Sport is getting a new engine, feel free to chime in

[bwlyon]

While it would be easy and go with a late model roller small block, but I say build that FE. As previously stated, the ole FE has its quirks, but a well put together FE is a very dependable engine. My 67, 352, stock with the exception of a 2 barrel 500 cfm holley starts right up every time with no issues, and when warm just a short blip of the starter it fires up instantly. It makes decent power, and gets the job done. There is decent aftermarket support for the FE, albeit more expensive than a small block. As said previously, headers really help, as the old log style exhaust manifolds are very restrictive. I remember back in the 1980s a friend had a mid 70s pickup with a 360 in it, with a some leaky valve seats. I took the heads off of it and had the valves and seats reground. I put it all back together and put a set of headers on in place of the manifolds and a set of side pipes he wanted. You would have thought I added 100 shot of nitrous to that truck. It ran like a scalded dog. Point being the FE is a very good engine to build if you don't mind throwing a little money at it.

[magic bus]

Dropped off the block, the heads and the good (I hope) 390 crank at the machine shop today. Place is called Phase II machine in St louis Mo. They come highly recommended by a several different people. Said they were backed up about 6 weeks. I guess thats a good sign.

My initial inquiry there on the phone the guy seemed to have a history with the FE. Said they are very thorough with their process. Said the block would be stainless steel shot blasted among other things and come out looking like a brand new block.

They are not cheap. But some of the other shops around that I inquired about seemed to give me wishy washy answers or they didn't know the answers to the questions I was asking. So we'll see. The guy said it needs to be bored (no real surpise) after he stuck his finger in the cylinder wall. I don't know if he's that good or not but he seemed confident.

[jjdeal79]

Wish I would have seen this sooner! PowerNation (powernationtv.com) did an episode called Ford's 390FE gets attention. They have a build sheet and the episode seemed well done.

[magic bus]

Machine shop called and quoted $2300 for everything.

That includes cleaning the block, cam bearings. Boring block
All new valves, all new guides, all new springs. resurface heads, Already had hardened seats in the heads I took them
Turning crankshaft .010

All the usual parts, pistons, pump, cam lifters, gaskets, timing chain and gears.

Im a little shell shocked. I was calculating around $1600 or so.

I have to assemble it.

I paid $100 for the used 390 crank and rods

This all started because I pulled the engine to repair the manifold gasket leak!

I don't want to spend that much money but Im between a rock and a hard spot. The truck is useless like it sits and Im in the middle of replacing the cab mounts.

I need some inspiration or a go fund me page

[HIO Silver]

I'd ditch the stock heads and go aluminum. Ya might wanna price out the head work alone and compare that to the Edelbrocks. For a few.dollars more, the performance gains might be worth it.

[magic bus]

Got around $500 in the heads. I can't get near those aluminum ones finished for anywhere near that.

Unless I'm not looking in the right place?

Block cleaned up

IMG_4079.JPG

[Buckin1]

guys ever check out Carolina Machine Engines? I have bought a few of there motors the last few years and had great results. Yes you do pay a shipping fee but you get a new engine FAST! All levels of builds too. If you want matching numbers yo]u can send your motor to them.

[magic bus]

A new twist in the journey, machine shop has not started on my engine yet. Put it on pause. I have a good rebuilt 302 with a C4 that is sitting in another car I bought before I bought the truck. I can drop in but I need the correct engine perches.

Any links to any that are available? Anybody got a set of used ones for sale?

Im all ears. Thanks

[magic bus]

Got the 390 bout ready. Project ain't dead yet

IMG_4187.JPG

[Clunker]

Glad to see you decided to stick with the 390. I was going to offer my 390 internals for sale, but I see you already found some. $100 is a great deal. I spent $500 for a 427 crank, 390 rods, C4 heads, and a C4 intake. Never used any of them. What did you decide for heads, cam, headers, etc.?

A previous poster mentioned that a 360 with headers sounds like a 427. Yep!

[magic bus]

Sorry about the delay, been stupid busy around the house with some serious home improvement projects. Just got back on the truck this week.

The cam is Erson E240204 Supposed to have good idle but improved midrange torque. Flowtech Headers, A set of heads off a blown 390 that had already had all the hardened seats installed. Had them reworked. Used the 360 pistons which if I figure correctly should bump the compression a little. Bought a new duraspark dizzy. Haven't bought the carb yet.

Got the big block bolted in tonight. Looking forward to hearing it run.

big block.JPG

[sargentrs]

Looking good!

[magic bus]

Here is a shot of the newly rebuilt 390. Running good.

effy6.jpg

And a shot of Sport getting some premium fuel. Nice to be able to drive it for the first time since Ive owned it with an engine that doesn't leak exhaust and oil!

effy4.JPG

Now to get that hood painted and re installed.

[Manny]

Old thread but glad you stayed with it. Always worth the reward. Engine looks fantastic hope it runs as sharp as it looks!! Going up to 390 is the best choice always.