PERFORMANCE MODS: Rebuilt 390 FE
Bored .030" over
9:1 compression
Holly 4bbl 780 carb - jetted to 74 for the primaries, 78 for the secondaries
Edelbrock Performer RPM intake
Edelbrock aluminum water pump
Crane Cams (part #343901)
Edelbrock valve springs
New lifters
DSC Motorsport adjustable valvetrain (adjustable rocker arms and hardened pushrods)
Rebuilt & Ported Heads (new valve guides, teflon seals, hard seats under exhaust valves)
HEI-Style Distributor/Ignition (D.U.I. by Performance Distributors)
10mm LiveWires plug wires by Performance Distributors Autolite Platinum plugs gapped to 0.055"
Hooker Super Competition Headers (part number HOK-6130HKR available from Summit Racing coated by Jet-Hot 2.5" mandrel-bent exhaust
X-pipe
Flowmaster 40 series "original" mufflers
MISC REPAIRS/MODS/INFO: Performance Distributors 60amp 1-wire alternator 3-core radiator
Custom-fabbed radiator bracket
Replacement oil pump from Precision Pump builders
Windage tray
New high-torque starter
New flywheel
New battery tray
New washer fluid bag (woohoo!)
New power steering hose
Running Amsoil 10W-30 Synthetic oil w/ Amsoil oil filter
11/10/2007 - THIS GALAXIE IS FOR SALE $9,500 or best offer
Contact me via e-mail (click here for my address)
Background It's a Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible. Bought it in August of 2001. As far as I can tell, the vehicle had been in Minnesota all of its life and is in great condition. The original owner's manual has the first buyer's name printed in it. I also have the receipts from the last two owners.
Here are details from the VIN and door tag:
The VIN of 7G57H109619 decodes as follows:
7 = model year: 1967
G = build plant: Chicago, Illinois
57 = Body Serial Code: Galaxie 500 2-door convertible, bench seat (19,068
produced during the 1967 model year)
H = engine: 390-2V Thunderbird V-8, 275 hp @ 4400 rpm, 405 ft-lbs @ 2600
rpm, 9.5:1 compression ratio (automatic transmission)
109619 = Consecutive Unit Number (CUN): 9,619th Ford car scheduled to be
built at the Chicago, Illinois build plant during the 1967 model year (Job 1
was CUN 100001)
The door tag information decodes as follows:
BODY 76A = Body Style Code: Galaxie 500 2-door convertible, bench seat
(19,068 produced during the 1967 model year)
COLOR T = exterior paint color: Candyapple Red (red)
TRIM 6D = interior trim color, material and front seat style: red "Crinkle"
pattern vinyl cushions, bolsters and back, bench seat
DATE 14J = scheduled build date: Wednesday, September 14, 1966
DSO 44 = car was originally sold in the
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota sales district, which covered Northwestern
Wisconsin and Minnesota (except Northwestern corner)
AXLE 1 = rear axle ratio and type: 3.00:1 non-locking
TRANS Y = transmission type and shift location: MX SelectShift
Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic, column shift
Notes regarding the headers I get a lot of questions about the headers I have installed. Here's a link to Summit Racing where I bought the headers from. My headers are part number HOK-6130HKR. At the time, Summit either didn't carry the polished version, or Hooker wasn't making them yet, so I had the headers shipped directly to Jet-Hot for ceramic coating. Summit now sells a coated version of the headers, part number HOK-6130-1HKR. I would highly recommend getting the coated version. Non-coated headers will discolor and become somewhat of an eyesore in your engine compartment over time. The ceramic coated headers look really nice even after a couple years of being installed on my Galaxie.
PB100027.MP4 570 hits | 3.09 MB | Posted: 11/10/07 Video of the Galaxie idling. The Flowmaster 40 series mufflers give it a noticable rumble. It turns heads driving down the road for its looks and its sound. Running a little rich in this video (just started it up after sitting for a week).
PB100020.JPG 448 hits | 56.33 KB | Posted: 11/10/07 Previous owner's wife backed into the Galaxie with their other car making this dent in the driver's side door.
