Hi guys. Ive got a 56 customline that needs a power upgrade. Ive just been told about a good running 390 z-code with auto for sale. Will the 390 sit right on the y-block mounts? What about my 3spd? Will it still work ? Whats involved with this swap. Ive done many before but not a ol ford. Any help is great.
Pretty much a bolt in. Your original 3 speed manual will last for a short while. If you want to keep a stick, update to a later BW T-85 3 spd, a top loader 4 speed or a T-5 manual 5 speed, which requires an adapter. If you want an automatic, switch to a C6 auto behind the 390.
Like streetdreams said its pretty much a bolt in. It will bolt in but I think you have to swap the motormounts from one side to the other, exhaust manifold clearance is a little tight.
That is actually a very popular engine swap . We mostly talk about a 302 or 351w swap because hey are the easy engines to find now for cheap prices . When the Fe 390's were easy to come across cheap back in the 70's , that was a very popular engine swap . Lots of room for it to fit in with no problems . The exhaust manifolds are easier to use than headers unless you are making the headers yourself . A Ford T-10 is cheaper than a top loaders and easier to find . C6 and FMX will be very easy to com across for the engine swap too . Both are good strong transmissions to use . I have a 55 Fairlane and was considering a Fe390 swap also but couldn't find one for a reasonable price so I used a 302 that is well built . Let us know what you are going with and all the things you come across in this swap for some others that might want to do this swap as well . Keep a list of the parts for the swap to share with others . Jim
Thats what I wanted to hear ! Im gonna go see this engine/trans and hopefully it will all check out. I will keep you all posted !
It's really a good swap . It gives you good power without having to stick a bunch of money into a small block engine to achieve the same power . The C6 will also serve you very well . That combination will be a really good cruiser ! You can also get some decent change for a good running Y block and trans set up as well . That will help recoup the money for the Fe390 and trans . Won't be that much difference in gas mileage either . Good Luck and keep us informed on how that Fe 390 is . PLEASE don't take this wrong , BUT A word of advise , DON'T pay much for an engine you can't hear run ! If you can hear it run then consider it a rebuildable core ! Remember , engines can run on the ground ! I rebuild Ford engines and a non running Fe can be costly . Just a thought . Jim
I just saw it run in the ol galaxy. It starts right up and didnt seem to smoke. Now, if we can just come to terms.....Im going back this weekend, he's pulling it out presently.
From my fading memory, I did this swap with a '58 332 in Interceptor and T-85 overdrive when I was about 17. Mocked it up with the original 3 speed overdrive. As I recall I had to dimple the firewall on the p***enger side for valve cover clearance. When it went back together with the T-85, motor mounts didn't want to line up (maybe this is why people say to reverse the mounts. I didn't). Used brute force (17, remember) and got it together. Then I had to cut the front radiator filler panel and mount the radiator in front of the support. Took about 20 years for it to dawn on me that the T-85 was longer than the T-86. I strongly recommend a stronger trans than the original 3 sp. BTW, still have the car, but the 332 and T-85 are long gone. I now have a 390 from a trade and I'm torn between the 390 and a blown 292. It's nice to have such options as I was lucky to score the $75.00 332 in 1962.
Farmalldan. I take it you like old farmalls ! I love em too. As for the 3spd- Id like to at least try it. Im not gonna race this car, just get on it here and there. Just wanna be able to spin the tires and make some noise at will. When it goes, it will get a slushbox.
Hey, be nice. Lot of old school Ford guys here. C-6 is no slush box. I've seen some set up to shift so hard and positive they would rattle your teeth..............
Forget the 3 speed just put the C6 in from the get go you will be more than glad you did it in the long run.
I did the 390/c6 swap in my 54 Ford wagon. It works really well. I moved the rad forward for clearance. The drivers exhaust manifold from a 63 or 64 t-bird will give you clearance around the steering box. I did use the stock y-block mounts, but had to alter the trans mount to fit the c6. I also spaced the motor up about a 1/4 inch for clearance to the upper a-frame mounts.
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