Used Ford 390 Engine for Sale | FE Big-Block V8 (390 cu in / 6.4L) for Classic Restoration Projects

$6,799.00

Product Overview & Specifications

In Stock, Multiple Variant Configurations Available (2V, 4V GT, HiPo, Police Interceptor)
Free Shipping to All 50 States via Freight Pallet, 5 to 10 Business Days
All 8 Cylinders Compression Tested, Results Available Before You Pay
Variant Confirmed (2-Barrel vs 4-Barrel vs Police Interceptor vs HiPo)
Donor Application Documented (Mustang, Galaxie, Fairlane, F-Series, Cougar, etc.)
FE Block Authentication Verified
Cylinder Head Inspection (Crack Check)
Crank and Rod Material Verified for Performance Variants
100% Fitment Verified Before Every Order Ships
No Core Charge, Keep Your Old Engine
15 Day Replacement Warranty on Internal Defects

100% Fitment Assistance

15 Days Replacement Warranty

Free & Fast Shipping

Category: Engine

Description
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Affordable Ford 390 Engine for Sale

The Ford 390 Engine is a perfect example of how innovative and excellent Ford’s engineering was during the muscle car era. Produced in the years 1961 to 1976, this Ford 390 Engine for sale is the perfect blend of durability and power, a favorite of both performance car enthusiasts and classic truck restorers alike.

The Ford FE Big-Block Family

The 390 is part of the Ford FE (Ford-Edsel) big-block engine family, which Ford produced from 1958 to 1976. The FE family is one of the most iconic American V8 engine architectures ever built, with engines ranging from 332 cu in to 428 cu in displacement on the same fundamental block design. Other FE family members include:

The 390 sits in the middle of the FE range, offering excellent torque output, strong durability, and proven longevity. It became the workhorse “torque big-block” of the FE family, equally at home in family sedans, performance cars, and heavy-duty trucks.

Features of the Ford 390 Engine

Mechanical Construction: The 390 features a cast iron block and heads, OHV (overhead valve) pushrod configuration, forged steel or nodular cast iron crankshaft depending on variant, aluminum alloy cast pistons, forged steel connecting rods, and hydraulic flat tappet camshaft.

Performance Specifications: The engine has a displacement of 390 cubic inches (6.4 liters), with the compression ratio typically running at approximately 9.5:1. Horsepower ranges from 265 hp (standard 2-barrel) to approximately 401 hp (390 HiPo with dual 4-barrel carbs), and torque is approximately 427 lb-ft depending on variant.

Fuel System: Carbureted with options for a single Holley or Autolite 4-barrel carburetor (390 GT variant) or dual 4-barrel carburetors (390 HiPo variant).

Ignition System: Points-type ignition in early models (1961-1973), electronic ignition in later years (1974-1976), with a standard mechanical advance distributor. Most restorers convert to modern electronic ignition (Pertronix Ignitor, MSD, etc.) for everyday driveability.

Cooling System: Naturally aspirated engine, water-cooled using a belt-driven mechanical water pump and a conventional radiator.

Exhaust System: Cast iron exhaust manifolds were factory-standard, but aftermarket headers (Hooker, Hedman, Doug’s) are widely available for performance applications.

Lubrication System: Standard wet sump design with a single oil pump. Oil capacity is typically 5 to 6 quarts depending on filter and pan configuration.

Ford 390 Variants

The 390 was offered in multiple variants across its 1961-1976 production:

Compatibility, Ford and Mercury Models

Ford Models:

1. Ford Galaxie (1961-1971)

2. Ford Thunderbird (1961-1968)

3. Ford Fairlane (1966-1967)

4. Ford Mustang (1967-1969), rare high-performance GT versions only

5. Ford Torino (1968-1970)

6. Ford F-Series Trucks (1961-1976)

7. Ford Custom (1965-1972)

8. Ford LTD (1965-1972)

Mercury Models:

1. Mercury Cougar (1967-1970)

2. Mercury Comet (1964-1967)

3. Mercury Cyclone (1966-1971)

4. Mercury Marauder (1963-1965, 1969-1970)

5. Mercury Monterey (1961-1970)

6. Mercury Marquis (1967-1970)

7. Mercury Park Lane (1964-1968)

Here, you’ll find the used Ford 390 Engine for sale at the perfect price. Our goal is to find the ideal engine for you and make your hunt easier and seamless. Grab your Ford 390 Engine now if you’re looking for a powerful classic V8 that delivers that unmistakable big-block sound.