PB100016.JPG 414 hits | 48.66 KB | Posted: 11/10/07 Trunk lid rubs slightly here. Some of the paint has rubbed off over time from opening and closing the trunk.
DSCF0026.JPG 3348 hits | 92.54 KB | Posted: 4/25/04 The hood has been removed. Getting ready to pull the motor.
idling_320x240.mov 2092 hits | 1.87 MB | Posted: 4/9/04 The lopey idle of the Galaxie after headers, X-pipe, 40-series flowmasters, and top-end buildup of the 390! This shot is from the rear of the vehicle.
exhaust_before_buildup001.mov 1913 hits | 1.02 MB | Posted: 4/8/04 New exhaust installed without the engine buildup. Flowmasters sound great but the idle was too silky-smooth for me! Now it's got a really lopey idle but this is a great video to watch and listen to for hear what Series 40 Flowmaster mufflers sound ...
67 GALAXIE 022.jpg 1820 hits | 60.83 KB | Posted: 1/16/06 Bendtsen Transmission AOD to FE Adapter plate on the 390.
DSCF0047.JPG 1559 hits | 76.16 KB | Posted: 6/6/04 A really, really clean '67 that I came across. Great paint and an engine compartment that was very clean.
DSCF0020.AVI 1526 hits | 5.21 MB | Posted: 7/27/04 Sitting in the driver's seat, starting it up, getting out of the Galaxie and letting her idle. The audio is decent for my little digital camera...gives a nice perspective of what I hear when I fire her up before I go cruising.
Installed 1-wire alternator After it sat in my garage for a year, I finally installed the Performance Distributors 1-wire 60amp alternator. I had been having starting problems with the Galaxie and it was linked to a combination of the old alternator and corroded battery terminals. The 1-wire alternator enabled me to remove a lot of the very brittle wires that were ran from the old alternator along with a very large external voltage regulator.
125.00
05/06/07
Maintenance
111798
Oil change & out of storage Pulled the cover off the Galaxie today, changed the oil to Amsoil 10W-30 synthetic and to an Amsoil oil filter as well. Aired up the tires and cleaned her up after sitting for the last 8 months.
Fixed the convertible top slightly (it was missing a nut so it was having trouble staying together while raising/lowering it). Top still has about a 24" tear in it so until I get it fixed, the top will just stay down.
0.00
03/08/06
Repair
106952
Removed damaged header collector Driving around this week through a new neighborhood, I drove over a manhole cover that was sticking up a few inches off the ground and hit the header collector on it. Bent the collector and the flange on the header. Had to have the collector and flange cut off and had the exhaust shop weld in a replacement pipe. No more collector on the driver's side.
50.00
02/26/06
Repair
106722
New rearview mirror Purchased a replacement rearview mirror. The original one was cracked and fell off the windshield.
20.62
02/25/06
Modification
106614
Rejetted carb, new coil, mechanical secondaries With the help of David F. (GalaxieGT), we were able to figure out the performance and mileage problems with the Galaxie today. My around town mileage was about 7mpg. On the highway, I hit 20 mpg (cruising between 70 and 75). We found that the vacuum secondaries were not opening at all which would explain the poor fuel economy and performance. Here's what we did:
- Rejetted the Holley 1450. Went from 73's in front to 74's. Went from 74's in rear to 78's.
- Removed the Autolite plugs and went with NGK's. Gapped them to .042".
- Installed a new Accel coil. Got rid of the OEM coil harness and cleaned up the wiring slightly.
- Adjusted idle screws
- Temporarily converted to mechanical secondaries by using a screw that will manually open the secondaries. Vacuum is not working at all right now for some reason.
Throttle response is much better - a night and day difference. Starting is also easier, too. Performance is also better as well. I was essentailly running on a 2bbl carb but using fuel for a 4bbl. Still hope to get it fine-tuned in the next couple of weeks.
40.00
02/23/06
Miscellaneous
Tuning issues Ran through the first entire tank of gas with the AOD and rebuilt 390 and only got 7mpg. Something's not right with the tuning. Will begin troubleshooting carb, distributor, and ignition to see if I can't get it fixed. She runs OK. Wouldn't call it a snappy throttle -- I think there's room for improvement.
