Revitalizing A Ford 390FE With A Modern Twist - Engine Power S3, E7

The Engine Power team builds a budget friendly Ford 390FE with a modern twist.
0:00 - Intro
2:20 - Prep work on Ford 390 truck block
4:49 - Block painting and assembly
11:24 - Dyno pulls
15:15 - Welding tech
16:01 - Clutch tech
17:02 - Crankshaft tech
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PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE:
Cometic Gasket, Inc.: Head Gasket, MLS, 4.250 in. Bore, .027 in. Compressed Thickness, Ford, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12244
Comp Cams: Lifters, Hydraulic Roller, Vertical Link Bar, Ford, 429-460, Set of 16
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12233
Dupli-Color: Paint, Engine, Enamel with Ceramic Resin, Gloss, Old Ford Blue, 12 oz., Aerosol, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12245
E3 Spark Plugs: E3 Racing Spark Plugs
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12225
Edelbrock: Air Cleaner Assembly, Pro-Flo, Round, 14 in., Black Cotton Gauze, Pro-Charge Stripe, Black Trim, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12229
Edelbrock: Intake Manifold, Performer RPM, Dual Plane, Aluminum, Black Powdercoated, Square Bore, Ford, Big Block FE,Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12227
Edelbrock: Timing Chain and Gear Set, Performer-Link, Double Roller, Iron/Steel Sprockets, Ford, Big Block FE, Set
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12230
Edelbrock: Valve Covers, Signature Series, Stock Height, Steel, Black Powdercoat, Edelbrock Logo, Ford FE Big Block, Pair
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12228
Harland Sharp: Rocker Arms, Roller Tip/Bronze Bushed Rockers, 1.76 Ratio, Aluminum, Shafts, End Supports, Ford, 390-428, Kit
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12243
JBA Performance Exhaust Co.: Headers, Competition Ready, Stainless Steel, Silver Ceramic Coated, Ford, Big Block FE, Pair
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12239
Melling: Oil Pump, Standard-Volume, Ford, 332-428, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12235
Melling: Oil Pickup, Bolt-In, Stock Pan Style, Ford, Big Block FE, V8, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12236
Meziere Enterprises,Inc.: Water Pump, Electric, 35 gpm, Billet Aluminum, Blue Anodized, Ford, Big Block FE, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12238
Pertronix: Distributor, Plug and Play, Hall Effect Pickup, Mechanical Advance, Black Cap, Ford, 352-428 FE, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12240
Pertronix: Ignition Coil, Flame-Thrower HC, Square, Epoxy, Black, 60,000 V, Each
More info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12242
Pertronix: Spark Plug Wires, Flame-Thrower, RFI Suppression, 8mm, Black, Stock Boots, Ford, V8, Kit
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12241
Quick Fuel Technology Inc.: Carburetor, Black Diamond Q-Series, 750 cfm, Mechanical Secondary, 4-Barrel, Square Bore, Drag Race, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12226
Summit Racing: Oil Pan, Steel, Gold Zinc, 5 qt., Front Sump, Ford, 352-428, Each
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12234
Summit Racing: Keith Black, KB Performance Pistons, Hypereutectic, Step, 4.090 in. Bore, 5/64 in., 3/32 in., 3/16 in. Ring Grooves, Ford, Set of 8
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_12231
Comp Cams: Custom Grind, Hydraulic Roller Camshaft, Ford FE
Miller Electric Manufacturing Co.: Millermatic 211 MIG Welder
Safety-Kleen: JRI - Front Load, Medium Duty Parts Washer
The Industrial Depot: Fasteners, Hardware, and Shop Supplies
Trend Performance: Custom Length 3/8 DIA, Pushrod Set

[@itsthehumidityyall8303]

Two engines I love. The 390 and the 300 inline 6.

[@brianwood7480]

I've had both and loved them.

[@chrisbusch1970]

don't forget the 351C

[@davesstillhere]

I drive 2 different 300s on a daily basis and literally just tore down a 390 today.

[@davidhicks7450]

300 Ford best engine ever for daily worked pickup. Notice I did not daily driven. Have had 12 of them in f.150s ftomn1981s to 96s. I prefer the fuel injected backed by c6 trans.

[@prospector5572]

There is nothing to love about this 2 bolt main boat anchor motor.

[@dylanjones678]

First of all I'm going to take a moment to appreciate the presentation you guys give, you guys kept the same format and its awesome. I remember around 2003 on Sunday mornings sitting on my bed as a 9 year old watching "the power block" on the TNT network from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. good memories. Glad to see y'all still got it!

