Replacing the 352 fe with a 390 fe

[BOOMERBIRD]

Has anyone replaced their original 352 with a 390 and if so how did the R&R go and are you happy with the end product? im in the process of finding either a crate 390 or a long block and hope to get this done soon. im just so tired of replacing all the old parts on the 352 that has 81k miles on it. I would prefer to pull it and rebuild the 352 but its much more cash to do so.

any tricks learned would help.

[redstangbob]

The 390 and 352 are both FE's so no problem with the fit. Depending on what year block the 390 is, you may have 4 motor mount bolts per side or only 2 like your 352 but no issues there either. You need to keep track of starter & flywheel, don't use a 65 and up starter with your old flywheel. If you upgrade to the newer style starter, use the new style flywheel and the engine plate. I'm sure I've left a bunch of things out, but the swap should go without problems. Good luck, Bob C

[nocontrol]

390 swap

Just breaking in reworked 390 in my 58 and so far so good. I'm running dual quads on a ford intake so there was some linkage modification but every thing else bolted up. I'm using a toploader behind it for added excitement. There's no subsistute for cubes!

[FINSRIN]

I agree with the replies. Am replacing early FE in 59 Galaxie with 66 Thunderbird 390. Sure you will like the results.
Bill

[RustyNCa]

Has anyone replaced their original 352 with a 390 and if so how did the R&R go and are you happy with the end product? im in the process of finding either a crate 390 or a long block and hope to get this done soon. im just so tired of replacing all the old parts on the 352 that has 81k miles on it. I would prefer to pull it and rebuild the 352 but its much more cash to do so.

any tricks learned would help.

I replaced the 352 with a 390 a while back, it went pretty easy for me. Granted I just pulled the whole thing and dropped in the complete 390 I bought off clist, the only thing I had to change was the starter to a newer design.

[junker nutz]

Speaking of starters, will a "new" starter with a exturnal bendix not the long one I just pulled off that goes in beyond the flywheel fit on the 352 fit. It was a pain in the *** getting that starter out.

I replaced the 352 with a 390 a while back, it went pretty easy for me. Granted I just pulled the whole thing and dropped in the complete 390 I bought off clist, the only thing I had to change was the starter to a newer design.

[jopizz]

No. The new style starter requires a different flywheel if that's what you're asking.

John

[junker nutz]

OK thank you.

No. The new style starter requires a different flywheel if that's what you're asking.

John