Hello,
I was given a 390 that was pulled out of a 1963 ford thunderbird, and I want to drop it in my '68 ford f250. It was rebuilt within the last ten years but has sat outside for some time so Im gonna have it gone through. I also hope it will bolt up to my trucks later built t18 4 speed transmission. Thoughts, advice, and technical input are appreciated as this is my first time removing and dropping in a new engine and all that it entails. Thanks!

 

The only issue is how the motor mounts attach to the block. I know on our vintage trucks that there are four bosses and that the two towards the front are used. I believe on the older blocks only the two towards the rear are tapped and used. There may be some others that have run into this and they will chime in.

 

SOURCE- FE INFO

 

1958/64 FE engines were only installed in cars, have rounded valve covers without holes for oil cap/smog valve (introduced 1961). Have an engine oil fill tube at the right front.

The bolt pattern on the block where the steel/rubber insulators bolt to is different than 1965/76 FE engines.

1958/65 and some 1966 FE's have a 2 1/2" O.D. thermostat. Some 1966's, 1967/76 FE's have a 2 1/4" O.D. thermostat.

1961/64: The smog valve (if present), threads into the front of the intake manifold.

1959/63 FE's use a specific water pump that was not used in 1964. 1965/76 FE's use a different water pump.

Alternator introduced in 1963 Thunderbirds, everything else in 1965.

btw: Make sure this engine is a 390 from a Thunderbird (only engine available in 1961/65 T-Birds). If it came from a Galaxie, it could be a 352 or 390 or who knows what...

 

The only other thing to look at is the hole in the right front of the block for the alternator 7/16th bolt. I once had to weld a 7/16th nut to a piece of steel to mount the alternator. Good luck.

 

GOOD POINT!

Forgot about that. There was once a fancy adapter for that. See if I can find it again.

...I'll Be Back...

 

Ramblin, can you post some pictures of the 63 390? This would clear up a lot of questions and possibly help with giving you more accurate info. Take pics of both sides of the block and the front of both heads.

 

I'M BACK!

The 1st photo shows a complate kit, the 2nd just the needed adapter if wanting to use OEM mounting (low or high mount).

 

Ok I made a mistake, the head numbers are C1AE-6090A. I didnt get a picture of it but this engine does use that brass thing ontop where the water pump is. Here are some pictures with the 4brrl intake r

emoved.

 

 

It uses that weird looking water pump with the brass tank looking thing.

 

Also minor detail but my transmission is not a new process 435 but a borg worner.

 

Could be a T18 or 19 but not an issue. Take a good look at your block and this block. See if the mounts are going to work. The other option is to find out if both blocks have the same bore size, if so swap the inards from the 390 into the 360 and you will be good to go.

 

no it definitely uses the two bolt motor mount set up instead of the post 65 four bolt. Could i just get motormounts for a 63 tbird or truck?

 

I think it ends up being in the wrong location. I have seen home made adapters made out of 1/4" steel plates to install the truck and new mounts to the older blocks. It will raise the motor slightly but may be your only option.


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