ive got a 1978 f150 4x4 4spd with the 400 v8 the truck is 90% original and the only problems come with the trucks elderly status it only has 172000 km on it according to the original owner. right now it has more than enough power but next summer im planning on lifting it 6.5 inches and running 35's. what im thinking for more power is an eddlebroc performer 4v intake and 600 cfm carbs a more aggressive cam some mild head work and a hotter ignition system (msd maybe?). in terms of cam shaft ive heard that a 268 degree is best for my plans. who makes a reasonably priced came what is the best cam (i want it to idle nice and have more low end than high end)? is there anything else i should consider? how much power could i expect

thanx all

 

Welcome to FTE.

Well, yeah. Start with upgrading the exhaust system. The other mods will benefit from it.

Forget the MSD ignition system unless ya want some underhood eye candy or the engine will see more than 5000 RPM on a regular basis. Otherwise, just ensure the DS II system is in good shape.

Comp Cams or Crane are the leading choices for cams.

Total output? Depends on the final combination but a free flowing exhaust system is an integral part of that equation.

 

One thing I would strongly recommend is some of Tmyer inc pistons to bump up that low compression. Other than that it sounds like your on the right path.

 

Also,,, going to 35's,,, you will notice the most difference with a re-gear,, at least 4.10's,,, and depending on your use of the truck,, 4.56's
I have 33's with the stock 3.50's and am saving to go to 4.10's,,,, the 4bbl helps,, but you need the re-gear to get things back in the rpm range for the engine,,

 

Ford retarded the cams starting in '72. Buy an early timing set (pre '71) to put in it but then again if you are doing an aftermarket cam you should be degreeing it. An early set will bring the cam back to 0 & give a considerable increase in power. Recurve the distributor. Rear gears for those big tires. As stated probably in the 4.10 range.

 

ill have to double check but im pretty sure its already got 4.10's considering @125kph it sounds like its bounceing off the readline in 4th

 

The early timing gears for the 400's are still retarded 4 degrees you would have to get a adjustable timing set like a comp 2121. I just went through all that with my 400. The FE's are the ones with the early timing sets at 0.

 

I also used the comp cams 2121 double roller timing set on mine and it worked great.

 

A comp cams 268H high energy is what I put in my '78 400 and it was a torquey beast. Depending on what goes down with my new truck I may swap one of those in it as well.

 

thanks for all the advice as far as the gearing goes im looking at 4.10's with arb lockers but im starting to doubt that my engine is stock as i accidently light the tires up shifting from second to third pulling onto the freeway a little while back feels like alot more than the 160-170 hp theese things are rated at but apparently 300+lbft of torque probly explains the tire smoke