Thread: 390 FE Oil System

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Warning...Rookie at the wheel here. I have just aquired a 1975 Ford F-100 form a deceased family member. He had this truck since 76 and is all original. I have spent some time researching history on this truck and have aquired original five volume 1975 Ford shop manuals covering everything. My intent is to restore.

To the point. The truck has 390 FE engine with 2 barrel carb. After plugs and an air filter it runs pretty good with plenty of power. I went to my local machine shop (very reputable in this area) and they informed me that this blocks biggest weekness is its oil feed system. It does not support enough volume for high HP output. I want to build this to around 400hp. Does anyone have experience in correcting this problem or know of any online reading with more info.

Also, the block has a backwards 105 just below the driver's side head. I am told this is a good thing. Make since to anyone?

TIA

Bill

That's exactly what I'm looking to do. Gather as much information as possible. I greatly appreciate the help.

My machinist also gave me a good article from a March 1992 issue of Mustangs and Ford magazine titled FE Oiling System Secrets. Steps to upgrading your 390/428 to legendary 427 status. It details windage tray, oil capacity, and oil flow improvements.

Denny, question.....How much did you enlarge the oil drains in the heads vs stock size? And if you could please tell me the procedure I'd appreciate it. Thanks, G.

Wow that would be great!!!! I'd like to try this. Thanks very much and look forward to seeing them. G.

Singlew; Go out to the book store and order the Revised edition Ford Performance book. This book covers the engine your working on. It goes it to great deal on the differant years and which are the best and how to beef them up and where you can get parts and even gives you some of the part numbers. Like the stainless steel spring and plunger that is best for your, year motor/ this is for the oiling system. Great book, a must for a ford lover and any one who needs some good building information.
Hope this will help you some.


~ Vegas ~

Denny, you da man! Thanks for all the great info. How bout' the backwards 105 just below the driver's side head. Know anything about that. I hear it is a good thing. Thanks again!!

I beleive the reverse 105 just means it's a MCC (michigan casting center) block casting. In 73 FT and some FE blocks were moved to this casting center. The 428 and 427 blocks stayed at DIF (dearborn iron foundry) for casting. G.

If I remember right the 105 was a FT engine.

I did some of the oiling mods, enlarged the hold from the pump pickup to the lifter galleries, camfered the oiling gallery to match the main bearings and put restrictors in . The restrictors are larger than what is suggested, just wanted to make sure the top end stays oiled.

Bobg