[@dudefromlaveenaz]

same! good freakin times!

[@CadillacZachOffical]

Cool to see an FE build, we built a 390 for my truck using mostly ford parts, with a few aftermarket upgrades, 390 std rotating assembly, ported c8ae-h iron heads, upgraded valve springs, comp thumper cam, Holley street dominator intake, Holley 750cfm 4bbl, long tube headers. HV oil pump with restrictions in the heads, oem non adjustable rocker assembly, hydraulic flat tappet lifters from summit. Turned out exactly as desired, a reliable torque monster with a really nice sounding idle.

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

I did pretty much the same thing building a replacement 390 engine for my 4 door galaxie, more of a daily driver car. 4.080" bore 390, L2291F pistons, zero decked block, I spent a lot of money on the machine work so that was all right instead of just slapping aftermarket parts on it "trying to make it faster". I used a set of nicely rebuilt C1AE heads with my stock original 352 4V intake (ports matched perfectly) didn't even bother with headers, I resurfaced those on a large belt sander and sand blasted them clean, just a good custom exhaust system. 10:1 compression, comp cams XE262H cam, machine shop did the oiling mods to the block for me free of charge, used a HV pump. Stock non adjustable rocker arms. That thing runs pretty damn good, especially with the 3.70 gear and 2200 stall torque converter I have. Never would have guessed it would have been so powerful for all of the stock components, and how fast and freely it revs to the 5500-6000 RPM range, with a stock single point distributor at that!

[@djaspurh]

Very cool. Always wanted to do a 390 build since you very seldom see them.

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

@@bigboreracing356 Sure hope so, it better for what that cost.

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

@@bigboreracing356 well my stock big block jimbob ford makes my aluminum headed crammed 351W with headers look like a piece of shit, so who cares.

[@CadillacZachOffical]

@@bigboreracing356 bring your 306 and a chain. Me and my 390 are waiting to donkey punch you.

[@gd-rn7xm]

I had a 75 high boy growing up with a 390.........love this episode takes me back to my younger years. thanks guys

[@nealschebell7545]

That 390 is one tough motor

[@ccjensen4670]

Reminds me of the "old days" In 1966 I was driving a 59 Galaxie with a 352" and three speed with O.D. I was taking engine rebuilding at our local JC when I met a man on the street who offered me a 427 FE block outof a drag car....$75.00 with a broken rod wrapped around it's neighbor wedged between the counter weights..took a chance and went for it...got two used rods and Pistons out of the junk yard...block was OK. Stuck it in the car...broke it in...and finally put my foot in it. Scattered the three speed and limped home. Went to another junk yard and bought all the running gear from the block to the rear end out of another wrecked 427" Galaxie. I replaced my mag wheels with stock steelies with stock hubcaps and a set of cheater slicks. Powder blue and white car looked like ma Mas grocery getter. Street raced a 56 Chevy gasser with a 327" and four speed...blew him away. 30 years later I was telling the story to a friend who exclaimed "I built that car...you were racing my brother" American Graffiti was fimed next door in Petaluma CA and some of my high school friends worked on the cars. I was blessed to live "the real deal"

[@randr10]

The 327 sbc is no joke, but yeah, no way it's staying with a 427 FE in a similar weight car. The 427 revs like a 283 but with all those extra cubes.

[@unclequack5445]

Your bragging about blowing away a small block 327 with a big block 427 with like double the HP?

[@albertgaspar627]

@@unclequack5445 Ever hear of Bill Grumpy Jenkins? Put a lot of big blocks on the trailer with 327's. they have a great rod-to-stroke ratio and can be wound up like an alarm clock--pick the right power-to-weight car combo and you can make grown men cry.

[@unclequack5445]

@@albertgaspar627 Albert the baddest ass ride I ever owned had a 327 and a 4 speed I think it was 3.73 rear.

[@albertgaspar627]

@@unclequack5445 what car was it in?

[@Mikey-wf9py]

Old man had a 71 F100 with built 390 in the 80s and it was a monster in the mud.... Loved riding in it as a kid

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Awesome to see these Ford Fe beasts!! From marine blocks in boats to 428s in industrial irrigation pumps, to 427 all out racing engines at the track. These engines have a lot of history and heritage. I’m currently building a 428 with the 3 deuces setup in a 64 galaxie but I’m sure “grandpas truck” did a lot of burnouts back in the day hahaha

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

@@bigboreracing356 I think I’ve seen that one, if it’s blue with white stripes

[@fenatic7484]

Hey Omar, you are getting to be a hoarder with all of those 428s, have you thought of maybe sharing the wealth? 😂. I am glad that you have one for the Galaxie and the Torino! I really like the color on the Torino. A 428 would be really good!