0.00
02/21/06
Repair
106433
Rear brake repair (again) Driver's side rear drum broke lose (again). Instead of reinstalling, I had new rear brake shoes and hardware kits installed. All better.
136.63
02/10/06
Repair
106344
New master cylinder, brake job, & alignment - Wheel bearing repack w/ brake service for front end
- Flush brake system
- New front brake hose
- Replaced leaking master cylinder
- Upper control arm bushing kit & install
- Alignment
721.15
02/08/06
Repair
106304
Repair rear brake Driver's side rear brake had a spring pop loose inside the drum. Discovered the the drum is cracked. Also discovered that the front brakes are not adjusted properly. Will be getting a new rear drum and fixing the front brakes as well as bleeding the brakes.
46.59
02/04/06
Miscellaneous
106200
Trailered to North Carolina The Galaxie made the official trek to North Carolina in an enclosed trailer. She's now officially the daily driver.
0.00
01/17/06
Repair
106122
Bottom-end Engine Rebuild, new cam, & general work Parts $69.75 - rod & main bearings
$84.79 - ring set
$107 - engine gasket set
$112 - (8 @ $14/ea) new intake valves
$52 (16 @ $3.25/ea) valve guides
$28 - (16 @ $1.75/ea) teflon valve stem seals
$100 - (8 @ $12.50) hard valve seats
$189 - cam and lifters
$48 - misc steel to fabricate crossmemeber and radiator bracket
$13 - distributor bushing
$10.74 - 6 qts oil
$26.28 - 12 qts ATF
$9.50 - 2x 5/16" transmission lines
$159.99 - Edelbrock aluminum water pump
$30 - set of copper header gaskets
$139 - .030 pistons with full float pins
$12 - 12 gallons anti freeze
Labor $765 - 9hrs @ $85/hr
Remove and reinstall FE engine with headers.
$340 - 4hrs @ $85/hr
Rebuild heads. Replace valve guides, machine for teflon seals, install hard seats under the exhaust valves, check spring seat pressure, check installed height.
$510 - 6hrs @ $85/hr
Disassemble and reassemble 390 Ford motor. Hone for new rings. Degree camshaft. Adjust valves. Torque all bolts to specs. Clean everything and repaint block and heads.
$170 - 2hrs @ $85/hr
Disassemble distributor. Replace bushing. Clean oil grooves in shaft. Disassemble, clean and lube centrifugal advance system. Test vacuum advance.
$85 - 1hrs @ $85/hr
Polish crankshaft. .010 under
2,890.00
01/17/06
Repair
106122
Hood Repair Repair bent hood and repaint!
710.00
01/17/06
Repair
106122
Misc repairs Battery hold down kit purchase and installation, fixed broken exhaust weld.
140.45
01/17/06
Modification
106122
AOD to FE Transmission Adapter $695 - FE to AOD adapter kit from Bendtsen's Transmission
$15 - misc electrical connectors & wire
http://www.transmissionadapters.com
710.00
01/17/06
Modification
106122
AOD transmission $1295 - AOD transmission (street rod package)
$245 - rebuilt driveshaft: new yoke, new u-joints, straightened and balanced
1,540.00
01/17/06
Modification
106122
New rear gears and posi Parts $220 - 3.50 ring & pinion
$118.50 - 9" Ford diff install kit with bearings, shims, seal
$435 - Posi carrier. New trac-loc.
$15 - 2 @ $7.50/ea Posi lube
$11.88 - 2.5 @ $4.75/ea gear lube
$6.70 - brake adjuster lever
Labor $552.50 6.5hrs @ $85/hr
Install 3.50 gears and posi unit in 9" Ford drop out. Remove and reinstall 3rd member. Repair brakes on passenger side. The adjuster had fallen off and had gotten ground up from running in the drum.
