different year 390's

[davidmij]

I recently found two different 390 motors, (one is just a block). The block is a 1963 and the running motor is a 1973 in a F-150.

Can anyone tell me the difference, and which one would be more desirable for building a stroker?

thx, Dave J

[simplyconnected]

Dave, the best way to answer this is...
Go to Summitracing.com, jegs.com, eBay and look for parts for each block. Look for common parts like true roller timing sets, cams, master gasket sets, etc.

Ford made changes over the years. You don't want to be stuck with a boat anchor that nobody makes parts for (or a few parts are available at steep prices).

The '73 has one more bolt hole for the engine mounts that you probably won't use. You can use your Squarebird mounts on the newer blocks and set it right in, so they are backward compatible.

[cdhowell]

Some early blocks were not drilled for Hydraulic lifters. Something to check for. As to which is the better block. Assuming you will also bore the cylinders. Have it sonic checked for cylinder wall thickness. the test results will let you know.

[yellow98cobra]

?

Dave If you were on the look out for a 390 block to base a rebuild on, what year or years would you be looking for? and does it matter, car or truck?

Just musing for the future...
Thank you. Eric