Thread: 390 Thunderbird motor is it possible?

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I just bought a 1961 Galaxie 500 its been sitting in a garage since 1969.The guy I got it from thought it was a 406 car, its not.I figured this out through your forum,but this motor has thunderbird valve covers duel point dist cast iron headers alum 4bb intake it still has the nut locks on the headers.The vin says its a 390 car.the date code puts it at 1961 but I am confused.here are some # 1A13.3 cast is C1AE6015V heads G1AE6090-A intake has no numbers other than firing order I cant get to the # on the headers. Can anybody tell me what this is?

The 406 didn't come out until 1962 model, so yes, 390 is correct for '61. Here's a brief article that gives you a rundown on what was going on back then;http://www.funfordevents.com/index.p...category=Rules

Thanks uncle Bob That was some good info.If thats the case I am a happy camper.

The block is a 61 390hp casting, solid lifters, oil press relief....nice block and very rare. Some of those blocks have VERY thick cyl walls. The heads are not original and std lowriser heads. Thr 390 hipo used the COAE-D heads with the small peanut shaped chambers like the new Blue Thunder "Glidden" style chamber. Intake sounds like the original. They had no casting numbers...just the firing order and sometimes a date code by the thermostat housing.

Thanks FFR428 That sums it up for me.There is a # on the intake where you said ,its OL14.Also would you say the heads were still ok?I have been checking out this forum for a while and have really gained from it thanks.

Originally Posted by pbc nick

I just bought a 1961 Galaxie 500 its been sitting in a garage since 1969.The guy I got it from thought it was a 406 car, its not.I figured this out through your forum,but this motor has thunderbird valve covers duel point dist cast iron headers alum 4bb intake it still has the nut locks on the headers.The vin says its a 390 car.the date code puts it at 1961 but I am confused.here are some # 1A13.3 cast is C1AE6015V heads G1AE6090-A intake has no numbers other than firing order I cant get to the # on the headers. Can anybody tell me what this is?

I am not a numbers guy but am a retired Ford tech and had a new 375 H.P. Starliner and these engines came in any full size Ford you wanted to order.If it still has the Holley on it I would bet you have a real find and worth a lot more than you paid for it if original.Email me with all your numbers including the vin,and I will get you the information.Wow.

0L14 is the date code of 60/Nov/14th for your intake. I'm sure the heads are fine and a little better compression wise compared to the C0AE-D's. But if your car is a hipo car you might want to look for a set to have someday. I'd also email Mr Spears your info and see if it is a true hipo car.

Nice find and good luck,

G.