Intake?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
In order to maximize the benefit of a 4 bbl, ya ought to upgrade the exhaust using headers and a true dual system using 2.25 or 2.5-inch tubing with free flowing mufflers.
After that, the low-buck way to go is an OEM cast iron (75 lbs heavy!) 4-bbl intake. The most common aftermarket intakes include the Edelbrock Performer 2105 or Edelbrock Performer RPM 7105, depending on the truck's end goal and usage.
Also consider a cam & valve spring upgrade with the 7105 and since it's blown apart already, look into replacing the timing set if the engine has relatively high mileage.
After that, the low-buck way to go is an OEM cast iron (75 lbs heavy!) 4-bbl intake. The most common aftermarket intakes include the Edelbrock Performer 2105 or Edelbrock Performer RPM 7105, depending on the truck's end goal and usage.
Also consider a cam & valve spring upgrade with the 7105 and since it's blown apart already, look into replacing the timing set if the engine has relatively high mileage.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Montgomery, IL
the you need to read HIO Silvers reply and then see what the current state of your engine is. Is it old and worn or new and fresh? How is the exhaust system? New or old, free-flowing or restricted?
All of those things need to be taken into consideration.
All of those things need to be taken into consideration.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 16
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As of now it's old, it has 515,000 miles on it. I plan on rebuilding the engine, but I don't have the money or time to do everything at once
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,217
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From: Pa.
a 4 barrel intake and carb +gaskets to put it in is about $350-$400 .. The exhaust to support could be $400 or so .. To put those things on a tired motor would not be my first choice .. Shop for a used 390 with those tings already on it and you'll be further ahead .. I don't know where you are in Fl. bot here's an example Running Ford 390 FE v8 w/ Automatic transmission
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New User
Joined: Apr 2013
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a 4 barrel intake and carb +gaskets to put it in is about $350-$400 .. The exhaust to support could be $400 or so .. To put those things on a tired motor would not be my first choice .. Shop for a used 390 with those tings already on it and you'll be further ahead .. I don't know where you are in Fl. bot here's an example Running Ford 390 FE v8 w/ Automatic transmission
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
It'll fit. . the 360 and 390 are of the same family (FE) and balanced the same. The only FE (that I know of) that is different in terms balancing is the 428FE. It'll need a pilot bushing to accommodate the trans' input shaft.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 117
From: starship enterprise
Agreed. The gains from a 4 barrel upgrade will be unnoticed. The losses will be seen at the gas pump. These engines will flow plenty of air through a 2 barrel carb if the carb is in decent shape. If the engine lacks power with a 2 barrel carb, then I am afraid that a carb isn't the primary solution.
I recommend an aluminum intake as well but these engines are very simple to build for low end torque. Find a decent 390 and put a cam in it, the factory valve train will handle .500 lift so find a cam that is .500 lift and make sure if you do that the pushrods are the correct length and you will be in good shape. The HYD. cam at .500 lift will lose a little bit in the lifter and pushrod and rocker geometry so the factory stuff will work nicely and you will have a very strong low end engine that will be an animal up to about 4000 rpm.
Do a compression check and look everything over, make sure you have good springs and gaskets and bearings and put a good new timing set in and your done. should cost around $800 respectively if you don't have to overhaul the bottom end with new pistons, rings, and all. Good luck.
I recommend an aluminum intake as well but these engines are very simple to build for low end torque. Find a decent 390 and put a cam in it, the factory valve train will handle .500 lift so find a cam that is .500 lift and make sure if you do that the pushrods are the correct length and you will be in good shape. The HYD. cam at .500 lift will lose a little bit in the lifter and pushrod and rocker geometry so the factory stuff will work nicely and you will have a very strong low end engine that will be an animal up to about 4000 rpm.
Do a compression check and look everything over, make sure you have good springs and gaskets and bearings and put a good new timing set in and your done. should cost around $800 respectively if you don't have to overhaul the bottom end with new pistons, rings, and all. Good luck.
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