I currently have a 390 engine in a 1966 F250 Camper Special. I didn't think 390's came out in '66. I did find the code cast in the block just under the oil filter housing. It was two lines. First line is EI ... could be a number 1? The second line reads 862. I'm looking to do a tune up since it hasn't been performed since Lincoln was in office. Anyone have an idea as to what year this might be? Appreciate the help and knowledge!

 

Welcome to FTZ!

You CAN'T determine a 352, 360, 390 or other FE family engines by looking at it OR any numbers on the block. If you think this is original engine in this truck, the VIN # will tell you what was in it from the factory, the code will be a letter. If not all, most FE blocks had 352 cast on front of block near fuel pump mounting. Quick research said only 352 in 66/67. Bill Wilson alias Number Dummy, may chime in a give more detail. Cap

 

Quickest Hint(s) to you. Intake manifold or - and distributor, check C or D in casting or tag. C=decade or 60's, D= decade of 7o's. The next # is year. Example, C8=1968, D2=1972. To determine you have a true 390, you need to measure the stroke which you can do thru a spark plug hole. The bore between 352,360, 390 very close to the same, you can't measure that, thru a spark plug hole.

Let us know how you make out, we're always curious, Cap

 

Sorry it's taken me a while to get back to you. I looked under the distributor. I couldn't detect a tag or casting. Intake manifold is Edelbrock. I did, however take a closer look at the block and found the numbers 352 along the front drivers side of the block. I'll need to measure the stroke to be sure. 352 and 360 around 3.5" and 390 around 3.75 (just using an easy number)? Thank you again.

 

Thanks on come back. On distributor, #'s on side opposite Vacuum advance directly in line with clip to hold the cap on, not easy to see when distrib is in the engine. I believe ALL FE engines show 352 where you found on yours. Cap

 

OK... finally got the information I need. I checked the stroke on #1 and it's about 3 3/4 so that would be a 390 even though I see the number 352 cast on a couple locations. I also found the code C8AE-H on the block.. I'm guessing it's a '68 390. Just doing a tune up on it. It sat being restored for about 5 years and since I got it back, it just hasn't run right and ran like a champ before it went in. I have an Edelbrock 600 cfm on it. Timing? Suggestions? I noticed a mark around 30 before TDC and thought that might be a little much.

 

Also thought I'd change out the points and condenser while I'm there. Spark plugs look awful.. worn down quite a bit. Wires still look pretty good though. It's been ages since I've done a tune up.. maybe when Lincoln was in office.

 

A quick search shows 6 BTDC for auto and manual transmission

 

Glad your gaining on it. Remember, Base timing is always set with the vacuum advance line disconnected and plugged and the engine needs to be at curb idle speed, (being warm engine, and at specified idle RPM). Remember the distributor has 2 advances, vacuum and centrifugal and both must be fully retracted to set the base timing.
My reference for a 1968, 390 in a truck shows, plug gap .034, points setting .017, timing at 10 degrees BTDC, idle at 625 std transmission, 550 for auto transmission. My reference did not show a 390 in 66 or 67. Cap