Sorry for the cross-post - figured this might be better suited here in the engine forum.

Hello - new to the forums and to the FE's!

I will be picking up my "new" Ranger tomorrow (1970 F100, 360, C6, 2wd, LWB). There are two engine items that require immediate attention based on my inspection:

Exhaust leaking at pass side manifold (read a bunch of threads - apparently a common issue), so I'm not looking forward to removing those exhaust bolts!

Massive oil leak, appears to be from the intake manifold. Also apparently a common issue. The good news is that there's not even any surface rust on the front half of the frame.

Sooo, since I'm going to be pulling some things apart, naturally I want to do more work than necessary and throw more money away. This is obviously a slippery slope, as these light upgrades can easily turn into big upgrades. I need to draw a line somewhere....

I don't intend to go full tilt on a rebuild right now, the engine runs great and seems to be well maintained, so the 390 conversion will have to wait a while (pending results of leakdown/compression tests I plan to do soon).

This will be a weekend driver only. May be doing some light towing, but mostly a fun truck to cruise around town...so looking for some performance on 87 octane.

I don't like buying parts twice, so everything I do I want to be well suited for the 390 conversion later on if possible.

This leads me to several questions - please feel free to answer one or many or all!

1) are there any gaskets that are better than others for the intake manifold that will end the steady flow of oil these things seem to spew?

2) I am wanting to convert to a 4bbl. This means an intake (which - OE or aftermarket?)

3) .....and a carb (which brand and what cfm?) Seems like 650 is the right number and would work with the 390 too?

4) .....and is now the time to do a cam (knowing it won't work for the 390) and lifters etc...or is the gain not worth it until the 390?

5) since I'm pulling exhaust manifolds, I am going to go the headers route. I am aware of the starter heat issue, so I may try to find a heat shroud for the starter (and will probably replace the starter while I'm down there). Is there a type/brand of starter that's better than others?

6) .....and for the headers, I am going with shorties (for the starter clearance)...looking at Stan's Tri-Y or Sanderson's based on what I've seen on the FE forum...any recent feedback on either of those for our trucks, or other similar suggestions?

7) I will also be doing a dual exhaust system...is there any guide line on scavenging, X/H pipe location, mufflers, that will help sort out the exhaust layout? Oh I'm sure this will open a can of worms!

8 ) I will also do the Duraspark conversion. Does it matter if it's Duraspark or Duraspark II?

Lots of questions, I've spent a lot of time researching but it's a lot to sort out - thanks in advance!

 

I'll take a shot at a few of these since no one else has, I'm no expert but can offer my personal experience and advice...remember, its worth what you paid for it . I bought a rebuilt 360 from a moderator here, has an "rv cam" a factory 4 bbl intake and a Holley 650 carb and he had performed the oil mods on it. While its no fire breather, it makes good power and torque and runs like a top. My passenger side exhaust leaked as well, I got lucky and didnt break any bolts, sounded like a new truck instead of a tractor after the new gasket.
The manifold is something you could swap over to your 390 so theres nothing wrong with replacing that, I have the factory one and other than being heavy, it works fine. They can be had for $35-50 if you look around, maybe less. The aluminum ones are pretty and dress up your engine compartment and they have the benefit of being light but arent really superior to the factory manifold unless you are building a fire breather IMO.
A 650cfm carb sounds about right, I have a Holley and like it, others prefer Edelbrock.
I have duraspark I , no problems with it. If I were you, I would just try to get the leaks stopped, oil and exhaust and save all my upgrades for the 390 you mentioned, I might replace the intake and carb since you are going to take that off anyhow but without knowing the condition of your engine I wouldnt do too much too it. If its tired, theres no use to spend a lot of time and money on the top end only to have the bottom let loose.

 

Thanks for your advice - I've pretty well decided to do the HEI, manifold, carb, headers, and dual exhaust and call it good. Was about to get into cams, timing chain, and a whole bunch more but I still need to add A/C (going aftermarket for ease) before summer so I don't want to use up my fun money all at once.

 

Hi Todd, That sounds about right to me. The popular and recommended, I don't have it yet, intake manifold is the Edlebrock RPM Performer, I believe. It'll work well with the 360 and of course the 390 or 410, since you'll be changing cranks anyway why not think big
Good luck,
Bart