361/391 NT performance packages
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2009
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From: oil patch
361/391 NT performance packages
Good evening, I am looking at rebuilding my 361NT in my 1970 Fire brush/service truck. I have updated and rebuilt the Allison, 408 diff, 11r 22.5 wheels. Now I would like to upgrade the anemic 183 hp motor. It has a 1405 Edebrock and HEI. I would like to be able to go up a hill. What performance package has anyone ran? I also want to upgrade the rear diff and all brakes. I am good with 3-400 HP and torque. I would like to build my motor vs a swap. If i do a swap, I would just put my body and bed on a ambulance van frame.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Take it down to the bare block. Check the bore. If it will take a .030 overbore, proceed with getting a 445 stroker kit. You'll have to consult with more serious FE stroker experts regarding a roller cam, heads, intake and compression.
There are no performance parts for an FT engine. You will be turning it into an FE.
There are no performance parts for an FT engine. You will be turning it into an FE.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2020
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The design characteristics of the FT or any truck engine are based almost entirely on the duty cycle of the engine and handling the heat loads associated with that duty cycle. The pistons are heavy and have a tall compression height that can come with 3 compression rings and or a reinforced top ring land. This helps them handle the heat loading and that's why these types of engines are rarely if ever a long stroke configuration. The same goes for the cylinder heads which have hardened seats and sodium filled exhaust valves. This is all done so that the engine can withstand long periods of high load operation without failure.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Harned, Ky
The best thing you can do and still have a heavy use work truck is put a 391 crank and rods in it
If it's just a play toy go with a complete FE using a 330 MD front timing cover
The FT's heavy duty valve train doesn't like a lot of rpm's
If it's just a play toy go with a complete FE using a 330 MD front timing cover
The FT's heavy duty valve train doesn't like a lot of rpm's
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2009
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From: oil patch
Thank you, it is an every day running service truck. I work on Fire trucks mostly. It is extremely inefficient, but a rolling billboard. I am running it at 15k and cant get out of my own way. I really prefer gas. My last resort is to move up to a Spartan Fire rescue truck with a 12.7 Detroit for less than a 7.3 Godzilla conversion.
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2009
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From: oil patch
why? What anyone else thinks, doesnt matter. I didnt ask for your opinion, please keep it to yourself. It should be inefficient and stock and worthless and a moneypit and unuseable because you think it should remain stock? Currently in its OEM style, its a death trap on todays highway. Horrible statement from you! Or maybe, something I want, update, understand, promote and is safe on todays road. HMMMM. That I am safe, productive and continue to promote this body style is what matters to me, the owner.
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ss27gogeta
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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May 12, 2014 07:37 AM
