Welcome to Club Hot Rod!  The premier site for everything to do with Hot Rod, Customs, Low Riders, Rat Rods, and more. 

  •  » Members from all over the US and the world!
  •  » Help from all over the world for your questions
  •  » Build logs for you and all members
  •  » Blogs
  •  » Image Gallery
  •  » Many thousands of members and hundreds of thousands of posts! 

YES! I want to register an account for free right now!  p.s.: For registered members this ad will NOT show

 

Thread: How to tell 390ci 300hp from 375hp
          
   
   

Reply To Thread
Results 1 to 13 of 13
  1. #1
    EdBird is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Emerald Isle
    Car Year, Make, Model: 61 T-Bird Convertable
    Posts
    13

    How to tell 390ci 300hp from 375hp

     



    I have a 61 T-Bird and do not know how to tell what Holly 4B engine I have. Markings on engine? Data base of Vin or serial Numbers? The serial number plate list style as 55.

    Anybody have some ideas

    Thanks

    Ed

  2. #2
    EdBird is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Emerald Isle
    Car Year, Make, Model: 61 T-Bird Convertable
    Posts
    13

    I just read the new guy identify thread. I will crawl around and get the various numbers discussed.

    What were the differences between the two engines?

  3. #3
    FFR428's Avatar
    FFR428 is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    fairfield
    Car Year, Make, Model: 68 Cougar S code, 427 Tunnelport.
    Posts
    942

    Ed, the block will have HP markings on it. Look on the right side of the block where your casting number is. You should see a HP cast into the block. All 375 and 401 HP 390's have this HP mark.
    G.

  4. #4
    EdBird is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Emerald Isle
    Car Year, Make, Model: 61 T-Bird Convertable
    Posts
    13

    G,
    I've been having problems with right and left.
    You are talking about the number on the generator / pasenger side?

    Ed

  5. #5
    Mike P's Avatar
    Mike P is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    SW Arizona
    Car Year, Make, Model: 68 Ply Valiant, 83 El Camino
    Posts
    3,842

    If it's the original engine it's an easy question. It's the "Z" code 300HP version (the Z is found in the Vin on the door tag).

    There were no optional or special order engines available in the 61 Birds.

    The 62/3s had the optional "M" code engine available. This was the higher compression Tri-power motor.

    The Tri-power is a nice upgrade to the engine, but if you go looking for one make sure you get the T-Bird version as it's shorter to fit under the Thunder Chicken hood and the 406 versions won't let the hood close.
    I've NEVER seen a car come from the factory that couldn't be improved.....

  6. #6
    Frank the Judge is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Cologne
    Car Year, Make, Model: 63 SWC Corvette
    Posts
    34

    Originally posted by EdBird
    G,
    I've been having problems with right and left.
    You are talking about the number on the generator / pasenger side?

    Ed
    It is allways seen from the drivers seat.
    Drivers side = left side
    Passengers side = right side
    Frank

  7. #7
    Dave Severson is offline CHR Member/Contributor Visit my Photo Gallery
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Madison
    Car Year, Make, Model: '67 Ranchero, '57 Chevy, '82 Camaro,
    Posts
    21,160

    Well, unless you happen to be in Australia, then left and right is all messed up again..............
    Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, Live for Today!
    Carroll Shelby

    Learning must be difficult for those who already know it all!!!!

  8. #8
    Walt Zander's Avatar
    Walt Zander is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Foot of the Lake
    Car Year, Make, Model: '36 Miller/Allard Replica,'49 Stude.
    Posts
    171

    Originally posted by Dave Severson
    Well, unless you happen to be in Australia, then left and right is all messed up again..............

    And using a mirror under the hood will compound the mess up more.

  9. #9
    Dave Severson is offline CHR Member/Contributor Visit my Photo Gallery
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Madison
    Car Year, Make, Model: '67 Ranchero, '57 Chevy, '82 Camaro,
    Posts
    21,160

    Geez, thanks Walt. Now you have me confused. If I'm using a mirror and standing backwards, then...........
    Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, Live for Today!
    Carroll Shelby

    Learning must be difficult for those who already know it all!!!!

  10. #10
    Thunderbucket's Avatar
    Thunderbucket is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Mission B.C.
    Car Year, Make, Model: 1962 Thunderbird
    Posts
    354

    Check to see if you cast a reflection in a chrome hubcap,,,,if you dont,,, then it's a good bet you have been bitten by the hotrod bug,,and shall forever more,, "Haunt the auto swapmeets"....Booowahhahahhahhh
    "I don't know everything and i like it that way"

  11. #11
    FFR428's Avatar
    FFR428 is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    fairfield
    Car Year, Make, Model: 68 Cougar S code, 427 Tunnelport.
    Posts
    942

    Ed yes it will be above the casting number around the generator area. The HP letters are around 1/2" tall. Mike is correct though about the Z code 390. This would not be a HP block if original. The 390HP, 406 and early 427 blocks have this HP identfier. It's also on the rear of the block and inside by the cam bearing and main bearing areas. G.

    EDIT: Also the HP is cast in the lifter valley of the block.
    Last edited by FFR428; 05-22-2005 at 08:36 AM.

  12. #12
    R Pope is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Eston
    Posts
    2,270

    Best way to tell which is which is to stand on the loud pedal!

  13. #13
    Frank the Judge is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Cologne
    Car Year, Make, Model: 63 SWC Corvette
    Posts
    34

    .
    Frank

Reply To Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
Links monetized by VigLink