Ford is an American multinational automobile manufacturer that was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. The company is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan and is known for its production of automobiles, trucks, SUVs and commercial vehicles under the Ford brand. Ford is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world and is known for producing some of the most popular and best-selling vehicles in the United States. The company operates globally, with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.
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Ford 390 Engine
The Ford 390 engine is a big-block V8 engine that was produced by Ford Motor Company from 1961 to 1976. It was part of the FE family of engines that included the 352, 360, 390, 406, 427 and 428 engines. The 390 engine was offered in several Ford vehicles during its production, including the Thunderbird, Galaxie, Fairlane, Mustang and F-Series trucks.
Ford 390 Engine Unique Features
The engine has several unique features that set it apart from other engines, including:
Bore and stroke: The 390 has a bore of 4.05 inches and a stroke of 3.78 inches. That gives it a displacement of 390 cubic inches.
Big-block design: The 390 is part of Ford’s “FE” (Ford-Edsel) engine family. These were big-block V8 engines.
High compression: The 390 was designed with a high compression ratio of 10.5:1 it helped to give it impressive power and torque.
Solid lifter cam: The 390 came equipped with a solid lifter camshaft, it helped to provide better performance at high RPMs.
Holley carburetor: Many 390 engines were fitted with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, that was known for its excellent fuel metering and throttle response.
Heavy-duty components: The 390 was built with heavy-duty components, including forged pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft, that made it a popular choice for high-performance applications.
Availability in multiple vehicles: The Ford 390 engine was used in a wide range of Ford vehicles, including the Mustang, Thunderbird and various trucks and SUVs.
Horsepower And Torque Ratings
The Ford 390 engine was produced from 1961 to 1976 and came in several different versions, each with its own horsepower and torque ratings.
- 1961-1964: This version produced 300 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque.
- 1965-1970: This version had a horsepower range from 270 to 320 horsepower and torque ranging from 401 to 427 lb-ft depending on the specific year and model.
- 1971-1976: This version produced between 245 and 320 horsepower and torque ranging from 385 to 427 lb-ft depending on the specific year and model.
Cars With Ford 390 Engine
The Ford 390 engine was used in various Ford cars and trucks during the 1960s and early 1970s. Some of the most notable cars with the Ford 390 engine include:
Ford Galaxie
The 390 engine was a popular option for the Galaxie. That was produced from 1961 to 1974. The engine was available in various horsepower and torque ratings. Ranging from 265 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque to 375 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Ford Thunderbird
The 390 engine was an option for the third-generation Thunderbird. It was produced from 1961 to 1963. The engine produced 300 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque.
Ford F-Series trucks
The 390 engine was a popular option for the F-Series trucks from 1961 to 1976. The engine was available in various horsepower and torque ratings. Ranging from 215 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque to 330 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque.
Ford Mustang
The 390 engine was an option for the Mustang from 1967 to 1969. The engine produced 320 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque.
Ford Fairlane
The 390 engine was available for the Fairlane from 1966 to 1967. The engine produced 335 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque.
Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| High horsepower and torque ratings | Can have lower fuel efficiency compared to newer engine designs |
| Can provide good acceleration and towing capacity | May not meet modern emission standards |
| Durable and reliable engine design | Heavy engine design can affect vehicle handling and fuel economy |
| Wide availability of replacement parts | Older engine design may require more maintenance and repairs over time |
| Can be modified for increased performance |
Conclusion
The Ford 390 engine is a powerful and reliable engine that was produced by Ford from 1961 to 1976. It has been used in a variety of applications, including cars, trucks and boats. With its impressive horsepower and torque ratings, it remains a popular choice for many enthusiasts and collectors. However, as with any engine, there are both pros and cons to consider before making a decision. Ultimately, the Ford 390 engine is a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the Ford Motor Company. And its legacy continues to live on in the hearts and minds of gearheads everywhere.
