What FE mod has impressed you?
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Originally posted by CACWBY
how about the 428CJ windage tray?
I bought one and my engine builder said wasn't possible to use with H Beam Rods.
I'm still curious about MSD type ignition adders. Currently running Mallory unilite Distributor with Pertronix Ignitor II guts, Mallory Coil, Jacobs wires. I see that Mallory makes the HyFire, and I'm not sure if this is same as all the others (kind of seems like from reading Summit descriptions), has anyone used the Mallory HyFire?
how about the 428CJ windage tray?
I bought one and my engine builder said wasn't possible to use with H Beam Rods.
I'm still curious about MSD type ignition adders. Currently running Mallory unilite Distributor with Pertronix Ignitor II guts, Mallory Coil, Jacobs wires. I see that Mallory makes the HyFire, and I'm not sure if this is same as all the others (kind of seems like from reading Summit descriptions), has anyone used the Mallory HyFire?
I am running a Mallory Hyfire ignition in my 76 F-150 390. I think it is a lot like the MSD units, either brand is good.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
This is an excellent thread!
I have several mods, but I think my 390 has benefited the most from the following:
1. A Griffin Aluminum 1 1/4" tube radiator. Really keeps the 390 cool!
2. With that modification also included a new dual 27" flex-a-lite radiator fan setup. Works super "sweet". The variable speed control operates the fan from 60% - 100% (which is rated at 4600 cfm max). Slight fab work needed, but nothing very difficult. The really fun part about this mod...looking into the engine compartment and not seeing the old style fan shroud.
3. Edelbrock Performer Series: manifold, 600 cfm carb, time chain, cam, lifters, and water pump.
4. FlowMaster exhaust: Single 3" pipe with a 70 Series Big Block® II muffler. Less noise, but trademark sound!
5. Jacobs electronic ignition system. This works EXTREMELY well and I highly recommend it.
Also Jacobs 8.5mm wires are used.
6. Optima yellow top deep cycle battery.
7. A K&N XStream® Air Flow Top filter combined with a 14" x 3" K&N air filter.
Thanks for this thread...hope it keeps growing!
I have several mods, but I think my 390 has benefited the most from the following:
1. A Griffin Aluminum 1 1/4" tube radiator. Really keeps the 390 cool!
2. With that modification also included a new dual 27" flex-a-lite radiator fan setup. Works super "sweet". The variable speed control operates the fan from 60% - 100% (which is rated at 4600 cfm max). Slight fab work needed, but nothing very difficult. The really fun part about this mod...looking into the engine compartment and not seeing the old style fan shroud.
3. Edelbrock Performer Series: manifold, 600 cfm carb, time chain, cam, lifters, and water pump.
4. FlowMaster exhaust: Single 3" pipe with a 70 Series Big Block® II muffler. Less noise, but trademark sound!
5. Jacobs electronic ignition system. This works EXTREMELY well and I highly recommend it.
Also Jacobs 8.5mm wires are used.6. Optima yellow top deep cycle battery.
7. A K&N XStream® Air Flow Top filter combined with a 14" x 3" K&N air filter.
Thanks for this thread...hope it keeps growing!
Last edited by biz4two; Nov 21, 2003 at 11:40 PM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
FE mods
The mod that made the biggest differance for the dollars spent was to change my ignition system. I had been running the original point system that the truck came with. Switching to a combination of jacob and Duraspark and Chrysler parts gives that' holy crap' experience that AK mentioned. It used to be that my truck would need the choke pulled out to start in cold weather. Then you idled in place for at least 5 minutes before you could even move. I had thought this was my own fault from my welding the exhaust crossover shut in the ex ports. After the swap to the Jacobs system, no choke to start, no need to idle to warm up. It goes like a scalded ape, even stone cold. The jacobs setup runs at about 8 amps ( points are 2 1/2 ) and the plugs are gaped at 080. I'm convinced that ignition power is the key, maybe more important that anything else you do. At least if you live anywhere it gets cold in the winter. I'm in Michigan, and we recorded -42 in deer camp last year. DF
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
Needing info on Jacobs? Here it is:
http://www.jacobselectronics.com/Default.htm
Best thing...It really works!
http://www.jacobselectronics.com/Default.htm
Best thing...It really works!
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
1. Dynomax jet-hot coated (inside and out) headers
2. Electronic ignition of just about any kind (pertronix is a good cheap way, even better with a Mallory or MSD box combined).
3. Using the Right Stuff Gasket Maker instead of the Cork/rubber type end seals on the intake manifold.
4. Adjustable rockerarms, Roller type ones would be even nicer but $$$.
5. 3.50 or 3.70 gears, 3.25 are ok and they now make custom ratios like 3.30, 3.40 and so on.
6. Aluminum valve covers, they don't leak like the stock stamped steel type and yes I know to not overtorque the stock or any type for that matter rule.
7. I am also contemplating the use of synthetic oil in almost everything like rear end, tranny, engine (after it is broken in well), any tips or advice on this one?
2. Electronic ignition of just about any kind (pertronix is a good cheap way, even better with a Mallory or MSD box combined).
3. Using the Right Stuff Gasket Maker instead of the Cork/rubber type end seals on the intake manifold.
4. Adjustable rockerarms, Roller type ones would be even nicer but $$$.
5. 3.50 or 3.70 gears, 3.25 are ok and they now make custom ratios like 3.30, 3.40 and so on.
6. Aluminum valve covers, they don't leak like the stock stamped steel type and yes I know to not overtorque the stock or any type for that matter rule.
7. I am also contemplating the use of synthetic oil in almost everything like rear end, tranny, engine (after it is broken in well), any tips or advice on this one?
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,888
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
i think when i chnaged from a stock 2 barrell on my 390 to a 4 barrell it made a lot of difference with the exception of watching the gas gauge go down, i have headers on the way i have heard they help a lot maybe 30hp, next is an electronic ignition, thanks for all the tips guys keep them coming.
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