850.45
12/17/05
Modification
105650
Engine Overhaul, New Trans, New Rear Trailered the Galaxie to Bendtsen's Transmission shop today. Will be moving in a month to warmer climate in which the Galaxie will function as a daily driver. As a result, the wife's car is getting sold and we are putting money into the Galaxie. Due to the burning oil problem, the engine will be removed and the bottom end overhauled. Then, an AOD transmission will be installed with an FE adapter made by Bendtsen's Transmission. New rearend gears (3.55) will be installed with a new posi as well. He's also going to install a vacuum reservoir and pump to help with the cam that robs vacuum from the power brakes. Should be ready in about a month and I can't wait.
0.00
06/26/05
Repair
105650
Replaced intake gasket -- still burns oil Dave came over today to help with the Galaxie in hopes that we could get it up and running prior to the Iola Old Car Show in 2 weekends. I've been battling the burning oil problem for quite some time and hoped that this new set of Victor Reinz gaskets would be the answer to my problems. When we pulled the intake off, we noticed that the Fel-Pro's looked to be in great shape...no blown seal or anything. After shrugging our shoulders, we installed the Victor Reinz gaskets. Got the Galaxie up and running...still burns oil. What we noticed though was that it burns oil at idle, under load, on deceleration -- basically all the time.
What we ultimately concluded was that after the heads were rebuilt, and with the combo of the new cam, the compression has increased and the (what we believe are factory) rings finally gave way. Time for a bottom end rebuild. I'm not very happy about this as it's the last thing I want to do during the busy summer, and especially after having the entire block out last summer. I could have done it then but now we have to go and undo everything that we've worked on to this point.
It's a major bummer, but this time I'll take the time to paint the engine compartment, properly dress it up, properly paint the engine, and do things the right way. Since I'm in no hurry, I would imagine it'll be at least next summer at the very soonest that the Galaxie will be driven again. I may look into what my options are for getting a different crank and getting some more cubes out of it, but at this point, it's parked until the fall when I have some time (and desire) to work on it.
0.00
06/26/05
Repair
105650
New brakes all around Installed new drum brakes in the front and rear. The pedal is still pretty mushy, but I believe that's do to the vacuum issue I've got with this Performer RPM cam. I have a vacuum reservoir that I'm going to install to help alleviate this problem. It is easier to stop now, though.
0.00
04/15/05
Repair
105650
New intake gasket Bought a new intake gasket in preparation for fixing the intake gasket leak (for the 3rd time). Haven't installed it yet but will do so within the next few weeks. Not sure if I'm going to go with an MSD ignition distributor and ignition, too. Still contemplating!
9.95
04/09/05
Miscellaneous
Out of storage Took the Gal out of storage today and went for a couple quick spins around town. Nice to have the rumble back again after the winter. She looks great, the EagleOne wax looks nice...just dusted her off and we were turning heads cruising around.
Just thinking of what I'm going to be doing to it this spring/summer. Will start with replacing the intake gasket...might do an MSD ignition while I've got everything apart, too. We'll see!
0.00
10/23/04
Miscellaneous
stored for the winter Washed and waxed the Galaxie and threw the cover on her for a long winter's nap. I could still be driving it with the weather as nice as its been, but with the intake gasket leaking and causing oil to burn through the exhaust, it's going into storage until next spring when I have some time to tinker with it. Tried the new Eagle Nanowax on her and we'll see how it fairs over the winter with the cover...looked great after washing and waxing. To be honest, this was the first wash/wax it had received this year with as little as I drove it. Looking forward to next year and being able to drive her full-time.
0.00
09/26/04
Miscellaneous
Last spin of the year Took the Galaxie out tonight for what will probably be the last time out for the year. Will need to wash her up one more time and put her to bed for the winter. I will have my work cut out for me next spring with all of the projects that I didn't finish up with this year. In particular, I still need to pull the intake off and examine (replace) the intake gasket as I suspect it was not seated correctly and is the cause for the oil burning problem (only burns at idle and on decel). No big plans for her next year other than fixing up the cosmetic-related issues (hood corners) if the money is available. Otherwise, I just plan on driving her. That'll be a very nice change!
