It is cheaper to overhaul a 390 than it is a 352 because there are many more 390s out there. Ford used them in everything. An ideal 390 comes from a 70s F-series pickup or E-series van. These engines are 'light truck' engines (TE) and a little beefier than car engines.
3-speed Cruise-O-Matics are a little older but will work just fine with a 390. C-6 came out in '66 and are built to haul heavier loads. There is always 'overhead' when using a stronger trans, as it hogs more HP but it is made for 'truck service'.
Whatever trans you get, make sure you get the flywheel and starter motor with it. Ford made changes to the number of teeth over the years so the starter motors are not all interchangeable.
I would never buy a used engine and trans to run. They are 'unknown', old and they need to be overhauled. They were not made for today's gasohol or today's oil reformulations. If money is tight, wait until you can do this job. In the mean time, start pricing parts and find a good reputable engine machine shop. If you don't know of one, go to a car dealership and ask the mechanics. Dealerships rarely ever do machine shop work.
Ask a lot of questions and take a lot of pictures. - Dave
3-speed Cruise-O-Matics are a little older but will work just fine with a 390. C-6 came out in '66 and are built to haul heavier loads. There is always 'overhead' when using a stronger trans, as it hogs more HP but it is made for 'truck service'.
Whatever trans you get, make sure you get the flywheel and starter motor with it. Ford made changes to the number of teeth over the years so the starter motors are not all interchangeable.
I would never buy a used engine and trans to run. They are 'unknown', old and they need to be overhauled. They were not made for today's gasohol or today's oil reformulations. If money is tight, wait until you can do this job. In the mean time, start pricing parts and find a good reputable engine machine shop. If you don't know of one, go to a car dealership and ask the mechanics. Dealerships rarely ever do machine shop work.
Ask a lot of questions and take a lot of pictures. - Dave
Comment