All,

I've got my 69 torn down to almost nothing. I'm looking at building up the 390 or even replacing it. It never seemed to develop the power I expected.

Here are some options I am considering (going from mild to wild):

1. get higher CR pistons. a couple hundred bucks

2. #1 and the Edelbrock ALuminum heads, about $1500

3. get a Flatlander racing 390-430 stroker kit (uses 4.125" stroke crank) and Edelbrock Heads about $3000 plus

4. get a flatlander racing 428 stroker with the edelbrock heads, about 440 CI with 4.125" stroke, about $5000 (short block assembled), I like dealing with an assembled short-block.

5. Screw it, my wife starts as a hot shot lawyer in September, I want an Aluminum Genesis 427 with 4.125" stroker crank (470 CI). about $9000.


At this price level, it seems trivial to try and use some of my current equipment. But, I'd like to if possible.

I'd like to use my RPM intake and the 750 Carb. The MSD ignition will all transfer as well. And, if it seems appropriate , I'll use the Crower Cam, as it is already broke in with my valve train.

I don't want a high RPM screamer, but a good torquey truck motor that can safely spin up 5000+ when asked. A good converstaion piece and a motor that doesn't even whimper when there is a large boat behind the truck. I realize, most of you could do this for a lot less money. But, I don't feel confident in finding good used parts, nor do I know of a good FE machine shop.

With all this being said. I guess my question is, at what displacement and RPM does my 750CFM carb run out of flow?

 

Tough decisions

I am looking at doing the stroker kit also. I would look at how much you want to spend or how much you have to spend, and where you want to be when you get there. Whatever you do don't build a $6000. engine to fit a $200. carb. I am building mine specifically to race the Quarter mile and if it goes down the road then that's great.

 

I like the FE and everything, but I think you may be better off spending the $6k on a 460+ big block Ford.

Car Craft had a buildup a in their January 2002 issue (and an earlier one, too) where they spent $5500 and got 567 ft-lb @ 4000 rpm and 529 hp @ 5800 rpm.

But the FE does have a more exciting history...

 

A 750 should work great Greg for the street anyway. An 850 more than likely will give you a better E.T. but your drivability and mileage will suffer a tad bit. You already know how I feel about that cam so I won't go there.

 

If I change the engine, I 'll have to change the transmission, possibly the tranny cross-member location maybe the drive shaft length, get all new intake, carb, motor mounts and AC brackets.

And, I just like the more unique personality of an FE.

I'll probably change the cam shaft as well.

I'm leaning towards the 428 (.030 over) with 4.125" stroke that I can get from Flatlander Racing (with Ed Heads). I can also specify CR, which will be around 9.5:1

Sean, if you get a chance run it on the desktop dyno with a few of your favorite cams and let me know what you like. I'd like to get plenty of torque and early in the power band.

 

I will try and run a graph for you but the program is not going to be accurate with that cam due to the huge difference in advertised and .050 duration. What I will do is run it with the advertised duration and do a side by side comparison of the cam at .050. Then I will do the same with a cam that I like. I'll use the 343801. It may be a while before I have time to post any graphs. I think I have about ten to do.

 

No rush, it will take them 6-8 weeks to build up the short block, so I have time to get the best cam.

I have not ordered yet, and they me be out of stock, last check only showed 2 blocks available for their 428 special.