0.00
07/27/04
Miscellaneous
still smoking at idle and on deceleration After some investigation in the forums, I'm going to take the intake back off and re-examine the gaskets and try it again. The theory is that the intake isn't sealing correctly and while at idle and under deceleration, when vacuum is greatest, oil is getting through the gaskets into the intake and being burned through the exhaust. It's been getting progressively worse which would suggest a failed gasket. Other than that, she runs great.
0.00
07/20/04
Repair
105700
Replaced PCV valve Replaced the PCV valve...she still smokes.
3.68
07/11/04
Miscellaneous
105400
Rebuilt motor up and running Took a trip to the Iola Old Car Show in Iola, WI this weekend in the Galaxie. In a mad rush to get the engine put back together and installed on Tues/Wed/Thurs before leaving Friday afternoon, I was afraid something would go wrong. The car ran beautifully all the way out there. On Saturday, she began to smoke again at idle for some reason. On the trip back home, she was making a lot of valvetrain noise. I think more oil was burne than I had thought, so I added another quart. It's still acting up but I'm going to try some Engine Restore to see if that fixes any issues with the rings being worn (they shouldn't be). I'm also going to give her an oil change, replace the PCV valve, and poke a hole for the dipstick through the windage tray. Hopefully the PCV valve is causing it to burn oil by sticking open when it shouldn't...pretty confusing at this point.
0.00
07/08/04
Repair
104750
Radiator repair The original radiator was shot with a few leaks. It was a 2-core radiator so I purchased a 3-core replacement and it still fits in the stock brackets.
359.75
07/08/04
Repair
Collector gaskets New collector gaskets for the headers.
5.31
07/07/04
Maintenance
104750
Napa purchases Cap & rotor, plugs, wires, oil, antifreeze, tranny fluid, battery cables, and new lower radiator hose.
114.39
06/08/04
Repair
104750
new ring gear & flexplate Purchased a new ring gear/flexplate from DSC Motorsport to replace the old one with worn-down teeth.
70.68
05/18/04
Repair
104750
new brakes Purchased new front and rear brakes and the hardware kit from Napa. I haven't done brake work on this before so this'll be interesting to see how worn down the brakes are on all four drums.
63.55
05/11/04
Repair
104750
head work Had the heads worked on in an effort to fix the bad valves that were causing oil to get into the cylinder bores and burning lots of oil while at idle and deceleration. Had the exhaust ports opened up, resurfaced heads, installed new exhaust valves, installed new exhaust seats. The valve guides were actually OK and didn't need replacing. The exhaust valves were so worn that they were hitting the rocker arms and mushrooming the tops of the valve stems. The new heads have the correct tolerances and I should no longer have the bad ticking sound I'd always hear when the vehicle was running. This was apparent even before I did the top-end upgrade, so the heads must have needed work for quite some time.
690.00
05/09/04
Repair
104750
ordered replacement parts from Mac's Auto Parts Ordered heater hoses, lower and upper radiator hoses, battery tray, battery pad, battery bolt-down kit, battery cable set, new starter, replacement windshield washer bag, starter cable, blue engine paint, black engine compartment paint, and new motor mounts...all part of things that were added "to the list" after pulling the motor a couple weekends ago. And of course, there's still more to buy.
380.00
05/07/04
Repair
104750
replaced worn exhaust valves Cylinder Head repair shop told me that the exhaust valves were completely shot. Getting them replaced along with the other head work, too.
62.00
05/06/04
Repair
104750
radiator repair Getting the radiator repaired because we noticed a couple spots on it where it had been leaking. I had never seen huge puddles underneath it but occasionally I would see a drip or two on the ground. I currently have a 2-core radiator. Depending on what the outcome is, I may end up with a 3-core if they can't fix the holes in the current one.
0.00
04/25/04
Repair
104750
Pulled the motor Dave and I pulled the motor and trans out of the Galaxie today. I have been having problems with it burning lots of oil at idle and deceleration. I'm going to have head work done on it to have the valve seals worked on. The new cam is most likely the culprit and hopefully the head work will fix it. I also installed a windage tray and new oil pump today while the motor was out. Found out that the radiator needs fixing/replacing, the ring gear needs replacing, starter needs replacing, heater hoses and radiator hoses need replacing, battery and battery tray need replacing, need a new alternator wiring harness, need new motor mounts, and will need new gaskets for everything, too. Although no money was spent, it turned out to be an expensive day with all of the extra goodies we discovered after diving into the engine compartment and pulling the motor.