[@fenatic7484]

@@OmarRamirezGalaxie I saw a picture of one with a BBC that was painted pink with these stripes it was surrounded by a bunch of dudes wearing makeup like that guy from Smashing Pumpkins that made you want to look the other way? I n not one to judge but I don’t preach on street corners or anything….

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

@@fenatic7484 lol I want them all, all the 428s hahaha

[@txnetcop]

Easiest to modify and take a beating...great video!

[@davekent4829]

I've had several of these FE moters over the years, a 66 t bird, 70 wagon, a few trucks, didn't baby them, never hurt one. Impressive performance on the cheap, now I have one in my slammed 70 F 250, just headers, 4:11s, plenty of power with a 2 bbl.

[@paulne1514]

You almost sound like me. Have had an Edsel w/332, 65 wagon w/352, 67 wagon w390, 66 t-bird w/428. Cars fell apart( after being hit 4 times, ) but motors kept running. Still have the last 2

[@thewaterboyjjx175]

I’ve got a 70 wagon with a 390!

[@skgate]

My favorite car/truck engine of all time.. might not even be close to the most powerful but I love they way they sound and feel.. some day I’ll have a 67-69 mustang with a 4 speed 390 or a f100 390

[@speedwayaudio3]

Every time I see a dyno run; I get this big smile on my face.

[@speedwayaudio3]

@@bigboreracing356 I wasn't laughing at the build just seeing engines work and dyno runs makes me smile.

[@johnlocke6584]

Used a 391FT block and a 428 crank to build a 30 overbored 413 for my friend's 68 HiBoy. Didn't dyno it, but he was VERY happy with the torque!!

[@nerradnosnhoj5122]

very cool 413 FE , the engine Pat did here seems short on efficiency, low power with the gigantic cam , he should use a lot less cam and maybe just flow work on the stock heads with new valves

[@menogusta9829]

​@@nerradnosnhoj5122 they also mentioned low compression

[@nerradnosnhoj5122]

@@menogusta9829 383 sbc with 9.2 ; 1 compression slaps the crap out of that ford turd over 480 torque at 3500 and 420 hp at 5200 ,. vortec heads and a mild 220 @ 050 roller cam

[@menogusta9829]

@@nerradnosnhoj5122 imo its sbc for a (gas) working truck and ls/bbc for big power. But I dont see anything wrong with building what you have, depending on the goal

[@nerradnosnhoj5122]

@@menogusta9829 certainly , and use your dollars efficiently , the numbers here are attainable for a lot less $$$ check videos from David Vizard

[@scottowens940]

1975 F-250 XLT Ranger has the 360 changed to a 390 out of a 68 Galaxy 500. Had a 428cobra jet in a Torino and feel in love with the big block Ford's, they just have a good vibe when they are happy. Funniest thing is I had that Cobra and back then the only other thing I looked at with admiration was a highboy Ford. Good time's and hello to the Ford Fan's 😎

[@brianwood7480]

I'm coming back to watch this again. I had a Sky-Blue 67 Country Squire with the 390 4-barrel. My first car here in the USA back in 1979. Bulletproof, and 17mpg when leaded gas was about 76 cents per gallon.

[@jesse75]

Great engine.

[@RichTexas82513]

17 out of a 390 is pretty damn good!

[@deanharris7149]

FE majic! Love the old FE’s. Personally, I would’ve removed the oil galley plugs at the back of the block, tapped the holes and pipe plugged with some locktite. I watch this channel WAY more now that you’ve got a Ford guy working there.

[@michaelskrhak6518]

I love my fe I’ve absolutely beat the crap out of it for the past 12 years and it still sounds good. It’s getting tired but still runs very strong!

[@jesusisalive3227]

I've got a 1970 f100 long box that would just love this engine!

[@geoffmcnew5863]

I run a Tony Oddo, Jr. 428-SCJ in my Mach 1. FEs with aluminum heads and intake are as light as an all-iron small block. 460 hp, 490 ft-lbs w/ CJ manifolds - NO headers.

[@rethrojeacher8464]

Look on Pat's face when Mike says "these motors were never really known for making power". 😂

[@chipwright6193]

Maybe Mike was thinking of the 351M. The FE was a little before his time. 😅

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Correct, this Ford 390 performs like a budget SBC 350 with stock Vortec iron truck heads and a Summit flat tappet 224/234 cam...

