Hello everybody,
Reading the registry book, it' written somewhere that some cars had been équiped with 390ci engine because 428ci was temporarily unavailable.
Have we identified the concerned cars?
Never happened
These stories are likely from a misunderstanding of engine codes and how engines were built.
Ford would not substitute motors that were purpose built for specific applications.
Quote from: Coralsnake on September 07, 2025, 09:22:18 AMThese stories are likely from a misunderstanding of engine codes and how engines were built.
Ford would not substitute motors that were purpose built for specific applications.
listen to the man.😉
This is how all fairy tales begin...
Once upon a time it had a 428, it got blown up. Next best thing was another boat anchor in went....the 390 motor.
Looks the same but they are not
The End !
I do recall a notation in a previous registry that stated the road test of the car was not very good. It was theorized a 390 was in the car to explain the varied performance.
Obviously, there are many other possible explanations for the poor performance.
I believe the big block Cobras did substitute some motors, but that was an entirely different matter
Quote from: Coralsnake on September 07, 2025, 12:18:20 PMI believe the big block Cobras did substitute some motors, but that was an entirely different matter
As I recall the 390 Cobra SAI experiment for the Bahamas Speed Week was affectionately referred to as "The Turd". I would assume that reference speaks volumes.
Another one that will never die.
A moment on the lips – In due course we forget.
A moment in print – forever repeated.
Take a look at registry 4th édition 2011 page 792
Don't think any one suggested that it was in print just if it is accepted as correct in 2025.
Sure we could dedicate a thread or many with all the things that were thought correct at the time only to be discovered not so correct years later. Can think of a half dozen off the top of my head "KD" = Knock down when written on radiator supports comes to mind quickly for just one more that could be included in a list.
Or the number of 1966 Convertibles....
Not picking on the Registry or the great efforts of others we all have learned a lot over the decades but as mentioned those mistakes or part true statements live on in print and come back to visit us from time to time.
Or "318" KR convertibles! Not correct.
If you had to keep track of every detail of 15,000 cars, I'm sure some errors would occur.
😀