what motors will fit ?

[Wazy]

First I hope I posted this in the right spot. If I didn't maybe somebody can forward this to the right spot. I just bought a1960 Thunderbird 352 automatic.my question is, what your motors, 390 will fit? I found some good deals on 70,74, and 76, 390s. I know the blocks are the same and all the tin will bolt right on. any help would be appreciated. Also loved all the articles on changing over from drum to disc brakes.keep up the good work.
Thanks Wazy

[YellowRose]

what motors will fit ?

Hi Walt! Welcome to Squarebirds! If I can be of assistance in navigating our Forums, please let me know.

You posted your question in the right Forum. We have any number of guys who have gone the 390 route and should be able to tell you which year 390 engine to put in your Tbird. Are you going to go the C6 transmission route also? I think there are some modifications to be made underneath, to bolt up a C6 to a 390 engine. But our great Tbird Techies can tell you all about that.

[Dan Leavens]

Walt also welcome to our international site. We have some of the most knowledgeable birders around that will be glad to help out where they can.

[Wazy]

well, hopefully somebody can help. 70, 74 and 76, 390s. All have the C-6 behind them, they're all out of three quarter to 1 ton trucks. (2 wheel drive) I'm waiting to see what somebody has to say about this before I get one of these engine and tranny's.

[YellowRose]

what motors will fit ?

Walt, I am a little surprised that the activity has been pretty light since your post. I would have thunk that someone would have come by who could answer your post. Why dont you send a private message to KULTULZ I would be surprised if he does not know which year C6 to get. I would think that you would want it out of another Tbird. Starting with the 1966 and up, it had the 390 engine and the C6 tranny options, into the '70's. But KULTULZ or one of the other guys should be able to tell you if it is wise to go with a truck C6 and what year or find your engine and C6 out of a Tird of those years. .

[Wazy]

all right I'll give it a shot. Thanks very much for helping me out with this appreciate it. I'm hoping for the best

[KULTULZ]

all right I'll give it a shot. Thanks very much for helping me out with this appreciate it. I'm hoping for the best

PM Received From Wazy-

Not getting much response on the website so, "YellowRose" told me to give you a writing.

I just bought a1960 Thunderbird hardtop, power brakes, AC. 352 automatic. my question is, what year motors, 390 will fit? I found some good deals on 70,74, and 76, 390s. I think the blocks are the same and all the tin will bolt on? ( from my 352)

All have the C-6 behind them, they're all out of three quarter to 1 ton trucks. (2 wheel drive) I'm waiting to see what somebody or you has to say about this before I get one of these engine and tranny's. I would think the motor would drop right in, I would also think the tranny would fit with the possibility of some work to the transmission mount. I also wouldn't think that there wouldn't be much difference between a car and truck tranny, maybe a difference in gear ratio? Don't know if maybe I should think about 390 motor with the 60 tranny? I am a pretty decent mechanic, but Ford's are not my specialty, but I do like the square bird's.I also have no idea where this post is going or even how to find it again. So I'll give you my home e-mail address, because chances are I'll get lost trying to find this again?

Thanks Walt

Walt,

A late FE will go into the early BIRD with no big problem(s). It sounds like you have found later light truck 390's so they will not exactly performers out of the box but are meant to be low torque engines. I do not know if you are looking for a straight swap or you are going to mix and match a few things to keep the origional appearance. The later light truck C6 is stronger than your usual passenger car C6 so there is no problem there. Mount and shift linkage should be the only major problems.

If you have any specific problems, post them here on this thread (put it in your favorites) and everyone will be able to help you as a group (you are free to contact me directly but there is a lot of prior swap experience here).

Gary

[RustyNCa]

I installed a 390 in my 58, I have no idea on what year the 390 is, I was told any FE block would fit so I just went looking for a good deal on one. The only thing I remember having an issue with was the original style starter wouldn't work so I went with a later model.

But I kept the factory trans, accessories, and surge tank, but I did switch over to an alternator since my car came with a generator and it wasn't cutting it.

[YellowRose]

what motors will fit ?

Hi Walt, I did a Search for you by hitting the Search button above and searching for "C6 transmissions". I got about a half dozen hits on this subject. Here is the link to what I found. Just click on it and you can go through the posts to see what they had to say. You might also Search for "390 and C6 transmission" or "390 engines and C6 transmission". You might get more hits.

http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin/search.php?searchid=122867

[juantejeda]

59 Bird with a 390

I have a 59 Coupe with a 390 ungraded motor. You can take a look at it at http://www.cardomain.com/ride/833127 where I have a bunch of pics, including the motor. Email me if you want more pics.

TJ

[JohnG]

Heckuva nice car! Sorry you have to sell it!

John

[Dan Leavens]

TJ it is a beautiful 59 and it is hoped that the buyer appreciates the work you put into it. I too, am sorry you have to sell it as the restoration looks great.