

Edit Note: Joe brought up overdrive options - Good point! So another thought is what kind of transmission are you planning on putting behind this. I have a C6 behind my 390. But for freeway speeds it required a 2.80 (9 3/8) rear end and 235/75R15 back tires to cruise at 65 mph and 2300 rpm - no overdrive necessary. If I had a 351W I'd put an AOD on as well - very nice combo. Again Driving needs/$$$$$ VS performance. (and the 351W will perform just fine - they make lots of trash you can put on it to pump it up if you like)

 

Put in the 390 w/ trips and let it eat !!!! You will love it .

 

if yer wanting mileage then why the hades are you playing with old iron ???????????? my flatty gets 8-9 mpg at best , but if ya wanna play ya gotta pay !!!!!! i don't have car payments etc. and got a good job , so i can aford it . i got lucky when i bought the 95 bird as a beater while the 53 was down , it gets 18-24 mpg in town , has gotten on numerous occassions 34-35 mpg on the road , has the 4.6 v-8 , runs a 15.10 1/4 mile , but it is not nor ever will be the 53 or the 52 customline . so if you want mileage buy a late model , not old iron . if you got 21 with one of these with all the late model gee gaws i'd be happy for you , but that isn't why we all buy these old girls is it ????????? i sold my big blocks as they were sitting going to hades , but one of these days after all the flatty's are done .................

 

I never understood you guys that ignore fuel economy. Why would you want to to beat your chest with pride about how rotten your gas mileage is? I don't see it as a badge of honor. Yeah, it doesn't matter at all on a trailer queen or a race car, but my stuff gets driven. A lot. I do care. It ain't 1972 anymore. The technology exists today to make stupid amounts of power and not make the A-rabs rich doing it. One of my Falcon buddies is running a stroked and fuel injected 5.0L and an AOD in his '64. It made north of 400 HP at the wheels when he had it tuned and he averages a "traction limited" 12.70 in the quarter mile. We went on a trip in it last summer and it averaged about 24 MPG at 75 on the interstate. Not bad for "old iron". I guess somebody needs to carry the torch for the bloated dinosaurs, but I'll take efficiency any day.

 

sell me the 390 tripower and use the 351 !!! haha

seriously, its a no brainer. I would use the 390. its way cool, and unique. the FE big blocks are really gaining in popularity with more parts being produced all the time.

the tripower at light throttle only uses the center carb anyway. you are really getting the best of both worlds.

 

ain't pounding my chest , don't give a damn if someone is getting rich , as one way or another someone is from me playing and driving the old stuff , just a matter of preference , and nope don't think 8-9 is great , but i do have a lot of fun pi--in- the dain tree huggers and eco types off by puttering around in mine . i'm just saying if you are building it for mileage and yer playing with it yer in the wrong field . i didn't nor will i ever look at mileage concerns first when i buy something . as far as driven if the 53 ever gets back together , or i get the 52 rewired, i drive my stuff everyday , period , no matter what the weather unlike some who won't and you can ask twise or stu about that . congrats on yer buddies falcon , nice combo and obvious he's hit a home run . nope it ain't 72 anymore if it was i'd have something like a 70 torino scj that got worse and love every minute of it . bloated dino . maybe , but i'll keep mine . you keep yours . everyone has their preference's . oh and no this isn't a peeing match , so you think yer way i'll think mine , and i still say ... BIG BLOCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

LOL LOL LOL!

Hey Kevin,

It's kinda tough to get hurt by gasoline costs when all your "big eaters" have been sitting out on the front lawn for years, huh?

Sorry, I just couldn't resist poking a little fun!

PS I've actually got my 390 (with the 750 CFM carb) up to 14 mpg at the moment! My Ranger only gets 17!

 

i can laugh at that one jule's !!!!!! the 53 has been down what a year and a half now , the 52 just had the wiring go out , but it's actually quite a pleasant suprise as far as fuel goes , prolly 18-20 as a rough estimate , but i spend more than my fair share by beating on the 95 a lot .......................... it has led a bit of a rough life { but cared for !! } whilst in my possession !!!!!!!!!!! next spring though bessie should hopefully be back and the 52 if the dain schedule will cooperate will be back by the end of the month and i can tick off some more tree huggers !!!!!!!!!! got a set of 3.73's and a trac lock for the bird , that ought to kill it's mileage some ................. yep i'm smiling and laughing about it ...... i can afford to do it so i will !!!!!!!!!

 

Go BIG !!!

 

I glanced through this thread and I may have missed something, but Julie hints at it, and If it were me "today", I'd go with one of the modern Ford injected V8's with a computer and overdrive tranny. I'd just buy a unit at a salvage yard or just buy the whole car and remove all etc.

I realized you didn't mention this among your choices, and the only modern motor/tranny I have is in my 92Ranger 2.3L, but from the articles I read in HotRod mag etc. These modern V8's are just becoming suuuch a great value with power/fuel economy/green theme etc.

I'd just "have to go" that way.

I've got a good collection of Ford mechanicals, but I wouldn't start something new with last generation technology. I'm not an expert on all the new stuff--but I'd study and learn. I think on every level its the best option available.

Goodluck