I realize this is a commonly discussed thing for ford FEs, but I need some input on what pistons and rods to purchase
Planning on a 4.125" scat crankshaft with the obvious carb, intake, and headers upgrade but I will be using stock heads. My whole goal is 400-450 hp with 9.5:1 approximate compression. I'm hoping to run 6.7" rods but what kind of pistons (I mean exactly, I know valve relief) and rods would work well with the crankshaft? I'm unsure on what kind of compression height pistons would work with .030 bored block, stock heads and the already given crankshaft and rod size specs.

any help appreciated

 

Upon further inspection, 1.76" seems to be the compression height for most pistons which I believe is stock for a 390? My biggest issue is finding proper rods to go with pistons (pin size and making sure I don't get too close on deck height etc)

 

To continue my conversation with myself, I will save myself the headache and just purchase from Barry at survival

 

I'm sure someone was going to come along and suggest that

On the other hand, it can't hurt to discuss this further. The more information, the better.

 

kit is the way to go , spend $49 on DD5 Desktop dyno 5 available on Amazon . it will help you pick the Cam,intake... it gives you a very good estimate on HP/TQ with graph.
like this

 

The wisest choice is to purchase a complete rotating assembly from Keith Craft Racing, or Barry, or your choice of a competent source which will remove the guess work.

Ford FE Kits - Craft Performance Engines


FE Stroker Kit Tech

Survival Motorsports - Machine Shop

 

I would up grade the heads to CJ size valves, big cubic inches won't matter if the heads can't flow the air.

 

Could you run one for me? Stock heads, 445 stroker kit (obviously) any run of the mill cam you'd like to enter (haven't planned out my cam yet) performer rpm intake, 750 cfm carb, headers.

 

that's a plan in the future, making due with what I can so far to make right around 400hp.

Originally planned to take considerations from Barry's kit but then decided I'd have to dig into things I'm not too educated on. Anyone want to be a pal and suggest a choppy idle cam? Comp cams specd me one but didn't seem to realize I had stock heads and gave me a cam with too much lift for them

 

sure but need more info ,
what are your plans for the truck ? toy /hauling/race truck ....
my 390 with mild cam and 10:1 came in at 402hp and 533 TQ on DD5
software is not 100% but + - 7% ish

 

if just going mild build , stick with the 390 add a roller cam and Edelbrock aluminum heads
you'll get more HP/TQ for same $$

 

what additional info you looking for? I'd be using it for all those, won't haul much might occasionally so towing really won't be a factor, would be driving it daily in the summer and would love the hp to match.
possible cam specs.

Could you highlight me on your build?

 

CAM FOR 1
what size carb are you planning CFM
Headers shortys long tube ? stock logs (hope not)
If stock heads 72cc (most common)
The more info you put into DD5 the better

my 390 details below in signature

 

on my phone currently so I can't see signature.
750 cfm with the stroker kit, 600 if i stray away from the kit. long tube headers and stock heads (69cc or 72) as of now

 

ahh
390
stock bore 10:1 cr
Lunati 62001 cam kit
Home ported heads stock valves (72cc) c8ah
performer intake
Holley 3310 750 cfm carb tried 600 and 650 engine liked 750 the best
Flotech long tube headers