Hey I was wondering if anyone could tell me a little about the 390 in a 1975 ford 2x4 truck, such as hp, tourq, relibility/If they were pretty good motors.
Thanks

Hi,
Hp 185 Tq 400lbft
Good reliable engine
Rich

Had one. Gas hog.

Not a big fan. The older ones (Usually 74 and older) sucked valves into the heads like nobodies business. I have seen a few that people put older heads on a newer motor when doing a re build or head job and didnt think about those soft valve seats. I am pretty sure 75 is ok, but unless you have something cool that it will bolt right into leave it be. For a few more pounds go witha 429/460 out of a lincoln or mercury. I love those. 390 are good for old truck motors if you arent going on the freeway. Put a big 650 2 barrel on it! You buying this truck or what?

They are very reliable. The most problems I have seen with them is the timing chain and gears. I have also seen the carburetor spacer corrode and make them run poorly.

Those late model 390's really need a good dual plane four barrel intake, headers and dual exhaust. I also haven't had a FE engine yet that likes anything lighter than 10w40 oil.

well im looking for a engine to swap with in my 1985 ford 4x4 truck and my uncle has the 1975 with the 390 with 80,000 original miles, He dont drive the truck no more and it has set for a while I could get the whole truck probly pretty cheap , but I didnt no if that would be the way to go.

Hay Cowboy,
What are you looking to do with this truck?
that 390 would be good for hauling stuff, is
that what you want? or are you looking for
wild 4x4 times?
Rich

Hi a couple of thing, what has the 85 4x4 got for a motor and tranny?,will a 390 drop into and bolt into its place? l'm pretty much sure it's not a 390 in the 85! Does the 85 have a divorced transmission to tranfer case?, remember you're putting a 2 wheel engine into a 4x4, tailstock lenght of tranny? l guess my question or remark to you, is it going to work? TROY

Thanks for all the info. The truck has the 300 six cyle with manual 4 spd Im just wanting something to go little faster, sound meaner and have some more power.

Thanks for the Info I didnt no if it being a 2x4 would matter or not, My truck has the 300 six cyle with manual 4 spd trans, I have a friend that always helps me and teaches me things about mechanic work that has all kinds of bellhousings, and parts for ford trucks, Im only 16 and am pretty green about all this stuff, so I dont no a hole lot what can interchange and fit and stuff. but i'll turn wrenches and take some advise any day

Hi ya for the 390 to drop infront of that 300, 6 cylinder, transmission you will have to change the bellhousing TROY

The FE(390) was never offered in the 80's pickups, so all mounts, hoses, etc. will be a custom fit. The 302 will bolt up to your present trans as well as the 351W. I like the FE but would not suggest it in your application.

If the money works for you, get the whole truck. Swapping a 390 into an 80s truck would be a lot of work, and the 300 is pretty strong and takes a rebuild well. A 390 with only 80K, if it is solid, has a lot of life in it. And with two trucks you always have something to drive while you ae working on the other one.

When the wire is disconnected it will idle down, ussualy to around 600RPM