[@nerradnosnhoj5122]

@@chipwright6193 lol , those stock 351 M's were a gas guzzling TURD !

[@chipwright6193]

@@nerradnosnhoj5122 I know, that was my point 😅

[@albertgaspar627]

I know this was a budget build, but with the 410 merc pistons already there, it would have been interesting to pick up a 428 crank (not like this show doesn't get aftermarket parts free) and see what 410 cid would accomplish.

[@jeffwoody9857]

When people ask who taught you how to build your first motor, I honestly say from watching Power Nation. So much info on every video. Thanks guys!

[@Look_What_You_Did]

Read a book or two...

[@keithbishop305]

Love the FE. Still hoping you’ll do a Y Block build one of these days too. Keep up the good work, gentlemen!

[@keithbishop305]

@@bigboreracing356 Do you have a link to the video? I can't seem to find it

[@keithbishop305]

@@bigboreracing356 No need to be rude. Yes, I understand that FE's have a deep skirted block, as do countless other engines. As I'm sure you are aware, the term Y-Block most commonly refers to the Ford 272/292/312 series of V8 engines. This is what I was referring to and I would like to see the Engine Power guys do a build on one.

[@spaceghost8995]

@@bigboreracing356 No they are not.

[@atleastmypalmsarewhite9960]

Need more 351 Cleveland builds

[@David-xh2yt]

True

[@elmerfudpucker3204]

if you haven't heard of it, visit Drag Boss Garage. Lots of great Cleveland stuff there, and lots of links to more.

[@fenatic7484]

Need Cleveland heads and intakes for the 4.63 spacing FE with stroker cranks. 4.125bore 4.25 stroke 454 FE that can make 700 hp NA at 6700.

[@fordenginebuildersv8power184]

I agree!

[@jesse75]

Nah. FE is more fun. Not so temperamental, venerable engine. Cleveland is a brat.

[@willfrancone3908]

I daily drive a 390 in my F100. Lots of stock internals, with some bolt on stuff. Rebuilt it when I was 17 (Only 1 year ago) Runs great. This gave me a few more ideas for my build.

[@willfrancone3908]

@@bigboreracing356 Nah, I'm a Ford guy. 😎

[@willfrancone3908]

@@bigboreracing356 I started with a Ford, and I am more familiar with their products then Gm or Mopar.

[@glengee4462]

@@bigboreracing356 just build a 460 and as you’d say “donkey stomp a Chevy”

[@slick-px4pq]

@@willfrancone3908 I've seen your channel, are you still using the 4 speed? A really nice upgrade for a daily driver would be a tremec tko. I built a 445 and ran the 4 speed for awhile. I put in a tko 600 and am much happier.

[@willfrancone3908]

@@slick-px4pq I am still using the 4 speed. I would love to do a 5 or 6 speed, But it's expensive. There's a guy who is possibly going to make an adaptor to fit a zf5 behind an FE, so maybe I'll wait for that. Having an overdrive must be nice behind these gas hogs.

[@dadgarage7966]

The hosts did a phenomenal job of masking their luke warm response to the numbers the engine laid down on the dyno.

[@Look_What_You_Did]

400 is exactly where it should land. Guess dad doesn't know fck all.

[@dadgarage7966]

@@Look_What_You_Did Dad knows fack all or doesn't know fack all?

[@BobbyOfEarth]

These 60's era Ford FE engines were really something in drag racing and Nascar. Most noteworthy was Fords 390 FE, where in 1961 was available with the three deuce option which made 401 hp. Imagine a brand new 1961 Ford Starliner (black) with the 390 and a 4 speed, ..always a big hit with the chicks down at the tasty freeze..

[@nerradnosnhoj5122]

I would like to see the cam spec on that 401 HP three Deuce 390 compared to the roller used here , The 61 may have higher compression . The engine rebuilt here seems short on power with that much cam , other pump gas engines with less cu.in. do better with .100 less lift and 14" less duration.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

@@nerradnosnhoj5122 - Yes, this Ford 390 performs like a SBC 350 with stock Vortec iron truck heads and a Summit flat tappet 224/234 cam...

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Yeah, chicks may have gone for the convertible version...

[@nerradnosnhoj5122]

@@BuzzLOLOL the camshaft and heads being used on this Ford , are not good choice Blueprint SBC mild 383 crush this Turd easily with milder cams , stock vortec head and a little less displacement. A Ford 390 has a 3.70 stroke, SBC stroker 383 has 3.75 I think the Ford has better potential with a milder cam & Heads for better velocity,

[@BobbyOfEarth]

@@BuzzLOLOL ..those are the ones who never unlock the door for you.

