Originally Posted by abyars111

I completely agree if the cash is available go the 445 route. And as 1972RedNeck pointed out if your engine needs everything worked over it's often just a few $100 to get you to a 445. And for a work truck the 445 is boss. Remember this thread was started with a working/towing truck in mind. That means low compression and low RPM usage.

I'm on a tight budget, yes that's a laugh when dealing with FE's. For my purposes Edelbrock heads are way better than I'll ever need. This is a daily driven worktruck/tow rig so the engine will need torque from 1500-3500 rpm. 10:1 compression won't work well in July towing a a camper through the hills on a 6 hour drive to the beach. Not to mention the crap gas I may encounter in a small town along the way.

I've already got a good set of D2T heads rebuilt by Barry R., these had a chipped valve cover rail so he fixed them a gave me a good deal. They are perfect for my use. I have a used Performer intake. I ran upon a deal on 4 Motorcraft 4100 carbs so I traded with a guy that went through one and converted it to elec. choke, he kept the other complete carb and the two parts carbs. I found a 428 crank that had been turned 0.10/0.10 for $300, it's ready to drop in. I picked up 2 sets of factory non-adjustable rocker arms. Between those 2 sets and my set already on the truck I should be able to have 1 good set.

My engine has the 410 pistons and still shows the cross-hatch in the bore using a borescope. I know the cylinders could be egg shaped when mic'd. Until the engine is disassembled and everything checked I'm planning on using the 428 crank, my 390 rods and maybe the existing 410 pistons. If the cylinders need boring, rods need help, etc. then I'll defiantly consider the 445 route. I really want know for sure until it's torn apart. My machine shop will help me weigh the cost.

The 002 Lunati cam looks like a perfect match for a 410 and the 003 would be great in a 445. Those extra cubes make good use of the duration.

Also as much as I'd like to have a 445 they do use a good bit more gas day to day than a 410. I only tow a few times a year so I'm not too keen on adding that extra gas expense to the weekly grind.

That's my thoughts for what it's worth.

Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck

How are you going to get the compression down using stock 410 pistons?

As for mileage, I saw no difference when I swapped from my 352 to my 416 - they both use a LOT of gas.

With the 410, you also have to factor in the cost of having a flywheel balanced.

One reason my 416 build was a little spendy was the fact that the only pistons I could find to get me low enough compression were forged Probe pistons and we all know that forged = $$$ compared to cast.

I'm not trying to talk you out of building a 410 as I love mine.

Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck

Another update. As much as I love Cummins power, I still can't bring myself to ditch the FE. I've been building a little fund lately for the a set of heads, intake, carb, and camshaft. Since I am going to have to lay out almost $3,000 as it is, I got to wondering about a roller camshaft.

I like the looks of the Lunati 20330710LK.

What gains would there be, if any, over this last run with the roller cam?

Originally Posted by abyars111

Have you made any progress on your engine upgrades?

Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck

Nope. Being a farmer, I run short on time in the summer. Come winter I will have enough free time.