Thinking about using an FE 390

[scotr451]

I am in the early planning stages of my MKIV project and on the fence about the engine choice. I am thinking about using a 390 FE motor from Tuff Dawg Engines. Any members have any experience with them?

[first time builder]

The Tuff dawg web site is down and did you read the comments under D &J machine .
Check with Mike Forte, a forum vendor he has access to any engine possible. Great service geat person to deal with.
Kenny

[riptide motorsport]

Cannot speak for the company of which yo0u speak but I'd go with a big cube smallblock for these cars. The BB is a bit front heavy and very light in the rear. HTH Steven

[cob427sc]

The 390 is a heavy iron pig. Not to be confused with a true 427FE although outside appearences are similar. Many years ago I used 390's in several builds. Decent performance, but limited upgrade parts and big bucks for minimal HP gains.

[snakebit31]

I built a 390, bored and stroke in my first roadster build in 2001. Topped it off with an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake and heads. I could not have been happier. When my coupe is done, my next roadster will also have a 390 FE. From the outside, most will not tell the difference from a 427, and most of the 427 Cobras had 428's anyway.
In my opinion, nothing looks worse than a small block with big block valve covers and expansion tank.
I guess it depends on what you are looking for. If you want something that has a lot of torque and looks original, I'd say go for it.
I cannot comment on the company you asked, but I would buy a short block from Keith Craft or Barry, at Survival Motorsports.
Just my opinion.

Rob

[SCFFR]

The 390 is a great engine but as others have stated, it's pretty heavy and can be expensive to build. If you are just looking at hp/torque, you can get those numbers from several other combinations (331, 347, 408, etc) for probably less money and less front end weight. As Rob stated, if that the look that you want, go for it. If money isn't an issue, you can get brand new FE 427 blocks (cast iron or aluminum) as your starting point.

Ron

[68GT500MAN]

You can get the performance from another combination, but the SOUND can not be duplicated. I have been around many FE powered roadsters and they just have a special sound all to themselves.
Doug

[2FAST4U]

If you can afford a 428 go with that option. Talk with Mike Forte. He can get you a great 428

[scotr451]

Thanks to everyone who chimed in here. I always thought the 390 would be the "economical" FE choice. It seems to me I could get 400 HP without too much trouble and be very period correct with the car. I see a lot of members speak highly of Mike. I'll have to try giving him a call.