Possible engine change

[swaybar1]

Hello,
My marauder has a 390 currently. The motor ran fine but had a cracked exhaust manifold and some other issues that I thought might be easier addressed outside the car. I found a 351C that ran well and wondered if anyone had ever changed their cars motors and had advice for a swap like this.

Any help would be great.

Thanks
Mike

[SpartaPerformance]

I assume you're talking about an older Marauder? The 351C in my opinion is a boat anchor, too much hype. The 390 is a pretty stout engine, with a cam, intake manifold change and a good carb it will really wake up.

[cj7chris]

If both are 2v's, I'd keep the 390 because of the torque curve. If a later 351 4v, it might tip towards the newer 351, if you aren't concerned about keeping numbers matching, etc.

Both have plenty of aftermarket support and can be pepped up pretty cheaply.

Assuming no machining needed on the 390, I'd keep it and use the money that could have been spent on buying the 351 to freshen up the 390. Seems like the extra cubes and the low rpm torque would be better for a driver.

[kirk]

The most common swap for these that I'm aware of is a 460 and I think kits are available. Personally I would stick with the 390, especially over a 351C. A cracked exhaust manifold is fairly common and easy to fix.

[fastblackmerc]

The most common swap for these that I'm aware of is a 460 and I think kits are available. Personally I would stick with the 390, especially over a 351C. A cracked exhaust manifold is fairly common and easy to fix.

+1!

Good time for headers...

[ITSA 91]

There are several versions of the 351C.Not all do well moving a heavy car around town.Chances are that it is 40yrs old and needs rebuilding.I am not a fan of FEs,but I would rebuild the 390.

[Joe Walsh]

I assume you're talking about an older Marauder? The 351C in my opinion is a boat anchor, too much hype. The 390 is a pretty stout engine, with a cam, intake manifold change and a good carb it will really wake up.

You mean a 351M?

I always think of 390 FEs as boat anchors....LOTS of heavy cast iron...not a lot of cubes nor power.

The last 351 Cleveland motored car that I got a ride in was a well built 351 C (similar to BOSS 351 specs with headers) in a big 1971 Mustang.*
That thing would run like a cat with turpentine on its' azz!!.......:eek:
It pulled like a freight train all the way to 7,000 rpm.

* BTW: The Mustang was an OEM 351C 4V 4 speed car in that hideous 'ginger' brown color.
The paint was a mess and from the outside it looked like a POS.....what a sleeper!
The mufflers were blown out and actually 'breathed in and out' as the car idled due to the cam's overlap.

But...Like you said, I would still rebuild the 390 FE with a good set of aluminum Edelbrock heads, aluminum intake manifold and matching cam.
At least you would knock 150 lbs off the front end.