[@1979augistine]

This was rad to see . Thanks guys !

[@byler390]

Perfect build for a Galaxie/Fairlane/Mustang or even a Factory Five Cobra kit. Thanks Powernation

[@brandonehansen]

We have a 76 F250 with the last of the 390 big block and that engine is a monster. Endless torque and power.

[@aptorres01]

Great video thank you

[@andrewward1887]

I rebuilt the 390 in my 64 Galaxy it had 100,000 miles on it,the crank and rod bearings virtually had no wear on them and they were original.

[@thomashines9092]

Love those FE ford I would love to see y'all do a 410 FE for a hot rod or a mild racing engine like y'all did the 445fe. Thanks

[@jmumbauer]

@7:35 should be ROLLER cams install with only engine oil, hydraulic flat tappets definitely need the moly lube. I love the FE content! Keep it coming!!!

[@wawacan]

Didn't read this far before I posted. Yes.

[@timothythompson2037]

Love it 😀

[@CJColvin]

This FE would be a great swap for an old school F100.

[@CJColvin]

@@bigboreracing356 True.

[@RegulerShowTV]

@@bigboreracing356 also 2-3 times as much money

[@CJColvin]

@@RegulerShowTV Yep you got that right brother.

[@RegulerShowTV]

@@bigboreracing356 i’m trying to, currently in college

[@Pedrofitbulls]

@@bigboreracing356 big dually yessir

[@davidblalock9945]

One step y’all missed: the main seal must first be set to flush, then checked for crush hight. 5-15 thou on each half will ensure proper crush. I try to file the end till is 10 thou.

[@blanchae]

@@bigboreracing356 Everyone who has built an FE block and doesn 't want a rear main seal link cares.

[@johnnyg7525]

It's about time. Thanks

[@andrewhudson3723]

Another awesome video. Nice work, guys, Love the Ford FE. I own 2.

[@billtribble7197]

i always wondered what those factory bigblock intakes intakes weighed. they could get heavy if you had to pull one off with the engine in chassis. i enjoyed the video. i remember tri powered 406 engines. fast back in the 1960s.

[@76629online]

I like how they didn’t discuss piston ring installation and indexing, piston orientation and connecting rod orientation on the crankshaft. All very critical details.

[@HitmanChase]

Great video

[@aroundlinemen]

Love ford engine s thanks

[@lsandk3]

I built a 428 CJ from parts even managed to find some cross bolt main caps. I used the HS rockers and a gear drive. Back when I built it $350 seemed to be the magic number for parts. Intake rear sump pan etc. Expensive engine to build but what a stump puller.

[@davidshiverdecker292]

Seems like everybody's an fe-yn critic.

[@ranchhandrandy3213]

I want to build a fox body with one of these 390s one day when I'm all growed up.

[@scottypetty9117]

I'm wanting to build one myself ...think it would make a good street strip car..

[@danmallery9142]

Really nice build. I love my Harland Sharp rockers. Such good quality. I have a set on my 1st gen Bronco that I have had on for about 20 years! One thing on the 390: good power on a conservative build, although I was surprised it did not respond a little more to adding 5 degrees of timing. I was thinking 20-25, not that 15 is bad.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Yeah, that 9:1 prolly needed 38 - 40 degrees of total timing...

[@FESpecialties]

38 degrees of total timing is what the RPM heads want!! Also, a 1131 Silvolite piston would have brought you 9.7 to 1 compression which the FE series really likes!! We are not a big fan of the Keith Black pistons!! Too low of static compression!! Also, aligning up the main saddle oil passages to the main beatings is crucial! Intake centerline should have been at 108, not 104!!

[@jesusisalive3227]

I just found my boy a 428 crank to stick in his 390. It is going to be fun building the 410 for his f100 4x4. Would you have a cam recommend? It's a hunting truck but he also likes to play in the mud so we are looking for good low end power.

[@MrFantasylover1]

I agree with you FESpecialties. This was a sad build and waste of money for the amount of roller camshaft with over 600 lift and 1.72 rocker ratio it should have made way more power

[@Pedrofitbulls]

@@jesusisalive3227 I got somes o

[@Ltngdrvr]

Yes, many mistakes on this build, could have been so much better for hardly any more money.