On the plus side, with the oil pan removed we were able to take a look at the bottom end of the motor. It looks like it had some work done on it at one point or another as it doesn't look stock. This was good news to me because the bottom end was not something I had planned on touching and everything seemed to be in great shape. With the new top end and the overhaul on the heads, this thing should be a great cruiser for many more miles. I just need to get the drivetrain matched up to the built-up engine for it to be worthwhile.
0.00
03/30/04
Miscellaneous
104700
Out of Storage Out of storage for the spring. Will be pulling the motor within the next month or two to get the heads worked on and to install a new oil pump, windage tray, and to fix the leaking oil pan gasket.
0.00
06/01/03
Modification
New windage tray and oil pump Ordered new oil pump, windage tray, and gaskets in hopes to cure the oiling problems I'm having as well as the leaky oil pan gaskets.
100.00
04/12/03
Damage
Hood pops open while driving Filled up at the gas station today, checked the oil, didn't check to see if the hood was latched after I shut it (and I ALWAYS do!) and the hood flew up while driving down the road at about 30 MPH. Bent back the corners. Body shop gave me an estimate of $1000. Will be holding off on getting it fixed for a while.
0.00
03/20/03
Miscellaneous
Out of Storage Out of storage for the spring!
0.00
01/15/03
Miscellaneous
Detailed in January! Was able to pull the Gal out of storage to get her detailed. The paint and engine compartment look great! My white seats are white again, too!
0.00
08/29/02
Modification
Top-end update She's up and running. LOVE the lopey idle, what a great musclecar sound. I thought people gave the car looks before at stoplights, now they really are drawn to it. The power is great, however my drivetrain is completely mismatched for it now. 3.00 gears sit out back, so the highway power is great. Low end is probably worse than it was in its stock form. One she gets moving though, she doesn't stop. Will be getting her dynoed soon to see what other adjustments I'll need to make.
0.00
08/05/02
Modification
Top-end complete Installed: Performer RPM cam, carb, and intake, adjustable valvetrain (adjustable rocker arms and hardened pushrods), new valve springs, new lifters; only dropped two washers through the intake all the way to the oil pan. Project comes to a screeching hault because the stock 390 valve covers do not fit over the new valvetrain. Ordered automatic kick-down adapter for new carb, higher-clearance valve covers, inline fuel filter, and other miscellaneous parts so that the project can be completed this week.
0.00
07/08/02
Modification
New exhuast New exhaust installed: 2.5" pipe, X-pipe, Flowmaster 40 series mufflers, chrome tips, ARP chrome studs, and Fel-Pro header gaskets. Proper timing and nice exhaust have really given the 390 a new life, it's like driving a different vehicle! Bring on the Performer RPM package!!
450.00
07/07/02
Modification
Headers installed, timing adjusted Headers installed. Nice and LOUD. Also adjusted the timing from 10 degrees (no wonder why she was running on the rough side) to 18 degrees.
0.00
06/01/02
Modification
Top-end buildup Here come the mods: I have purchased the following: Edelbrock Performer RPM 4bbl carb, intake, cam & lifters, valve springs, and timing chain. Also having Hooker long-tube headers coated by Jet-Hot, have 2.5" flowmaster original series 40 mufflers, and will have 2.5" exhaust installed. It should be a fun month
2,000.00
04/01/02
Miscellaneous
Out of Storage She's finally out of storage! Runs pretty well, some carb problems here and there, but will be fixing that this spring/summer. Also going to get the exhaust redone (she's way too quiet for my tastes).
0.00
08/01/01
Miscellaneous
87000
Original Purchase Original vehicle purchase.
6,200.00
Total
18,490.20
Rearview Mirror
This shows you the top 15 referring links (where people are coming from to get to this page).
Also adjusted the timing from 10 degrees (no wonder why she was running on the rough side) to 18 degrees.
