So here’s my question. I have a 67 s code. Someone changed it the 390 c6 with a 400 fmx. Ive been looking for a 390 to get back to the original sized engine. I’m having trouble finding one that I don’t have to drive 8+ hours for. I found one the other day local and was suppose to get it yesterday but the guy flaked on me. I been wondering if I should wait for a 390 or build a 302 or 351W. It would be nice to have the 390 but idk if I’ll ever find one. Also the 302 and 351 engines and parts are cheaper and a dime a dozen. I’m not worried about my car being completely original, it’s just a cruiser. Also… What about a truck 390? I find a few that were from f250 or dump trucks. Are these a viable options? Just looking for advice here guys.
I would go with a 351W plenty parts, lighter and go faster.
Do you ever intend to sell it? The correct drive train will make a difference.
Maybe eventually but idk for sure
Need to make a plan and plan on sticking to it. Change of direction costs money and time
If you don’t find a C6 from a Mustang or Cougar then you will likely be spending money on converting it to a floor shifter from a column shift, More money.
IMHO if you have a FE Cougar keep it one. Plenty of little engine ones out there if that is what you wanted
But that’s just me. No one said the hobby was easy, simple or cheap. If you just plop down a bunch of money and by a finished car then you can have two out of the three
But the end goal might not be as satisfying
Where do you live? This is a relatively easy combo to find. Do you ever use searchtempest.com?
Never heard of that… Been using Craigslist and Facebook marketplace
Try it… searches every CL at once.
Thanks Don
As much as I love the 351W, I agree with J_Speegle that a factory big-block Cougar should have a big block. Finding the correct C6 may take some patience, but coming up with a usable 390 should be easy. The only significant external difference between the 390GT used in the Cougar and Mustang, and the regular 390 used in trucks and full-sized cars is the exhaust manifolds. The GT heads had a unique bolt pattern on the exhaust flanges to match the manifolds, but any competent machine shop and drill and tap the extra holes. Personally, I’d skip the 390GT exhaust manifolds and go with headers or repo 428CJ manifolds, as the 390GT pieces are fairly restrictive. Likewise, replacing the stock cast iron intake with an aluminum one will add some HP and take a significant amount of weight off the nose of the car. (Go with stock parts if your goal is a concourse restoration of course, but it doesn’t sound as if that’s your plan.)
If you’re on Facebook, check out the Ford FE Fanatics Garage Sale page. 390s and 390 parts come up for sale frequently. Or you can post a “wanted” ad to help speed up the process.
Thanks cj750. I was planning on headers anyway.