I have finally narrowed down the engine choices for my 70 fastback, but its hard. I drove a friends 68 Coupe with a 390 in it for a month, and I loved how it moved. But I am also a fan of the 351W. I just can't figure out which one I want. I talked to the guy at the salvage yard and he told me it would cost me about 300 bucks less for the 351, but I don't know, 300 bucks right now means a lot to me, because also trying to purchase a 94-95 GT, and also try/attempt to sell my 66 to buy a 289 65-68, so money is very tight. But Do you think the 390 is worth the extra 300 dollars? Both engines turn over, the 351W is out of a truck, and it was running a month ago. The 390 hasn't "ran" for a few years now, but he said if you tried -really tried- to start it and run it, it most likely would. SO I need a little input. Thank in advance

Chris

 

well i would go wiith the 390 i mean it has amounts of good hp and i have friend that has a 390 in his 68 that runs 10's lol i do also love the 351w cuz theres alot more products for the windsor than the 390 i mean im deciding myself to get a 351w and stroke it to a 427 or a 393 stroker i mean its hard to choose but i mean for now i would go with the 351w there alot more stuff out there for that engine but, i would also go with the 390 hmmm i wish i can have both lol but i just go with the 351w and stroke it

 

In the long rum, the 351W would be the better choise. There are far more high performance parts out there vs the 390, and they are a lot less costly. You can easly get the 351 to make over 400HP.
Break a 390 and your screwed, the cost will kill ya.

Thats my 2 cents.............Good luck [sm=smiley20.gif]

 

390 = [:'(]

351w = can be made much faster for less $$

 

since you didnt say what is in it now, I assume a 302. If so definately go with the 351 because the bell, motor mounts and exhaust will be much easier=cheaper. Also 351s were in 69-70s from the factory. In my case with a 67 my choices are 289-302 or FE motors. I have a 60 over 390 I might put in, BUT it will cost about a grand to put in. I still might do it but the 289 runs fine and is plenty quick. I disagree about parts being hard to get search the web and youll see, yes they cost a bit more but FE motors look so cool.
Quig

 

I have a 390 in my 69 coupe and I love it. Stock, it has 335 HP and 427 ft. lbs. of torque. That said, if i was starting from scratch, I'd go with a 351w. Putting aside the availability and cost of HP parts, the Windsor is more disposable. As has been said, if you puke a 390 or any FE, you're sort of screwed as they are getting scarse.

 

390 is a BIG hunk of metal 450 lbs naked block! Very, very torquey engine. Not much on the revs though. You can get some serious horsepower out of them but it's expensive as all get out. Defintely would need to look at your weight ratio front to back if you drop it in.

The 351W is a little more versitle and you can upgrade them for a lot less money than the 390. Weight much less of a factor too. Got with the 351W.

 

390 is a very long stoke motor. Great for a truck. Not so great for a light car. A 351w is a 289 with a longer stoke. If you want a 351, get a 351C. Much better heads.

 

The 390 is not a "long stroke" motor. It has a stroke of 3.78" vs a 351w with a stroke of 3.50". With the correct valve train, FE motors rev quite easily past six grand. As has been pointed out, they are heavy and more difficult to build than a Windsor. Clevelands are great motors but like FE's they have some inherant oiling problems and can be pricey to build. With the availability of stroker kits for the Windsor motors, they are the most logical and cost effective way to go.

 

Who cares!!! The 390 is dog.A big dog that like GAS!!! I would go for a 289 or 302. Block for block they are fast if they are you spend the money. Hey, what do I know? I'm a newbie!!!! And I drive a Toyota. Get a 289. If you want a big block, get a 427 Ford or a 429CJ.