I just got a 76' F-150 stock with a 360, I want to upgrade 2 a bigger carb and new intake manifold and I'm not sure what too go with. I want a four barrel and I would like some feedback on what carbs and manifolds you or people you know have gotten good results out of.

Feedback is greatly appreciated, Thank you

 

Welcome to FTE

Lets put this down in the engine forum, these guys are pretty good and will give you good advice

 

alright, thank you Rob

 

I'd start by swapping in a 390 crank & rods to wake that 360 up and then i would look into a 4bbl/intake change and a set of headers.

 

I don't want to do a rebuild right now, maybe later on down the road when i have the time and a place to do it, for now I just want to know a good carb and intake manifold that would b good for my 360, but thanks for the pointer

 

Solid info here, and a p-ing contest for entertainment.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...e-choices.html

The FE suffers from poor exhaust manifolds, so you should consider the exhaust side as well. Good headers aren't cheap, so shop around.

As for the 360, it will only come up so far due to low compression.

Without a teardown, the only other thing to consider after the intake/exhaust is checking your timing set and replacing it with a pre-smog "straight up" set, vs. the retarded cam timing sets used with smog motors after '72 or so.

 

Thanks, i was already planning on replacing the headers. What are the benefits of the pre-smog "straight up" timing set as apposed to the smog set that came with it?

 

Retarded cam timing reduces cylinder pressure, reducing Nox emissions. It also robs low end power and reduces fuel economy.

Google 'retarded cam timing' and find many hits, including a lot on the 351m/400 engines, which also suffered the change. (almost every engine did, but some get talked about more than others)

Retarded Cam Timing

 

A couple of things off the top of my head:

1) 4bbl stock iron intake, or Edelbrock Performer RPM (or just the base performer if you can get it cheap enough) with a 600cfm 4bbl Holley.

2) Swap out the timing set (timing chain and gears) for a pre-1972 360 set, or any year 390 set. The 360s from 1972 and up were setup with the cam timing way retarted (or advanced, I keep forgetting) and it made it a DOG compared to the earlier years. This was for emissions. It shouldn't be too expensive to get a timing cover gasket set (gasket and seal) and a timing set. Just a bit of work, and make sure you get the timing marks aligned right. After that, retime the ignition timing.

3) Headers, even shorties. If you can, find long-tube headers for your chassis type.

4) Delving even deeper into things, a 390 crank and rods swap using your stock 360 pistons. This will bump the compression a bit, but the extra stroke and compression will DEFINITELY make a big difference.

ON EDIT: Thanks 85e150six4mtod for bringing up the cam timing

 

I am doing the same mods on a F100 beef up on a 360 (farm truck / daily driver). Edelbrock 390 intake, 600 cfm Holley, new complete gasket set. I am all done, back in the truck, buttoned up and ready to turn the key less one item. Headers or manifold. I got a set of used headers with the engine, long tube. Where do I see the benefit with the headers? 2,000 rpm? 3,000, 4,000, . . . ?

I am at the decision point, put 16 bolts in and call it a night which is much less work OR cutting and welding flanges under a greasy farm truck. I guess I am hoping to hear compelling evidence from the pro header crowd.

 

WAG: 2500 up, especially with your mods. Certainly whenever the secondaries in the carb open up.

Look at the stock manifolds. Kinda crowded in there, don'tchyathink?

 

I suggest you take up another hobby, like drugs, or gambling. They are less expensive and less addictive!

As stated above, Performer RPM manifold, smaller vacuum secondary Holley, and a set of headers and good flowing mufflers. Timing set is easy and cheap too. Without a teardown, there isn't much else can be done. When I did my first FE, I was amazed at the difference a manifold, carb, and headers made.

When it comes time to do a rebuild, there are many choices available to make good usable gains without breaking the bank.

-Scouder

 

Didn't the smog era 390's after '72 have retarded cam timing as well?

 

I've only heard of the 360's having it, and if you look at a part catalog, like Napaonline.com, you'll see 390 timing sets are for all years with one part number (at least, the late 60's into the 70's), and the 360 sets are divided into two part numbers. Pre 1972, and 1972 and up.

So, looks like ONLY the 360 had the retarded set (no pun intended)

 

Interesting, i thought the 360 and 390 both were afflicted with retarded timing sets post '72, thanks for the info.