Thread: 63 390 T bird block # ?

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I just got a 1963 T Bird with a 390 and the casting #s are:

C3AE
6015E
6
DIF

All the books dont seem to have just C3AE they have a letter after the E
Any one know what motor it is it has a 4 barrel and dual exaust in a 2 door hard top

Unless the engine has been changed the only engine that was available in the 61-63 birds was a 4 BBL 390. THe standard engine was rated at 300HP, but some had the optional tri-power which was rated a bit higher.

Yes , the book I have said the changed from 9.5:1 to 10.5:1 pistons ,406 style heads and dual ex at 340 brake hp at 5000 rpm some time during the production year.Just wondering since it had dual ex if that is what I have ?
I am going to re build the motor and has anyone stroked one of these motors ,if so where is a good plase to get parts ?

I suspect you just have a plain Jane 300HP version as the 4BBL and dual exhaust were both standard on the model. Best bet if you want more HP is to try to dig up a 428. The Tri-power is also a neat option but be aware that the 62-63 T-Bird intake is different than the 406/390 intake used in the rest of the full sized Fords. The T Bird unit is lower and the 406 unit will not let the hood close. Biggest problem in making any serious HP is the exhaust. If you notice your manifolds are extremely close to the inner fenders, and there not really much else that will fit. One really big weak point on the car is the old cast iron "green-dot" ford-o-matic tranny. It's defiantly worth it to go to a C6. Finally you have a very heavy car it would respond well to a little deeper set of gears but don't expect it to much a stop light bandit.

Do these headers sound any good ?
3/8" flanges, 16 gauge 1 3/4" tubes into a ball and socket collector. No part of the header is lower than the stock exhaust. Standard is nickel chrome plated for $475 and optional ceramic coated for $675. Gaskets and all hardware are included. Shipping runs 438. We are currently running 8-10 days back logged.

Only if they fit

Yes, 390 it is. I also have the 9:5 comp as the 2bbl and the 10:5 as the 4bbl flavors. Plus the Z code in the vin tag tells it'a a 390 4v. Scat is making some nice cranks for a stroker. Or find a nice 428 crank. From what I understand the 390 and 390PI shared the same block for 63. Does the block have the triple webs on the crank saddles and bosses for crosbolts by the skirt? G.

Forgot to add the "E" 390 block is kind of and odd number. Not to many books list it. G.