390 into 65 mustang - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

04-23-2001, 17:38

HELP. Can anyone help me with something im going to do. I have a 65 mustang coupe with a 6-cyl. 3-speed trans. I also have a 1970 model 390, and i want to join the two together and have a unusual fe pony.I know that in 67 the 390 would fit but not sure about the differences in the engine bay.If there is anyone that can help me with any suggestions i would greatly appreciate it. I only gave $400.00 for this mustang so i can afford to spend a little on it.pic is attached.

ibjhb · 04-23-2001, 21:04

I'm not sure about your car, but I was told I could drop a 351 in my 66 Mustang. Not sure if that's any help...

Take it to a Ford/Mustang shop and have them look at it.

Also, your attachment didn't show....

ro514 · 05-09-2001, 21:31

There are too many issues you have to deal with, when swapping any V8 into an original 6 banger car. All suspension has to be replaced, all brakes, the rear end has to go to a five bolt, new drive shaft...just about the entire undercarriage. Since the suspension and drivetrain would never see a lot of HP and torque, they were built with much lower grade materials. You would also have to do a front clip, to remove the shock towers, to fit the new exhaust system.

Ron

ibjhb · 05-10-2001, 04:49

Was the 1967 that would take a 390 originally a V6 or a V8?

dmark101 · 05-10-2001, 17:09

Quote:

Originally posted by ibjhb
Was the 1967 that would take a 390 originally a V6 or a V8?

this car would have normally taken the 289. again, there were some things ford did in order for that engine to fit, but it can be done.

like the guy said above, there are too many issues to deal with when swapping a 6 to an 8. you're better off buying a pony with an 8 already installed.

Flash · 05-10-2001, 19:16

The car will have to be altered regardless the motor it came with. The 390 is a lot heavier motor. It will not make a good handling car because it is extremely front end heavy. At speed you turn the wheel and you go straight- not good. The 390 requires that the fender liners be cut because the engine bay is too narrow but it will fit. You will also have to drill the liners to change the plugs. You could leave them off but it eliminates driving in the rain. I did help a bud do this mod to his 'stang years ago. It was not satisfactory and I don't suggest it. While a 390 in a small car sounds like a fast car- it ain't. The 390 is a truck engine. First came out in a truck tractor. It makes lots of torque at low rpm but it ain't no screamer. The motor has the limits of a 3 degree twist on thge rods which means you are not going to turn it very fast. It is and was designed to be a slow turning engine with lots of torque. And that is exactly what it is. I suggest that you would be happier with a 289/302/351 in you car and the mod would be by far cheaper.
Flash

Marqman · 05-10-2001, 20:03

Didn't the 68 stang come with a 390 or 396. My borther had one when I was little, it was shot when he got it and took it out. But is had the 396 I think.

ro514 · 05-10-2001, 21:41

I can assure you that Ford never made a 396. Chevy has the SS396, and Ford did have the 400M, but no 396 I have ever seen. There are some excellent books on the market that will take you thru all the years and chronologies on the motors.

Ron

Marqman · 05-11-2001, 04:05

My bad it was a 390! 393 IS chevy. DUH!!!!

Flash · 05-11-2001, 18:10

Yep, they put a 390 in the 68. Friend had one. His was the GTA model. Even though it was a larger car it still was a bad handling car. They put a 429 in the 69 which is a larger frame rail and it is better but still not good at handling. Just too much weight up front- no balance. I would like to have a 69 , 429 Boss, one of these days but right now I got too many rods and not enough sleighs.
Flash