Penelope, (owned by Bill Knighton) from Perth, North Western Australia,
has kindly asked me to build a 'special' 390 to replace her 352 FE.
Penelope is a beautiful '59 Thunderbird.
FIND A GOOD CORE
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Penelope, (owned by Bill Knighton) from Perth, North Western Australia, has kindly asked me to build a 'special' 390 to replace her 352 FE. Penelope is a beautiful '59 Thunderbird. |
I am embarrassed to admit that this project has taken much longer
than I expected. It is purely my fault as I had pressing house
issues. Now that things are 'normal' and with Detroit's weather
permitting, I am working more on this great engine and transmission
build. So far, this engine project has gone without a hitch.
The work is smooth and 'as expected' and all the parts are right,
the first time ordered.
I want to thank Bill for his patience. He has fronted all the
costs without seeing hard results.
Taking pictures along the
way takes a lot of time. Hopefully, these pictures will show
progress (and put
Bill's mind a little more at ease). - Dave
| Disassembly | Assembly |
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General: Find a Good Core (this page) Engine Identification |
Machining:
Block Machined
Mike, owner of D&S Engine Specialists baked, shot peened, Magnafluxed, align bored crank journals, and deck block for 9:1 compression ratio. The crankshaft was ground +.010", rods were re-bushed and honed to size. Oil Modifications: Block and Head modifications with explanation of the FE oiling system. FE Starter Motor:
Teardown and rebuild the original 1973
Starter Motor. |
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Top: Teardown Intake & Heads |
Distributor:
Assemble,
Recurve Advance, & add Pertronix II. Heads: Rocker Arms & Shafts, Install Intake Manifold & Distributor, Checking Piston-to-Valve clearances. |
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Bottom: Teardown Lower End 1 Freeze Plug, Oil Pump, Motor Mount, Dipstick Tube Removal Teardown Lower End 2 ID: Main Journal caps, Rods & Caps Teardown Lower End 3 Piston, Crankshaft, & Pipe Plugs Removal, measurements |
Balance Procedure:
Rods,
Pistons, Crankshaft Assembly: Measuring Main Bearing and Rod Clearances, measuring Piston Ring end gaps, and stuffing pistons. Installing the Cam
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Front: Remove Water Pump & Timing Set Cam Removal |
Assembly: Installing a True Roller Timing Set. Degreeing and advancing the Cam. |
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Rear: Remove Transmission |
Assembly: Install Spacer Plate and Flex Plate |
#1
I enjoy meeting fellow restorers and old school hot rodders. In my search for a core 390, Bob Crain (left) advertised a complete
1973 390/C6 in Flint, Michigan's Craig's List. Bob is an amazing character with a long history of collecting and building Fords. I am here (on the right) to pick up the engine with my cousin, John Lambert. It was freezing inside Bob's barn.
#2
Ol' Bob had his propane heater blazing, but it was still cold inside his man-cave.
#3
This is Bob's 1967 Galaxie 500, and yes, that's ice on the ground.
#4
Bob bought this car from the original owner.
#5
#6
>#7
The engine was ready to go when we got there.
#8
Just to be sure it's really a 390, Bob rotated the crank to TDC. Then, I pulled #1 & #4 plugs and marked the depths with a welding rod down the plug holes. Sure enough, there was 3.75" between my marks. That proved the crank has a 390/427 stroke. 352 stroke is 3.5".
#9
Bob and John are setting up the engine and trailer for an interstate highway trip.
#10
#11
#12
#13
#14
#15
Ok, we're ready for the hour trek back to my house in Royal Oak, Michigan.
#16
Now, I have my work cut out for me... Teardown is next.