[@stevenmyers2252]

Is there a cam you would recommend? I plan on doing my first build to refresh a recent F250 purchase. Not looking for a race car but a fun weekend tire melter :-)

[@GorillaCookies]

I've.built everything from a 352 to a 428 as far as FE engines go. The best intake I ever used on a street FE is the classic Edelbrock Streetmaster. Although it's a single plane it doesn't penalize low rpm torque to make high rpm HP.

[@rustyrobinson8027]

Thanks

[@drtb69]

Fun fact with Aluminum heads , intake and water pump that FE weighs less than a 350 chevy

[@godsowndrunk1118]

The 410 Mercury piston was used in 390 truck engines to lower compression to around 7.5 ..... horse power makes heat.

[@VinceGuzman]

This is a good FE build

[@justinblack2132]

Mine is mildly built. 55 years old and is still running strong

[@fusnowtiger]

Oh, hi there again Mike

[@chriscase9549]

428 crank, longer 390 rods, short Merc 410 pistons, C60Z6250BB Cobrajet cam. CJ manifold and Hokey, Gemini headers. {eg the 200hp chassis dyno @2500 rpms. Fun, in my '72 F250.

[@WhiskeyDale]

I really miss this show on TV

[@karryhardman8735]

In my youth I had a f100 that tires just seemed to always be smokin. Rebuilt with flat top pistons, 3/4 crane cam, and 735 holly CJ.

[@slimsantilli4476]

My 66 thunderbird would love this .

[@DOCTRJ]

Bad ass old metal!🤠

[@drewschumann1]

Stroke it! 445 Powah!

[@danielscott9769]

I had a 1966 Fairlane GT 390. The GT block had main cap bolts that went through the side of the block. Factory numbers were 335 HP and 427 TQ. It was a pretty fun car for a 16 year old kid. GT was a 4 spd and the GTA was an automatic.

[@tomcoppa2211]

No 390 GT block had cross bolted main caps. The only FE with them was the 427. Supposedly very late 406 blocks had them too however I've never seen one or any substantial proof they exist

[@briansearles4473]

@@tomcoppa2211 You are correct regarding the cross bolted main caps. However if I am not mistaken the GT block's had beefier main bearing webs as did the PI 390's .

[@tomcoppa2211]

@@briansearles4473 nope no difference between a 390 or 390 GT same exact block. Difference between them was carburetors 2v 4v autolite or holley

[@ls1_cammeroh]

I’m running a 428cj in my 72 f100. Still have the 390 from it in the garage.

[@sgtbrown4273]

My favorite engine ever. Its a baby girl with reliability 😊

[@edwardmylnychuk5774]

back in the late 60s a friend of mine had a 390 done up and put it in his 66 four door fairlane and we put stock chevy mufflers on it to hide the power but you could tell he had some power, he could pop the front end at 90 miles an hour and no one touched him at that time , today with all the different set ups you never know what you are running against.

[@user-vs1gu5nq9w]

A couple engines I would like to see on here is a 5.4 2 valve. Easy budget build for daily driving and towing. Other is a 400m with the same thing in mind. Daily driving and more torque for towing

[@v1-vr-rotatev2-vy_vx31]

0:26 Way back in the day first engine builds were 390 406 and 427 graduated in that order, with modified Hooker headers to a tri-y configuration, RUG Top loader (modified synchros) transmission, 9 inch,in my 67 fastback mustang that I bought for $100 that had only 67,000 original miles was garaged many years. Very easy to get 425 horsepower out of a 390, With basic o e parts,.

[@stevegabbert9626]

Boy, I sure wish You Tube was available in the 70's. My 428 separated the intake stem from the valve and destroyed the engine. To get my Cobra Jet Mustang back on the road someone told me about a 335hp - 390ci, which was the same block, so I put that in. I was able to use the same intake manifold from the 428, which was NOT aluminum. J.C. that is a heavy manifold! It took two people to install it. I was 20 or 21 at the time, so I didn't have much money for all of the fancy high HP parts, just a set of headers. It was fun(?) to work on, but ran great when it was done.

[@centraltexasfoxbodies]

I have a 330 fet motor in my 68 n750, they supposedly come factory with forged cranks

[@bjr2379]

Cool build, but that oil pan is never coming off. Lol!

[@timdixon9224]

I ended up washing mine three times but it was out of fear from all the drilling cutting and machine work done. Looking back I should have just bought a new block from Barry Rabotnic.

[@TheMajictech]

It’s also a good idea to soak the timing chain in oil before assembly dude.

