swapping out a 352 for a 390

i need to swap a 352 engine out of a 62 merc which is similar to a galaxie .i will be using the existing automatic transmission. i need to know if a 390 engine is a direct swap or will there be things that have to be altered such as flex plate/convertor, motor mounts as this will probably be a post 1965 engine going in, and accessory mounting holes such as ps pump and generator. any and all help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

You need to watch out for the block castings as I think the later 60's casting changed the way they bolt to the engine mounts. Not sure what year they changed though

The 352-390 are the same block. Should be a bolt in.

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Keep the original water pump as it is specific to genny equipped cars.

If you are installing an Automatic of the 1962 variety, be kind on the foot pressure. We did this to a Ford decades ago, and pooped the transmission after about two months use. Just could not take the extra strain per one fellow.

Not a plop in fit, but are you expecting to use 1962 era starter, generator, electricals?

You may also have to look for correct exhaust manifolds too. The 1962 ought too have vertical bolts, and the 1965 diagonal bolts. They may LOOK like they fit but try em NOW.


Wm.

thanks for taking the time to respond guys !!

coosbaylumber brought up an interesting point . will the newer style starter fit into the transmission bellhousing?? if not, any suggestions on a solution for that problem or do i just change the trans to a c-6. will that bolt in directly??

Motor mounts won't fit. You'll have to make adapter plates to bolt to the block and then the mounts to them. Early blocks only had two motor mount holes. Later blocks (65 and up) had four. Late starter won't fit early flex plate, wrong tooth count. There is a starter drive that's available to make it work. Use the 65 trans, flex plate and starter, it will all fit the 62 engine.

Originally Posted by 63ford406

Motor mounts won't fit. You'll have to make adapter plates to bolt to the block and then the mounts to them. Early blocks only had two motor mount holes. Later blocks (65 and up) had four. Late starter won't fit early flex plate, wrong tooth count. There is a starter drive that's available to make it work. Use the 65 trans, flex plate and starter, it will all fit the 62 engine.

I think he said he's probably getting a newer motor and installing it in the '62 not the other way around.

I think motor mounts will indeedy fit. The side to the engines past 1965, (including the 427's, used to have four stud bosses sticking out. The modern engine mounts used three of the holes, and the earlier ones used two of the holes. You must use the early style mounts, not those of 1965 or later then.

It works. I done it decades ago.

Big problem we had was instead of looking for and purchasing later model exhausts, we went and used earlier heads on the more modern block, to save us the time and expense of the searching.



Wm.