Engine Rebuild, suggestions?

Engine, ignition, fuel, cooling, exhaust

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LGreen72F
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Engine Rebuild, suggestions?

Post by LGreen72F »

Well my motor gave out on me :cry: . However, I got lucky and a friend of my father owns a business and is fairly experienced in building FE motors. He offered to let me come and work on the motor and learn a thing or two, and build the motor how I want. At this time, the motor is apart and ready for the next step, however I am not sure what the best option would be and would like opinions and suggestions. The current motor is a '72 360 FE. I was thinking maybe to swap either the rotating assembly to a 390 or just rebuilding a 390 to throw in there. However, I was also thinking of rebuilding the 360 because my father bought this truck brand new off the dealership lot and he is the original owner. Everything is original and numbers matching. In my opinion it warms my heart to rebuild the same engine and think that its the same one that got my father around everyday. Is the sentimental and nostalgic value of the 360 worth keeping, or is it better to throw the 360 out for a 390? Basically just a stock-mild daily driver motor that can get me where I need to go and have a little fun with is what I need! :thup: In case this makes any difference, the truck has 3.73 gears, and a C6 Auto, Camper Special.
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jzjames
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Re: Engine Rebuild, suggestions?

Post by jzjames »

That’s your call. It was your father’s truck so it might be nice to keep it all original and numbers matching.

Then again, I don’t know much about the 360’s, but I think they’re not very good on gas, might as well get the 390?

The 3.73 gears is a definite plus! Would you consider a 300 I6? That’s my favorite engine in these trucks.
LGreen72F
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Re: Engine Rebuild, suggestions?

Post by LGreen72F »

Well I would atleast like to stay with the v-8 to keep it close to original haha, but thank you for the suggestion. It is true (as far as i know) that the 360 is basically just a but underpowered version of the 390, which is why I was thinking upgrade to 390.
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BobbyFord
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Re: Engine Rebuild, suggestions?

Post by BobbyFord »

Definitely upgrade to the 390.
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cstoyer
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Re: Engine Rebuild, suggestions?

Post by cstoyer »

Either way the 360 and the 390 will look identical on the outside. You will be the only that knows it a 390 for sure, without pulling a plug and measuring the stroke.

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DuckRyder
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Re: Engine Rebuild, suggestions?

Post by DuckRyder »

360 and 390 block are the same.

I would put a stroker rotating assembly in the existing block, at a minimum 410CID.
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Manny
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Re: Engine Rebuild, suggestions?

Post by Manny »

Upgrade to the 390 and you will not be dissapointed. MY :2cents:
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