[@Mister-Whiskers]

I’d love to see you guys build a 428fe, I have a donor block I can lend you and I already have the Edelbrock heads and intake plus HS rockers😉

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

There's not another factory engine with a better racing history than the fe. The small block Buick in all it's variations comes close but you can't beat the fe. Thanks guys love the classic stuff.

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

@@bigboreracing356 he ran a lot of ford stuff didn't he?

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

@@bigboreracing356 actually he did.

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

@@bigboreracing356 are you trying to say they didn't mass-produce Fe's? I think you may be a bit confused there. They were also much more popular in every form of racing than the 335 series ever was.

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

@@bigboreracing356 oh I get it, just a typical Chevy guy. Sad

[@kskip4242]

Im thinking an early 80's foxbody t-bird would really like this engine..

[@gkinghsmith9352]

Really like the build. Suggest you never by-pass checking the oil pressure and AFR before you make any runs at all.

[@Look_What_You_Did]

Clowns believe if it isn't on video it didn't happen.

[@edge2sword186]

Oil mods are necessary on those type engines starting with an afternarket oil pump drive and restrictors for the heads . a 4.98 crank would really make a big difference and keep the Compression arouns 10.25 to1 Trick Flow heads are the ticket on the Fe type engine . Just my thoughts on what works for me .

[@wakjob961]

Always thought FE stood for "Iron" in reference to the block material... learn something new every day.

[@larrywarren1049]

Lotsa people thought that and i remember watching a vid on racing engines and they talked a little about the fe and once people started thinking about the engine calling it the iron block cause the element table but had no clue bout Edsel ford

[@ttx888]

Nice Engine. How to calculate the centerlines of the camshaft. Is there a formula or something similar? Thanks for your answer.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

They's thirsty beasties, my buddy got a 65 pickup with one in it ,and back in 1991 as a couple of snotnosed kids we burned 175$ worth of gas in it in a week and didn't even leave the county.

[@TurboBird64]

Got a 64 thunderbird with a fe390...could use a little love

[@richdouche8253]

390 is a great truck engine. They spec'd a custom cam, so this build should have had a cam with 106LSA using the David Vizard "128 formula".

[@jesse75]

390 was put in nearly everything Ford had at the time. And worked well in every application. Give me a 67 390 2barrel in a full size Ford car. Good on gas and power.

[@richdouche8253]

@@jesse75 390 made good torque with factory heads and intake, but if you're building one for horsepower output, everything spec'd differently. A truck is heavy and needs torque.... Just like a full sized car. Use a 390-2v all day long, I've seen first hand their grunt strength. But in factory form they're a truck engine.

[@jesse75]

@@richdouche8253 define factory form ? The car 390 and truck 390 are different. 390 first used in heavy cars. The 352 was phased out in favor of the 390 in trucks in 68.

[@richdouche8253]

@@jesse75 Factory form 390's, whether put in cars or trucks, have never been known as big horsepower engines. The runner and port design, size and shape. Combustion chambers. Valve angles. Etc etc. were not designed for making big horsepower. Fantastic for vacuum and low and mid and great torque for street use, but nobody was winning races with the 390 compared to competitor big blocks in factory trim. Even look at this build... These guys have 390 cubes (plus), and were barely making over 1hp per cube with aftermarket heads, roller cam, rockers, intake and carbs. Hell.... I'd rather have lighter and smaller Windsor stroked to 393 that could churn out more horses on the same mild street stuff. I'm not bashing the 390. It's just never been known as a heavy breather. Especially in factory form. In any configuration that it was sold to the public.

[@jesse75]

@@richdouche8253 just like the 351w, the 390 never was a performance engine. Maybe in it's infantcy, but the 406 and 427 were the performance engine. Again. In the 60's and early 70's, the 390 powered nearly everything. It was just a grocery getter like the 351 Windsor, being used in cars and trucks. Oh wow. They put a 4 barrel carb on these engines, but they didn't amount to anything special. Just moved around a heavy vehicle. But the 390 is still a venerable engine. Everyone of these engines I find at a wrecking. I buy. Rebuild. And never have a problem selling. The engine is in high demand where I live. I must have did 70 of these engines so far. And it's true, many of the stock original pistons are marked 410 on them. But not the car engines, those pistons are different.

[@timdixon9224]

I'm running the Comp 288 R solid roller. I expect it to sound near stock.

[@nevetslegasi5686]

Nice to see someone NOT over build an FE. They are very capable.

[@scotte2815]

Do you run a bore brush through the oil and water passages after the wash?

[@dalemartin8031]

Love your work. A good engine you should do is the 3.8 buick found in aussie holden commodores and also in buick grand national.

