Daily driver engine questions???
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Junior User
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Daily driver engine questions???
The 390 in my F100(2wd,lwb,3spd) has some pretty bad blow by. Have another good running 390 I'll be swapping in. For a semi-daily driver what would be a good setup? I have factory 2 and 4bbl intakes and a Holley 600. Or should I consider another? Was thinking of a new mild cam also if I go with the 4bbl.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
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From: Vale, NC
I suppose some of that depends on your goals and fuel budget. If you only daily drive about 10 miles a day then you can go a little more crazy. But if you have to drive 50 miles a day, every day, then the budget might dictate a different plan. A 4bbl won't do much to your fuel mileage as long as you stay out of the secondaries.... but staying out of the secondaries is a temptation hard to overcome for some - especially with a new cam and some headers. Just my .02
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: El Dorado, Arkansas
A carbureted 390 is only going to get about 10-12 MPG.
If the truck will be your daily driver, and you are going to have to swap out engines anyway, you may consider going to either a 302 or a 351W. With either of these, coupling them to a modern Ford overdrive (an overdrive transmission built within the last 25 years), will give you the flexibility to still be able to pull heavy loads AND to get decent highway milage with lowered engine RPMs, while keeping a decent set of gears in the rear end (such as 3.50 or 3.70 ratio).
If the truck will be your daily driver, and you are going to have to swap out engines anyway, you may consider going to either a 302 or a 351W. With either of these, coupling them to a modern Ford overdrive (an overdrive transmission built within the last 25 years), will give you the flexibility to still be able to pull heavy loads AND to get decent highway milage with lowered engine RPMs, while keeping a decent set of gears in the rear end (such as 3.50 or 3.70 ratio).
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Junior User
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No interest in another type of engine for this truck, 390 is it. I have a Crown Vic for long distance if need be. Also this truck is very original and unmolested for the most part, has the T85 OD trans with 3:50 gearing.
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
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From: Vale, NC
Can't really answer for the 390. I have a 2 bbl on my 302 and it performs just fine for a DD. Sufficient power and smooth idle and easy starts.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: El Dorado, Arkansas
If it's a daily driver and you're swapping engine size for engine size and, increasing the 'breathing' capabilities of the engine, then it's going to burn more fuel. To produce more power, it means the engine will have to consume more fuel.
I'm not clear if the object of the daily driver is to be one that's on the side of performance or, if the object is to be more on the side of better fuel efficiency?
I'm not clear if the object of the daily driver is to be one that's on the side of performance or, if the object is to be more on the side of better fuel efficiency?
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
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From: Phoenix, Az.
In that case I would keep the 2nd 390 just as it is. Stock. But I'd throw on a set of headers while you're installing it. Dual 2 1/2" exhaust pipes. And high flow mufflers of your taste. Open element air cleaner. 4V air cleaners fit on Autolite 2V's. And while you're rebuilding the Autolite 2V install a pair of jets in it that are 2 sizes bigger. When you make an engine breath better and easier you have to richen up the mixture a tad.
(3:50 rear gears)
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Modern five-speed? Do it. Here's how the story goes.....
Reverend HIO Silver: " Do you Ford FE take Miss TKO-500 to be your worthy transmission? Do you promise to deliver torque and horsepower?"
Ford FE: "I Do"
Reverend HIO Silver: "Do you Miss TKO-500 take Ford FE to be your worthy engine? Do you promise to provide five forward gears, more miles per gallon in overdrive at 2000 RPM, and smoky, billowing burnouts?"
Miss TKO-500: "Sure do"
Reverend HIO Silver: "May I have the bellhousing bolts please"
Reverend HIO Silver: "I am happy to present Mr. & Mrs. FE-powered TKO-500"
____________________________________________
Off to the honeymoon...
___________________________________________
Ford FE: "I Do"
Reverend HIO Silver: "Do you Miss TKO-500 take Ford FE to be your worthy engine? Do you promise to provide five forward gears, more miles per gallon in overdrive at 2000 RPM, and smoky, billowing burnouts?"
Miss TKO-500: "Sure do"
Reverend HIO Silver: "May I have the bellhousing bolts please"
Reverend HIO Silver: "I am happy to present Mr. & Mrs. FE-powered TKO-500"
____________________________________________
Off to the honeymoon...
___________________________________________
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