390 Build-up

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May 13, 2003 | 12:54 PM

Short69

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390 Build-up

Well, I finally have the '73 390 tore down to the bare block. What I am trying to do now is get some input from people who have built this motor before as far as performance parts/options go. I am putting this in my 69 SWB 4x4. I haven't decided if I am going with the C6 tranny or if I will try to find a 5 speed. The truck will be used mainly for mild to extreme off roading. What I would like to know is what options are there for heads. I already have a Performer Intake. Any suggestions on cam. Any input would be helpfull.

Thanks

TJ

May 13, 2003 | 02:28 PM

Ds7776

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390 Build-up

I used a Crane Cams Energizer with 272/272 Adv Dur and .533/.533 lift. As far as heads go your options are really limited might just as well stick with the heads you got, you could have them milled to get more compression which usually raises it about half a piont if you got the heads that i think you do then if you mill them you would have a good 8.9 to one but i could be wrong. O r if you got the money you could buy a pair of heads from Edelbrock or buy a Ford perfoamce manual that lists all the motors that Ford made and look in junk yards for a pair of heads that suit you but your just better off with the heads you got and you could port and polish them. A 4bbl intake would be nice like the edelbrok but be sure to use a holly carb. I know that edelbrok carbs are better right out of the box but in about a years worth of use or less it becomes a piece of junk I learned this and wish inever bought that edel carb. Comp makes a few nice cams but some work has to be done to the heads for the good ones and you gotta spend more money for some extra parts that are needed for the Comp Cams. So yer probobly better off with the Cranes Cam. Just my advice!

May 13, 2003 | 03:21 PM

gtex

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390 Build-up

use the search feature. this topic has been thoroughly disscussed many times.

Sounds like you need solid low end torque for off-roading.

Performer intake- is good, swap for Performer RPM if you can. Not a big loss or gain.

Get a 600 CFM 4V carb

A mild to medium cam- Crane 343901 is popular

get some pistons with around 9.5:1 CR

Upgrade the ignition, lose the points. Go pertronix or similar.

Stay with the factory exhaust manifolds and dual 2.5" exhaust with high flow mufflers.

The next level is to upgrade to high flow heads like the Edlebrock Aluminum with CJ size valves, headers and slightly higher compression and a little more cam. I think this would be overkill in an off-road truck. unless you are talking mud-bogger :-)

May 13, 2003 | 03:26 PM

Short69

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390 Build-up

Well, I'm considering doing some mud drags but haven't decided for sure. The intake may be an RPM, I don't remember for sure (another great find, got the intake NIB still in the plastic for $100) I'll probably run the carb I have right now which is a Carter AFB. It's only 6 years old and I've had good luck with it. As for the exhaust, stock manifolds are better than going with headers? As for the heads, I think I'll just have the ones I've got reworked. I can always upgrade them at a later date. Thanks for the info.