What to do with 352
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What to do with 352
So I recently was handed down a 1965 F100 that has a 352 FE in it. It currently turns on but does not drive. I’m a “speed demon” and have some ideas on what to do with the truck. I’m only 19 years old and don’t know much about the 352 or FE engine family. Is it possible to squeeze out 600+ hp out of the engine? And if so how? Or am I better off finding another engine?
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 64
Giving a 19 year old a pickup truck with 600 HP is kinda like pointing him towards a cliff about 20' ahead with a blindfold and telling him there's a real cute naked chick 50 feet straight ahead.
Now where's my coffee?
Eric
Now where's my coffee?
Eric
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 962
From: Tri Cities, TN
Welcome young man.
600 HP is a lot to ask from any cast iron block engine. And way too much for a 352, unless you have an unlimited bank account. Most big block crate engines that get to that kind of HP are in the $10,000 to $20,000 range. When I was your age I barely had enough money to buy gas. I would suggest you get it running and driving, do a lot of research, then work on performance.
600 HP is a lot to ask from any cast iron block engine. And way too much for a 352, unless you have an unlimited bank account. Most big block crate engines that get to that kind of HP are in the $10,000 to $20,000 range. When I was your age I barely had enough money to buy gas. I would suggest you get it running and driving, do a lot of research, then work on performance.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,671
Likes: 372
A basic rebuild, aftermarket intake, 4 barrel carb, and headers along with a good amount of personal effort will get you to a zippy 250ish hp for oh say 4-6 thousand...doesn't sound like a lot of hp but the truck will definitely scoot. Or have it professionally built with stroker kit, aluminum heads, bigger cam, etc and get around 500 hp...for around 10-12 thousand.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 469
Likes: 60
From: TN.
So I recently was handed down a 1965 F100 that has a 352 FE in it. It currently turns on but does not drive. I’m a “speed demon” and have some ideas on what to do with the truck. I’m only 19 years old and don’t know much about the 352 or FE engine family. Is it possible to squeeze out 600+ hp out of the engine? And if so how? Or am I better off finding another engine?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
That ol 352 FE will pull the hello out of a trailer loaded with yo 600hp racer. These ol Slicks were the beginning of the truck that would go faster than 45mph.
John
John
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,459
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From: Southern Maryland
Do you want to live past 21? Do yourself and everyone else on the road a favor and give up the "speed demon" aspiration and learn to drive safely first.
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2019
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From: Point Washington
Having been a "Speed Demon" when I was your age....
Please listen:
I'm not being condescending, just an old street rodder's observations.
The 1965 F-100 is a good old truck, but the suspension and brakes are not up to 600HP and a lead foot. You will end up in a wreck, and probably die. You may kill someone else in the process.
Look at all the YouTube videos of people fishtailing in new mustangs, and wrecking. Now, imagine a vehicle with a suspension designed 55 years ago doing that same thing, but 10 times worse.
The truck would be a great "Tow Pig" to haul your SCCA racer, drifter, or dragster, to the races. The 352 makes plenty of torque, add power disc brakes to the front, and it will work fine.
We will all be glad to help you with your old truck, but we would like you to get as old as the truck too!
I am extremely lucky I never hurt myself, or someone else, when I was 19. One of my friends was not so lucky. He killed 3 out of 5 members of a family, by hitting them head on. He spent 12 years in jail for manslaughter, then died in a single vehicle DUI crash (suicide by car) less than 6 months after he got out.
Please listen:
I'm not being condescending, just an old street rodder's observations.
The 1965 F-100 is a good old truck, but the suspension and brakes are not up to 600HP and a lead foot. You will end up in a wreck, and probably die. You may kill someone else in the process.
Look at all the YouTube videos of people fishtailing in new mustangs, and wrecking. Now, imagine a vehicle with a suspension designed 55 years ago doing that same thing, but 10 times worse.
The truck would be a great "Tow Pig" to haul your SCCA racer, drifter, or dragster, to the races. The 352 makes plenty of torque, add power disc brakes to the front, and it will work fine.
We will all be glad to help you with your old truck, but we would like you to get as old as the truck too!
I am extremely lucky I never hurt myself, or someone else, when I was 19. One of my friends was not so lucky. He killed 3 out of 5 members of a family, by hitting them head on. He spent 12 years in jail for manslaughter, then died in a single vehicle DUI crash (suicide by car) less than 6 months after he got out.
Thread Starter
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New User
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So I recently was handed down a 1965 F100 that has a 352 FE in it. It currently turns on but does not drive. I’m a “speed demon” and have some ideas on what to do with the truck. I’m only 19 years old and don’t know much about the 352 or FE engine family. Is it possible to squeeze out 600+ hp out of the engine? And if so how? Or am I better off finding another engine?
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,915
Likes: 665
From: Mariposa, Ca.
I guess I’ll have to pay up, I never welsh on a bet.
”And why must all of you associate “speed demon” with stupid, young, meat head kid.“
Well, because most of us have been that meathead in the past. And, the fact that about 95% of the time these kind of Q’s are asked by young men right in your age group.
After you’ve spent that estimated 10k on the motor, figure, Oh, say 5-7 k on suspension mods. Now you’ve got 300 bucks left for some tunes and paint.
And again, welcome to FTE.
”And why must all of you associate “speed demon” with stupid, young, meat head kid.“
Well, because most of us have been that meathead in the past. And, the fact that about 95% of the time these kind of Q’s are asked by young men right in your age group.
After you’ve spent that estimated 10k on the motor, figure, Oh, say 5-7 k on suspension mods. Now you’ve got 300 bucks left for some tunes and paint.
And again, welcome to FTE.
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if you thought I wouldn’t reply just because people wanna bash me, you were wrong. Even though they come off as harsh, I’m sure they still have loads and loads knowledge and plenty of “2 cents” to give. And I don’t blame them for their response. I understand they have families too and would encourage anybody regardless of age to be smart on the roads. But just because i like fast cars does not mean I don’t have a brain with common sense
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,915
Likes: 665
From: Mariposa, Ca.
. . .Go for it. And herein lies a problem: anyone who wants to tell you something that is contrary to your hopes, or dreams, is deemed to be “ bashing” you. That used to be simply considered imparting a bit of wisdom. There is plenty of collective knowledge here, you’ll get what you need. Here’s my advice: save up the 12-15 grand, meanwhile get your truck running and drive it. In 4 years, when you’ve accumulated your funds, see if you still feel the same. Good luck
Thread Starter
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New User
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. . .Go for it. And herein lies a problem: anyone who wants to tell you something that is contrary to your hopes, or dreams, is deemed to be “ bashing” you. That used to be simply considered imparting a bit of wisdom. There is plenty of collective knowledge here, you’ll get what you need. Here’s my advice: save up the 12-15 grand, meanwhile get your truck running and drive it. In 4 years, when you’ve accumulated your funds, see if you still feel the same. Good luck