Signs You Need a Replacement Ford 390

Loss of compression on one or more cylinders

Excessive oil consumption (more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles)

Oil pressure drop indicating bearing wear

Connecting rod or main bearing knock

Cylinder head crack symptoms (coolant in oil, white smoke, overheating)

Cracked block (rare but possible on heavily-driven examples)

Restoration project requiring matching-numbers donor (we document casting numbers when possible)

Donor classic Ford or Mercury totaled, engine being moved to another chassis

Hot rod / period-correct build requiring authentic FE block

Common 390 Maintenance Considerations

Camshaft and lifter wear: A documented FE concern at high mileage; the hydraulic flat tappet camshaft and lifters can wear, especially with reduced ZDDP modern oils. Use ZDDP-supplemented oil or break-in oil for older flat tappet engines.

Timing chain stretch: The factory timing chain can stretch at high mileage. Replace during any rebuild.

Distributor advance: Mechanical advance weights in the distributor can wear, causing timing drift. Inspect during service.

Carburetor service: Whether 2-barrel or 4-barrel, the carburetor benefits from periodic rebuild for cold-start drivability and full-throttle response.

Modern ignition upgrade: Most owners convert points to electronic ignition (Pertronix Ignitor or MSD) for everyday reliability without changing the period correct external appearance.

aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
block-material	Cast Iron
bore-x-stroke	4.05 x 3.78 inches
components-included	and other essential parts, crankshaft (nodular cast iron), Long block
cooling-system	Liquid cooled
engine-type	FE Block, V8
fuel-system	Carbureted, with single or dual 4-barrel carburetors
head-material	Cast iron
performance	ensuring top-notch performance for restoration projects, Many cores are blueprint-machined and micro-polished
displacement	390 cubic inches (6.4 liters)
horsepower-range-across-variants	265 to 401 hp
torque	Approximately 427 lb-ft
weight-dry	Approximately 650 pounds
production-years	1961 to 1976
compatibility	1961 Ford Starliner 390 Engine
price	$6, 799.00

FAQs

Availability of Ford 390 Engine for sale?

Yes, we have multiple Ford 390 engines in stock, with various variants available (Standard 2V / 4V, GT 4V, Police Interceptor, and occasionally HiPo for premium restoration projects). Sourced from Mustang, Galaxie, Fairlane, Thunderbird, Torino, F-Series, Cougar, Cyclone, and other FE-equipped donor vehicles.

Price of the Ford 390 Engine?

$6,799.00 for this listing (SKU vaz91). Genuine specialty reman 390 engines run $7,500 to $11,000 from FE-experienced shops. Independent reman runs $5,500 to $8,500. Our used 390 with full variant identification and compression test represents excellent value for restoration and hot rod projects.

Are there typical modifications for the Ford 390 engine?

Yes, popular modifications include: performance camshaft (Comp Cams Magnum series, Crane HMV series), aluminum intake manifold (Edelbrock Performer or Performer RPM), high-performance carburetors (Holley 600-750 cfm or Edelbrock AVS2), electronic ignition conversion (Pertronix Ignitor or MSD 6A), aftermarket headers (Hooker, Hedman, Doug’s) for free-flowing exhaust, and high-output cooling systems (Be Cool aluminum radiator, electric fan conversion).

Is the Ford 390 engine good?

Yes, the Ford 390 is highly regarded as a solid and reliable big-block V8. The FE family architecture is robust, with stout connecting rods, durable cast iron block, and cylinder heads designed for sustained use. With proper maintenance and the right oil (use ZDDP-supplemented oil for the flat tappet camshaft), a Ford 390 can deliver many decades of reliable service. Many examples in regular use today have logged 200,000+ miles on their original blocks.

What fuel system is installed in the Ford 390 engine?

The Ford 390 engine is carbureted, with either a single 4-barrel carburetor (390 GT variant) or dual 4-barrel carburetors (390 HiPo variant), depending on year and model. Standard passenger car versions used a single 2-barrel carburetor for everyday driveability. The original carburetors were typically Holley or Autolite units.

What is the weight of the Ford 390 engine?

The dry weight of the Ford 390 engine is approximately 650 pounds, with accessories (intake manifold, carburetor, distributor, alternator, starter, water pump, exhaust manifolds) adding additional weight bringing fully-dressed weight to approximately 700-750 pounds.

What is the racing history of the Ford 390 engine?

The Ford 390 engine has a strong racing heritage. It was used in NASCAR during the 1960s, particularly in the Galaxie chassis. The engine also became a favorite of drag racers and street rod builders due to its strong performance characteristics, abundant aftermarket support, and shared FE architecture with the legendary 427 and 428 engines. The 390 was often used as a more accessible alternative to the 427 in grassroots racing.