Thread: 390 rebuild

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I bought a 1964 thunderbird in major need of tlc and have been happy working on it an getting her in good shape. I will be rebuilding it's 390 V8. since i have it down to the block my question to the board is what should i replace with new parts. i am not trying to make a speed demon out of it but i do want it in very good working order. the engine on a whole was in good shape but with the years and miles on it a complete engine rebuild is kind of a do it now or later. i don't just want to throw another crate engine into it but i do not want to replace it with the same bad goods. let me know what y'all think. i could use the advice......thanks

Sounds like you just want it tight so it will last a few years and give good dependable service. I would bore the block to the next oversize and fit stock-type cast pistons, although I would upgrade on the rings to the best ones available with the rebuild kit. Stock oil pump new. Stock cam new. Stock lifters new. Stock springs new with seals. Have the machine shop install hard seats and stainless valves for today's unleaded fuels. You might shop around for aftermarket heads and see how much price difference there really is because the machining costs on your '64 heads will be significant. Check the World Products line including the Torkers and Sportsman models. Be advised that there is a lack of extreme pressure additives in today's lubricating oils. They used to be there, but the oil companies had to pull back on them because of pressure from the OEM's about the additives fouling catalytic converters. Buy the best racing oil you can buy and add extreme pressure lubes such as Engine Oil Supplement available at any GM dealer parts counter. I just noticed the other day that CompCams also is selling an oil additive. It doesn't matter whose you use, just use somebody's. Use extreme caution on fresh startup of the motor. Use the proper procedures. If you don't know, do a search on this board. It has been covered many times.

thanks richard and denny, your comments are much appreciated.

Richard brings up a very good point (as always!!) on todays engine oils. Zinc is the key addivtive that's missing from most. As he mentioned GM's EOS is good as is Cranes breakin additive which both contain a heathly dose of zinc. Shell Rotella and Valvoline Racing oil both still contain some zinc content. You should be able to do a nice stockish rebuild. Maybe a little more cam. The 64 390 has low riser heads which have lots of potential. Well ported and with some CJ size valves the can flow just as good if not better than The Edelbrock's. My guess is a C4AE-G heads or if it's a early 64 maybe the C3AE-C's. If you decide to change the intake remember most aftermarket intakes are medium risers. Port match will be off but that's ok in this case and some prefer to run low riser heads with a medium riser intake. Another thing to remember is the Tbirds engines sat flat in the car. This meant Ford used a angled spacer to compensate for the angle on the intake. As other Fords like the Galaxie the engine was angled and that's why the intakes have an angled pitch to them. So the carb would sit level. So keep that spacer if you do change intakes. Just a thought...Sounds like a cool car tho.

G.

These comments are very helpful for me as well...

Thanks for the indirect advise, I'll use it!

BA