Engine advice

[Fatality51]

I'm currently disassembling my 390 on my 63 Mercury for a rebuild. Guy said it would cost about 3k with hardened valves bored over .10 and maybe a bigger cam. But then my buddy said I should just buy a Chevy 5.3 and new tranny for about the same price. I only bought the car for 5k. I'd like to keep it stock but at the same time it would be cool to have a new power train. Thoughts?

[martyo]

What's the condition of the Merc?

[Turbov6Bryan]

3k and it must be forged Assy? I'd do the 5.3 with 4l80e just for the fact your going to get great gas mileage

There's deals to buy 5.3 complete with trans for less than 900.00

I'd look for a wrecked Tahoe, van, Silverado, ect and buy the whole thing for about 2k then part it out and have a free drivetrain

Efi is easy,quiet, and you will make more power
275 no turbo 750 with turbo 1100 with race gas and everything right

Search sloppy mechanics on YouTube

[Fatality51]

I'd say it's about a 7 or 8 out of 10. There is some bondo on it but it looks decent, there is pictures on my profile. Bought it from an 82 year old lady.

[Fatality51]

Here's a pic of the car

[Mr. Man]

Personally I'd rebuild the 390. Chevy stuff is fine, but I'm more of the 'If it's a Ford put a Ford motor in it, if it's a Chevy then.....' Check around with other builders for comparison.

[Fatality51]

Maybe I'll just take the engine and transmission out of my 04 marauder! Haha

[lifespeed]

The car probably has some value based on being original. Of course an EFI Chevy will perform better. Tough choice.

[TORINO]

If you want a newer drive train go with a 4.6 with a 4r70w lots of them out there. But with all the fab work and electronics it will not be that cheep but nice. A chevy:shake:

[chief455]

too nice still to deflower the car
rebuild the original 390
do homework on what exactly you want done and check shops for cost estimates.

[Fatality51]

I've been looking at some 460s on Craigslist. I got a guy that (from what I've been told built race car motors for dale earnheart) rebuilds engines. He said right around $3000. But it would be nice to have a modern engine too. The car looks nice but like I said there is bondo on it and it dosnt seem like these marauders bring big money. Thanks for the advice I'm definitely going to have to think about it.

[Fastbob]

Personally I'd rebuild the 390. Chevy stuff is fine, but I'm more of the 'If it's a Ford put a Ford motor in it, if it's a Chevy then.....' Check around with other builders for comparison.I have to agree with Mr. Man. It's a Ford (Mercury) and somewhat of a classic. Ford power belongs under the hood.

[fastblackmerc]

I'd keep it all Ford. 390's can make some decent power. I'd like get multiple estimates on the rebuild.

[chief455]

I've been looking at some 460s on Craigslist. I got a guy that (from what I've been told built race car motors for dale earnheart) rebuilds engines. He said right around $3000. But it would be nice to have a modern engine too. The car looks nice but like I said there is bondo on it and it dosnt seem like these marauders bring big money. Thanks for the advice I'm definitely going to have to think about it.

460 will require componens to adapt into your car. motor mounts, exhaust, trans bellhousing maybe (can't remember!), radiator, not a drop in.
the 390-
$3k for a rebuild with bore + hone, new pistons, rings, bearings, oil pump, performance cam/lifters and the heads = installing hardened seats with a valve job, matching springs for cam is a good deal. Espescially if he assembles at least the short block for that price.
Pick a nice RV type street cam and you'll be pretty happy for the money. Car will be stockish, more valuable to most that like those vintage cars in less than show condition.
Going modern or 460 will likely cost equal or much more to adapt in, and for what real gain?

[Fastbob]

Another option would be a 428. Would be a direct bolt in.

[chief455]

Another option would be a 428. Would be a direct bolt in.

now, to just find a good one, hmmm...;)

[Fatality51]

I'll probably just get the original engine rebuilt then. I just have to get them tranny bolts and headers off! Surprisingly all the other bolts were fairly loose. I just wanna get it back in the road!

[Fastbob]

now, to just find a good one, hmmm...;)Yup, the trick would be finding a good one. Heck a 427 side oiler would be neat, but rare as hen's teeth.

[Fastbob]

Get one of these, problem solved......http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-FE-BIG-BLOCK-428-525-HORSE-CRATE-ENGINE-PRO-BUILT-NEW-351-390-406-427-/181900195244

[Mr. Man]

390 was a very popular engine. It shouldn't be hard to find the performance parts you need to get the results you seek.

[chief455]

Get one of these, problem solved......http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-FE-BIG-BLOCK-428-525-HORSE-CRATE-ENGINE-PRO-BUILT-NEW-351-390-406-427-/181900195244

nice engine! true 428 block and crank, not bad. Standard FE 360-390 heads, but prepped well. nice cam. complete with carb, decent deal!

[Fatality51]

I think people will appreciate the original engine the most. i'm just excited to get it back on the road!

[chief455]

I think people will appreciate the original engine the most. i'm just excited to get it back on the road!
^this, including yourself.
cam and maybe aftermarket heads if you want more grunt, but keep it simple and looking stock
BigM460 has a nice 390 built in his 68 Monterey....