I want to boost my old fe engine and then put a 390 in after after I work out the kinks. I was thinking a holset turbo off a 5.9 cummins but I am sure there are better options for gas engine. I will try and find a used blow thru carb and possibly an intercooler. Also wondering if a boost referenced 1 to 1 fuel pressure regulator would be the way to go. Any tips or suggestions would be great. Thanks.

 

You will not gain fuel economy with a turbo on a gas engine. The air/fuel needs to be about 14.7 : 1, and you will have to run richer than that to keep it alive. 360s (and truck 390s) have sunken pistons, and I'm pretty sure you will be pinging away under much boost.

The pistons are cast, and as you say, it's an old engine.

IMO, save yourself a lot of trouble and start getting 390, 410 or 445 parts in order, and build a NA motor that will give you smooth reliable 300+ HP for many miles.

FE does not stand for "Fuel Economy".

You are not the first:

This doesn't go anywhere, but look at post 3 and his subsequent posts:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...-a-390-fe.html


He finished it, but the thread is too old, no pics. Some details at the end, so scroll on:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-finished.html

http://www.theturboforums.com/


Most FE turbo threads go nowhere sorry to say.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/810684-turbo.html

 

Not sure where fuel economy came into effect here. Cast pistons are fine for turbo applications as long as lower boost and proper tune. Is there a tight squish with these pistons ? If compression ratio is low there should be less chance of ping. This is just a low buck experiment . Water injection should help with detonation as well. Thanks for the links.

 

360 pistons .100 to maybe .120 down the hole, 390 about .100 in pickup applications. Car motors, .010 to .030.

 

I will drop some solder down a hole and see what it is

 

I have decided to go with propane and a turbo off of a 7.3 diesel. I was worried about valve seats getting pounded out but I can deal with that.