I've been reading the forum for a while and thought I should finally join. You guys are great! I have the opportunity to buy a 69 mach 1 with a 390 and was wondering what you guys think. What are the advantanges or disadvantages of the 390 verses a 351? It has an automatic if that makes any difference. Any thoughts or information would be greatly appreciated.
69 mach 1 390
- Thread starter 5oh4fun
- Start date
SadbutTrue
Founding Member
The 390 is a bit more torquey initially, and has a little more power. Stock for stock a 390 powered car will be a little faster. 351 might handle better, as it is lighter. If you get a good deal go for it. Both engines can be made to make incredible power, the 351 might save you some money in the long run I would think. Its basically a 302 on steroids and has a huge aftermarket, while the 390 has some aftermarket but its more expensive in general.
Timmy
Founding Member
First, let me say I love my 390 Mach 1. I went looking for one because they’re considered rare. I think there were only something like 10,000 390 equipped Mustangs built in 69 and not all of them were Mach 1’s.
You can find parts all over the place depending on what you want. EBay is a good source. Edelbrock has cams, heads, intakes, etc. Hooker has headers (I have them on mine) but they hang down low so clearance can be an issue.
I think the power is good out of my almost stock 390. Stock hp was 320 or so. I hope to move mine up to 400hp after my rebuild and that should be enough for me.
You can find parts all over the place depending on what you want. EBay is a good source. Edelbrock has cams, heads, intakes, etc. Hooker has headers (I have them on mine) but they hang down low so clearance can be an issue.
I think the power is good out of my almost stock 390. Stock hp was 320 or so. I hope to move mine up to 400hp after my rebuild and that should be enough for me.
68GEETEE
5 Year Member
I believe the engine code on your vin should read "S" which would indicate a 390 engine was installed at time of mfg. Whether or not the engine in the car is the original, there is a way to tell, but I'm not quite sure how.
69Rcode_Mach1
Active Member
S code
68 is right. The VIN should read. 9R02Sxxxxxx
9=model year 1969
R= this doesn't have to be an r this just stands for the plant it was assembled in. R means san jose, f means dearborn, and i haven't seen 69's in the metuchen plant.
02=fasback
S=390
and them some production #'s
but this means jack if you can't id the engine with your eyes. With the 390's it can be done with the intake and valves.
68 is right. The VIN should read. 9R02Sxxxxxx
9=model year 1969
R= this doesn't have to be an r this just stands for the plant it was assembled in. R means san jose, f means dearborn, and i haven't seen 69's in the metuchen plant.
02=fasback
S=390
and them some production #'s
but this means jack if you can't id the engine with your eyes. With the 390's it can be done with the intake and valves.
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