1969 Mustang Engine Information – 390 cubic inch V-8 (6.4 L FE V8)

 

10,494 mustangs were produced and sold with 390 cubic inch engines. The engine came standard with a 490 Autolite carburetor rather than the Holly installed in previous years. 1969 was the last year a 390 would be installed in a Mustang by Ford. All future years used 427’s, 428’s and 429’s for the large block power plants.

Engine Basics

Year	1969
bbl	4
Cylinders	8
Displacement	390 cu / 6.4 liters)
Power (hp)	320 hp @ 4,600 RPM
Torque (lb/ft)	427 lb/ft @ 3,200 RPM
Compression	10.5:1
Bore x Stroke	4.05 x 3.784

Engine Specs (390 cid V8)

Clutch information. All 390 engines with either a 3 or 4 speed have the same clutch specs. The pressure plate is 11.5″ with 12 springs. The disc is 11.5″ with 8 springs

Engine Torque Specifications

All torque specifications provided in this table are those recommended by FORD. If you use special bolts, follow the torque specifications provided by the manufacturer. I recommend that you use the 3 step torque technique where you torque down the bolts in three equal steps. Once you have reached the maximum recommended torque setting, go around one more time. Do not torque in a circular pattern. Always torque cross to cross.

Head bolts	80-90
Main cap bolts	95-105
Rod end bolts	40-45
Intake bolts	32-35
Exhaust manifold bolts	18-24
Harmonic damper	70-90
A/C Compressor mounts
Engine fan
Motor mounts to engine
Bellhousing bolts	25
Trans to Bellhousing	30
Flywheel to Crankshaft	75-85
Oil pan bolts	12
Valve cover bolts	10
Carburetor mount bolts	10
Oil pump	15
Spark plugs
Trans. inspection plate
Water pump bolts	20
Clutch pressure plate	35
Upper cam gear	40
Rocker arms	45
Main cap cross bolts

Crankshaft Bearing Journal Specifications

Main Bearing Journal (inches)

Journal Diameter	2.7484 – 2.7492
Oil Clearance	0.0008 – 0.0020
Shaft end play	0.004 – 0.010
Thrust on number	3

Connecting Rod Journals

Journal Diameter	2.4380 – 2.4388
Oil Clearance	0.008 – 0.0030
Side clearance	0.010 – 0.020

Piston Ring Specifications

Comp Ring Width

Top	0.077 – 0.078
Bottom	0.093 – 0.094

Ring side clearance

Top	0.002 – 0.004
Bottom	0.002 – 0.004
Oil ring	Snug

Ring gap width

Top	—–
Bottom	—–
Oil Ring	0.015 – 0.055

Piston Specifications

Code Red	3.9984 – 3.3990	3.9978 -3.9984 (HP)
Code Blue	3.9996 – 4.0002	3.9990 – 3.9996 (HP)
0.003 Oversize	4.0008 – 4.0014	4.0002 – 4.0008 (HP)
Piston to Cyl. Bore clearance	0.0018 – 0.0026	0.003 – 0.0038 (HP)
Piston Pin Bore Dia.	0.9123 – 0.9126	0.9123 – 0.9126 (HP)

Valve Specifications

Year	1969
Seat angle	45
Face angle	44
Valve spring pressure lbs/inches	220 @ 1.38
Valve spring installed height (in)	1 13/16
Stem guide clearance (in) – Intake	0.0010 – 0.0027
Stem guide clearance (in) – Exhaust	0.0015 – 0.0032
Stem Diameter (in) – Intake	0.3715
Stem Diameter (in) – Exhaust	0.3710