Advice Needed for a 1972 F250

[Peter]

I have a 1972 F250 with a 360 in it and last weekend my engine and radiator died. I need to have the engine replaced and neeed advice on what engine I should replace it with. Since I only drive it 1-2 times a month to haul stuff, I am not to concerned with gas mileage but would like to smoke the tires every once in a while.
questions:
1) should I up size to a 390 or do I need to go bigger?
2) any recommendations on where to buy a rebuilt 390?
3) any recommendations for motor install shops in Washington state?
Thanks

[fordman]

you will run into less problems if you stay with a 360 or a 390. or even a 352 . that way all you would need to change is the enigne. as long as you stay with an fe enigne you wont have to worry about the trasnmission bellhousing bolting up. the 390 does have more power than the 360. the 360 is a lower grunt type of motor for pulling heavy loads and stumps and that kind o fthing. the 390 is the same but has more power to spare so to say. it is just a better motor where more power is concerned.

[sideoilerfe]

The easiest would be a 390. A solid rebuild with a 600 cfm 4V and a moderate cam will run good. Is your truck an auto or 4 speed?

[Peter]

The truck is an automatic. A FE 390 engine sounds good and will be the least hassle. Thank you very much for your inputs!

[kaptnkaos]

Hey Peter...

Welcome to FORDification... the best Ford truck forum on the planet...
Just another added vote for going with a 390 ... IMO they are the best all around FE made.

KaptnKA S

[averagef250]

Check out Seattle and Portland craigslist sites. I'm sure you can find a nice 4V car 390 for under $500. I've seen fresh rebuilt, never fired 390's on there built by the engine builder I use for 1/3 the price paid to have them built.