390 Aluminum intake?

[wyngnut55]

Update: Turns out my 390 is a 360. Not the original engine according to the placard on door. To add to that, it is a service engine block. The sides of the block casting are ribbed. I didn't know that was the sign of a service engine. Machine shop said its a 360 crank and rods. He showed me 390 rods vs 360 rods. 390s are beefier. I guess some folks prefer service engines? Don't really see any advantage to it or why that would be true? Shop has a 390 crank and rods he is giving me. Crank has to be machined. Have H304P pistons .040 over on back order. Gonna be a pricey rebuild. Was thinking of just ordering a rebuilt 390 long block I've seen on eBay for $1700 + $300 shipping and about $500 core. Who knows the quality and the problem there is the engine is in pieces and its not a 390 core. Auto parts stores are about $2400/$2500 and say they need the same engine core or no refund. ATK does't have any 390's.

[DuckRyder]

I would build the one you have, particularly if you’re getting the 390 crank and rods gratis...

Parts store rebuilds and eBay rebuilds are high risk...

[GaryKip]

Have you checked out "S and J engines" Ford-360-ci-5.9-liter-remanufactured-long-block-engine
FOR-360LB
Engine
Fuel Type
Gas Fuel System
Carbureted Cylinders
8 Engine Type
OHV V8 Engine Size - C.I/Liters
360/5.9 Transmission
Auto or manual VIN Type
Y
Installation Instructions
Pre-lube and Break-In procedure, engine oil and gasket kit shipped with engine. Professional installation recommended Engine Description
1968-1976 Ford truck applications; IMPORTANT: Correct installation procedures, post-installation diagnostic documentation, break-in procedure and warranty contract registration required for warranty considerations. Professional installation recommended. Head Cast
Block Cast
Crank Cast
1961 1976 Ford F-250 390/6.4 Auto or manual 500.00 1839.00
[Arrow] Add to Cart

S&J-Ford-6.4L-390-ci-remanufactured-long-block-engine
FOR-390LB-1
Engine
Fuel Type
Gas Fuel System
Carbureted Cylinders
8 Engine Type
OHV V8 Engine Size - C.I/Liters
390/6.4 Transmission
Auto or manual VIN Type
H,Y,M
Installation Instructions
Pre-lube and Break-In procedure, engine oil and gasket kit shipped with engine. Professional installation recommended. Engine Description
1961-1976 RWD, 16 Valve, with smog, 8 bolt exhaust,4 bolt motor mounts Head Cast
Block Cast
C8AE-C, C7AE, C2AE Crank Cast
2U, 3U, C1AE
1961 1976 Ford F-250 High-Torque Cam 390/6.4 Auto or Manual 500.00 1899.00
[Arrow] Add to Cart

Ford-390-c.i.-6.4-Liter-long-block-crate-engine-remanufactured
FOR-390LB-RV
Engine
Fuel Type
Gas Fuel System
Carbureted Cylinders
8 Engine Type
OHV V8 Engine Size - C.I/Liters
390/6.4 Transmission
Auto or Manual VIN Type
N/A
Installation Instructions
Pre-lube and Break-In procedure, engine oil and gasket kit shipped with engine. Professional installation recommended. Engine Description
1961-1976 With RV cam, 4 bolt motor mount Head Cast
Block Cast
Crank Cast
1961 1976 Ford F-250 390/6.4 Auto or manual 500.00 1899.00
[Arrow] Add to Cart

S&J-Ford-6.4L-390-ci-remanufactured-long-block-engine
FOR-390LB-3RV
Engine
Fuel Type
Gas Fuel System
Carbureted Cylinders
8 Engine Type
OHV V8 Engine Size - C.I/Liters
390/6.4 Transmission
Auto or manual VIN Type
N/A
Installation Instructions
Pre-lube and Break-In procedure, engine oil and gasket kit shipped with engine. Professional installation recommended. Engine Description
1961-1976 Ford w/ RV cam, 2 bolt motor mount Head Cast
Block Cast
Crank Cast
1961 1976 Ford F-250 390/6.4 Auto or manual w/o smog 500.00 1839.00
[Arrow] Add to Cart

Ford-390-c.i.-6.4-Liter-long-block-crate-engine-remanufactured-Cobra-Falcon-Galaxie-Torino-Cougar-Thunderbird
FOR-390LB
Engine
Fuel Type
Gas Fuel System
Carbureted Cylinders
8 Engine Type
OHV V8 Engine Size - C.I/Liters
390/6.4 Transmission
Auto or manual VIN Type
Z
Installation Instructions
Break-in oil, engine pre-lube and break-in procedures and gasket kit shipped with engine. Professional Installation recommended Engine Description
1961-1976 Without smog, 4 bolt motor mount; IMPORTANT: Correct installation procedures, post-installation diagnostic documentation, break-in procedure and warranty contract registration required for warranty considerations. Professional installation recommended. Head Cast
C8AE-A C8AE-B D2TE-AA Block Cast
C8AE-C C8AE-A D3TE Crank Cast
2U, 3U
Lowest Price Guaranteed (800)942-7800
The right engine the first time, guaranteed!
S&J Engines Include:

Engine described is a remanufactured long block engine. Long block engine includes:

7-Year/100,000 mile warranty
Exceeds OEM quality and specs
Installed precision milled cylinder head(s)
Valve train:new valves, seals, and seating
Milled Cylinder Head/s
New Main Bearings
New Oil Pump
New Pistons
New Rod Bearings
New Timing Belt

Not included: air cleaner, ignition, valve covers, timing cover, intake manifold and oil pan

[GaryKip]

Make sure that you pick the correct engine, some have smog stuff. The last 390 does not have smog.

[wyngnut55]

I made the decision to rebuild what I have about 10 days ago, can't go back now. I can also do a little performance rebuild as I originally hoped. The poblem with the long block thing was shipping cost and excepting a 360 service engine core in pieces for a 390 long block. Even if I put it back together (without gaskets) it might not be excepted. After paying those extra costs the prices get pretty close.
Thanks for the info though.

[wyngnut55]

390 rebuilt.jpg

Update...Thank you Duckryder for all the valuable info. Engine is in and truck is back on the road today. Runs great! Held off on the intake and 4 barrel carb for another day project. Haven't pulled any long grades yet or whomped on it but I think I may be hearing a slight ping when accelerating on freeway. Timing is 6 deg BTC.

[redstone65]

That's a great looking engine. So, in the end, no aluminum? All iron?