I have a line on a 390 locally for a hundred bucks. Is there a quick way I can prove an auto application, VS a truck 390 from the PN on the block or intake?
On the block you can't it would be the same either way. The block may or may not have even had numbers, Ford was kinda sloppy about that with FE engines.
The intake, and heads, are a much better indicator.
Ford used the same blocks and in many cases heads in both applications. The late 60's intermediate cars (66-70 Mustang/Fairlane,etc) got a 14 bolt exhaust pattern unique to them (16 in the case of the 428CJ heads) So that would be a giveaway, but after 40 years, anyone could have changed all that long since it left the factory (I did for one with a 67 GT 390 into a 70 F100) $100 isn't a bad price for any 390, provided the all the parts are serviceable,
Well, in my mind I had been planning a 4xx inch W platform, but for the money, I could go big block as well, especially as I am not concerned about it being original. I know there are some differences between auto and truck applications, and that is my concern. I have heard there is a lot of good info of the FE forum, I just haven't really looked into any of it until today. A 390 69 Cougar that's actually a 450+ plant might be fun to drive, especially with a stick. Would a Tremec still hold up to that much motor?
Well, in my mind I had been planning a 4xx inch W platform, but for the money, I could go big block as well, especially as I am not concerned about it being original. I know there are some differences between auto and truck applications, and that is my concern. I have heard there is a lot of good info of the FE forum, I just haven't really looked into any of it until today. A 390 69 Cougar that's actually a 450+ plant might be fun to drive, especially with a stick. Would a Tremec still hold up to that much motor?
Well, in my mind I had been planning a 4xx inch W platform, but for the money, I could go big block as well, especially as I am not concerned about it being original. I know there are some differences between auto and truck applications, and that is my concern. I have heard there is a lot of good info of the FE forum, I just haven't really looked into any of it until today. A 390 69 Cougar that's actually a 450+ plant might be fun to drive, especially with a stick. Would a Tremec still hold up to that much motor?
The tricky part here is if you've got a small block car, a stroker Windsor will be far more cost effective. To swap in an FE in a small block car, you have to change mounts (which are 3 piece per side with the FE) transmission and transmission cross member. All that will cost you another couple hundred dollars at a minimum, if you don't have the stuff already (not including the transmission) If you've got a large budget, then that's not a problem.