TB 390 engine code Z
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
TB 390 engine code Z
What means TB? I thought Throttle Body, but that's not seen on many 390s :-) Brain Fart, I'm thinking ThunderBird, right? Ford actually made a factory 390 with the six-pack carb setup that was good for 400+ HP.
A 390 is readily capable of 400 HP. Use the search feature in this forum for many threads on 390 build-ups.
You might provide us a budget figure to start with part suggestions.
In general you will be looking at the following:
1. Ported or aftermarket heads
2. 4V intake and carb setup, some stock 4V intakes can get to 400 hp, but you will typically see aftermarket Aluminum.
3. Headers and true duals with about 2.5 inch plumbing
4. An appropriate cam to bring it all together
5. A hot ignition setup
A 390 is readily capable of 400 HP. Use the search feature in this forum for many threads on 390 build-ups.
You might provide us a budget figure to start with part suggestions.
In general you will be looking at the following:
1. Ported or aftermarket heads
2. 4V intake and carb setup, some stock 4V intakes can get to 400 hp, but you will typically see aftermarket Aluminum.
3. Headers and true duals with about 2.5 inch plumbing
4. An appropriate cam to bring it all together
5. A hot ignition setup
Last edited by gtex; Sep 22, 2003 at 05:26 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
I'm thinking the Tbird 390 is probably higher compression than the typical truck 390. If not, then pistons could be needed to up the CR, don't see why you would need a different crank or rods if you still wanted a 390.
I ran the Desktop Dyno at 8 CR vs the 10.5 I plan to run with the old hydraulic cam setup I was planning to run, HP dropped from 435 to 382. So I think you could get 375+ pretty easily even with a lower compression 390. Looks like about a 5% change for 1 point of CR.
I ran the Desktop Dyno at 8 CR vs the 10.5 I plan to run with the old hydraulic cam setup I was planning to run, HP dropped from 435 to 382. So I think you could get 375+ pretty easily even with a lower compression 390. Looks like about a 5% change for 1 point of CR.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
No need really to port or go aftermarket on the heads, the ones you have should have the tall low-riser style intake ports. Just clean them up, and knock off any sharp edges in the ports and bowls under the valves. Get a cam with around a high 280-mid 290 degree duration ( advertised) and a .550 inch or so lift. Your T-Bird 390 will probably need new pistons, unless it was a low mileage motor so go with flattops for a 10-10.5 to 1 comp ratio. Get headers, this is manditory, not an option. My favorite intake is the old 428PI/427 medium riser factory aluminum dual plane , there's one for sale on the FE Forum on network 54 right now for $355. This intake is every bit as good as the Edelbrock Performer RPM, but without the fitment problems I've heard about from the RPM's. Carb needs to be at least a 750. This combo will also get you in the 400 hp range.
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