390FE build help
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
390FE build help
I'm new to the forum and also big block V-8's. I have a 72 highboy with a 390 and a 4speed. Stock except for a set of headers and 2 1/2 inch exhaust system that was already on the truck. I'm not lookin for anything crazy, just around 350-400hp out of the stock bottom end if that's possible? I was thinkin a Holley 750, a cam ( no idea what one ) and a set of 428cj heads?? Any help would be appreciated!!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Go to this link and scroll down to the Engine section for links to FE builds
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post13139591
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post13139591
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
....They'll never find the bodies.
Below is a cutaway image from Survival's page: FE Stroker Kit Tech
With intake and exhaust improvements and a decent cam, 400 HP is doable with a stock bottom end.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
In all honestly I can easily get those heads. I have a friend who is big into Shelby's ( has two 69 GT-500's ). And so what size cam tho?? If I went with the edlebrock vs. Stock (ported) ??
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 891
Likes: 0
From: Mayfield, KY
Best bet is to call cam mfg and discuss with a tech. They can tell you exactly what you need to get desired horsepower and what components they recommend.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 1
From: peru kansas
unless someone put a 390 in there if i'm not mistaken (i have seen the argument hundreds of times) they never put a 390 in a factory highboy they only came with a 360 and this changes things majorly for you when it comes to cam selection the only way to verify what motor you possibly have (other than full tear down which no one really wants to do) is to measure the stroke remove a spark plug and using small dowel rod rotate motor to TDC and make a mark on dowel rod then rotate to BTDC make another mark and measure it 3.5" is a 360..... 3.73" is a 390 (edit 3.78" is correct)
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
Smoken is Smokin right. 4X4's Never got 390's. And the dowel trick. Or remove the oil pan. Look at the crank's counterweights. If they are square cut it's a 360. If they are taper cut it's a 390. I've seen a car mag article years ago where they took a JY t-bird 390 and got their goal of 400 HP. I want to say they spent $4000 but they are a car mag. They were probably comped the parts and the List price that nobody really pays is probably what was listed. I saved the article. If I remember when I get home I'll dig it out.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 676
Likes: 0
From: Glendale, AZ
Follow the build in my signature. This is a common cam choice along with the Comp 270H cam. If I were to run the Felony heads; I'd probably gain 20-30HP. I have $400.00 of bowl work and gasket matching done to my Factory C8 heads. I love the mechanical sound of the Comp 270S and it's a proven cam. You could substitute an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake which may give you a few more ponies. JMHO
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
Likes: 10
From: **** hole San Jose ca.
unless someone put a 390 in there if i'm not mistaken (i have seen the argument hundreds of times) they never put a 390 in a factory highboy they only came with a 360 and this changes things majorly for you when it comes to cam selection the only way to verify what motor you possibly have (other than full tear down which no one really wants to do) is to measure the stroke remove a spark plug and using small dowel rod rotate motor to TDC and make a mark on dowel rod then rotate to BTDC make another mark and measure it 3.5" is a 360..... 3.73" is a 390
Just remove #4 spark plug and insert your dowel as note above with a dowel or a rod as #4 is sitting at the bottom of the stroke.
orich
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 370
From: PHX AZ
unless someone put a 390 in there if i'm not mistaken (i have seen the argument hundreds of times) they never put a 390 in a factory highboy they only came with a 360 and this changes things majorly for you when it comes to cam selection the only way to verify what motor you possibly have (other than full tear down which no one really wants to do) is to measure the stroke remove a spark plug and using small dowel rod rotate motor to TDC and make a mark on dowel rod then rotate to BTDC make another mark and measure it 3.5" is a 360..... 3.73" is a 390
One can always tell the diff by looking at end of crankshaft also.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
blue76
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
15
May 3, 2017 08:08 PM
ovaknike1
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
May 25, 2016 12:41 PM