390 ID numbers

Engine, ignition, fuel, cooling, exhaust

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Ken 6645
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390 ID numbers

Post by Ken 6645 »

Where on a 390 block engine is the number stamped that correctly ID's the engine by yr-correct size [ cu.in ] -production date and any other useful info?
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BobbyFord
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Re: 390 ID numbers

Post by BobbyFord »

There are no numbers on the block that identify cubic inch. There are engineering numbers and date-casted numbers.
Engine block casting number on the passenger side of the block near the 2nd cyl. and date cast number on the left front of the block near the oil filter adapter.
http://www.fordification.com/FEcasting-numbers.htm
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Re: 390 ID numbers

Post by Ken 6645 »

Is there anyway to tell the differance between a 390 verse's a 360 by just looking at them? the reason I ask is that I bought a 76 F150 at an estate sell that had been sitting 8 yrs.. I was told that the truck had a 390...Fast forward 12 yrs ,tranny quits, I pull the engine and junk the body .I advertise the motor for sale as a 390. Four takers on day one of the ad but 2 say its a 360 1 says a 390 and one said it could be either one. I honestly don't know one from the other but could use some help
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70shortwide

Re: 390 ID numbers

Post by 70shortwide »

measure the stroke or pull the oil pan. there is a way to tell by looking at the crank. not sure how but i bet someone here does. since you have the motor out already it wont be hard to pull the pan
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Re: 390 ID numbers

Post by fordman »

is there a sticker on the valve cover? try cleaning them with soem cleaner and see if you can find it.
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BobbyFord
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Re: 390 ID numbers

Post by BobbyFord »

70shortwide wrote:measure the stroke or pull the oil pan. there is a way to tell by looking at the crank. not sure how but i bet someone here does. since you have the motor out already it wont be hard to pull the pan
360 has a 3.50" stroke and the 390 has a 3.78" stroke. Get the piston at tdc and with a wooden dowel inserted into the spark plug hole rotate the piston down in the bore, mark a spot on the dowel and measure the dowel.
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Re: 390 ID numbers

Post by SteveC »

i also remeber some thing about on the back of the crank shaft there were to different cuts into it.... one was a half moon and i cant reember the other or what each stood for
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Re: 390 ID numbers

Post by ToughOldFord »

SteveC wrote:i also remeber some thing about on the back of the crank shaft there were to different cuts into it.... one was a half moon and i cant reember the other or what each stood for
That is correct, the 390 has a full circle, the 360 is a crescent.
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