The 390 in³, with 389.6 in³ or 6.4 L true displacement, had a bore of 4.05 in (103 mm) and stroke of 3.78 in (96 mm). It was the most common FE engine in later applications, used in many Ford cars as the standard engine as well as in many trucks. It was a popular high-performance engine; although not as powerful as the 427 and 428 models, it provided good performance, particularly in the lighter weight vehicles, and was in much greater supply.

The following provides casting numbers for Ford engines applicable to classic Cougars. B9AE-B ’59-’60 352 c.i.d. ’59 332 c.i.d. C1AE-C ’61-’62 390 c.i.d. C1AE-G ’61-’62 352 & 390 c.i.d. C1AE-V ’61 390 c.i.d. Police Interceptor, High Performance, Solid Lifters, Oil Pressure Relief Valve At Rear Of Block C2AE-BC ’62 390 c.i.d. Police Interceptor, High Performance, Solid Lifters, Oil Pressure Relief Valve At Rear Of Block C2AE-BD ’62-’63 406 c.i.d. Cross Bolted Mains, Solid Lifters, Oil Pressure Relief Valve At Rear Of Block C2AE-BE ’62 390 c.