[@leifhietala8074]

Note for folks working on Japanese trucks and trying to save a buck: @5:14 you see the guys spraying Dupli-Color Old Ford Engine Blue on the block and you might think it's a perfect match for Toyota 8A1 Medium Blue from the 1980s - it is soooo close I can barely tell the difference even in good light - but the paint does not stand up to UV. It might be cheaper than a proper paint job, but it isn't a durable substitute.

[@python13578]

Yes!!

[@jasoncummings1755]

Nice build. Love the FE! Just gor those who don't know, if this build would of used Trick Flow heads the hp would have been more impressive. Probably upwards of 50-60 hp. The ebooks are nothing more than clone iron heads. Nothing special. This engine with 9.8: 1 and Trick flow heads hits 500hp.

[@JimBronson]

Agreed, the head selection makes no sense and is holding this combination back. Cam is 238/244 @.050 with .618 lift on close to 400ci with the bored cylinders? Needs more flow. And compression, 9.1 with aluminum heads makes no sense either. They left a lot of power on the table with this build.

[@tylermccarren565]

Bump the compression up 2 points and some AFR heads. She would scream

[@rtroll7762]

I believe Edelbrock had a say so in this build 😂😂

[@albertgaspar627]

Considering how well aluminum heads handle heat, you can typically run one point higher compression than cast iron heads. so yeah i think EazyE77 hit the nail on the head.

[@stevenmyers2252]

For those commenting if you were to go with stock / upgraded iron heads how high would you limit the compression ratio ? Not sure I have the coin to do heads as I would probably skip right over E Brock’s and they are quick pricey.

[@BeechSportBill]

Our ‘64 Merc Marauders 390 left everything behind on I84

[@frankdillon6127]

how did you install the famous leaking rear intake manifold sealing?

[@dewightkey6975]

Boys you are going to need to raise that comp to build some power in that 390 you need 11 5

[@darwinsmith1540]

I too often have the issue of too big of an outlet for the size of the inlet. I would agree that enlarging the hole with a smooth transition is the trick. Time stamp 3:15. One of your writers has a sense of humor.

[@garycamara9955]

The first FE was built in 57, it was the 332 FE. The first Edsels were sold in Nov 57. The firstl Edsel was a 363

[@glenstokes3970]

My first love in an engine was 390 still is but I'm curious how they put that 3 peace main ceal together

[@danhambrick6331]

Man I wish Mike was still on this show...

[@hairymongrell]

you guys could run alot more comp with that cam ! is there a reason you guys are running such low comp ? just curious. im sure this engine would be very safe with 10.5-1 with the same rpm limit. unless you struggled with piston options ? which would be undestandable.

[@nerradnosnhoj5122]

my question is about that cam , thats a lot of duration and lift for a mild street engine, you want peak HP below 5500, and stronger midrange torque I seen 383 sbc with 9.2:1 compression , with vortec heads and a 220/228 duration .510 lift 112 lobe cam get 420HP @ 5200rpm and 465 Torque 3600rpm , with the factory air cleaner housing on and a Quadrajet carb, That 390 should be capable of 415 HP under 5500 rpm and more tha 445 torque at 3600-4000 ,It does have a 3.7" stroke so it should get more than 445 torque and you want that to carry a nice flat curve with peak HP around 5100-5200 , This 390 having 445 lbft of torque at 3700 is ok , a more optimum , milder cam might lift that up and produce peak HP around 5100 rpm, that is a nice street engine 4 a truck,,

[@timpierce6708]

Excellent. Basically everything I was planning on doing to the 390FE on my engine stand!!!!!!! Thank you!!!

[@jocrp6]

I read where FE stands for (Ford Engine) I hope Pat breaks out that tape measure to make sure that bore is round! He degree's cam's with it to!

[@oregonfordguy9812]

fe actually stands for ford edsel

[@Naveed_vilogs2]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@pauljanssen7594]

I'm a retired engine builder mechanic machine is when I see guys pounding on the main caps in the block I go wow you should start the main caps in by torque in the boats evenly never hammering a main cap the bearing can pop out and then you will ruin the engine you can tap them in lightly but you have to have the bolts in to line them up that bearing pops out you're in trouble. And one thing never used form a gasket on gaskets they will turn to mush and then you'll have leaks later on down the road form a gasket is made for a surface with no gasket at all my favorite is ultra black it's bulletproof. I've had to repair too many vehicles with leaky oil because the mechanic used formicasket on the gaskets and they turned to mush.