390?????
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
No, the pistons are stamped as to their original usage. A lot of later 390's had the lower compression height 410 pistons to lower the compression ratio. With that cam, you'll want good high compression. The 1.776" compression height early 390 and all year 360 pistons would be the ones to use.
Are you using stock heads or aftermarket? If stock, look for some heads off a 360. They'll make more compression so the cam will be happy.
And yes, it should rattle plenty of windows.
Are you using stock heads or aftermarket? If stock, look for some heads off a 360. They'll make more compression so the cam will be happy.
And yes, it should rattle plenty of windows.
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville Texas
Originally Posted by 1970Custom
Whats a good cam for this engine(390)??? It'll be somewhat of a driver, alot of drag racing, it'll have a standard behind it, head work is a must, good intake, and exhaust. I'm not woried about smooth idle, i'm a person who can sacrifice comfort for performance, and the only vaccume will be brakes and carb...Have I missed anything?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
Thread Starter
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,568
Likes: 1
From: Middleton, ID
Originally Posted by rusty70f100
No, the pistons are stamped as to their original usage. A lot of later 390's had the lower compression height 410 pistons to lower the compression ratio. With that cam, you'll want good high compression. The 1.776" compression height early 390 and all year 360 pistons would be the ones to use.
Are you using stock heads or aftermarket? If stock, look for some heads off a 360. They'll make more compression so the cam will be happy.
Are you using stock heads or aftermarket? If stock, look for some heads off a 360. They'll make more compression so the cam will be happy.
Are these engines sleaveable??? Because it's got some nasty depressions in the cylinders and I'm not sure if it'll bore out big enough
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
Technically any engine is sleevable. However, it costs a lot (I think). I'd just go to the junkyard and buy an old 360. That way you'll get lots of good parts, heads, and most importantly a good block. I got one for $35. Cant beat that! 
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
On a stock FE, the rockers at each end of each shaft are only supported on one side. This makes them prone to breakage when used with high lift cams. An end stand is a rocker shaft stand that holds the end of the rocker shaft down. Thus, end stand!
Thread Starter
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,568
Likes: 1
From: Middleton, ID
Originally Posted by rusty70f100
Are you opposed to valve adjustment on a regular basis? There are some excellent solid lifter cams that are available. Also, are you opposed to spending $$$ on a roller cam setup?
With headwork, with ported stock heads and about 10.5:1 compression, here are my recommendations:
Hydraulic flat tappet: Crane 343941
Solid flat tappet: Crane 344361
Hydraulic roller: Crane 349521
Solid Roller: Crane 348801
Of all of the above, I recommend the Crane 348801. On DD2k it makes the most hp with a great torque curve. Any bigger in the crane solid roller line, you dont gain any hp and lose torque. Get some good flowing heads and that would change, though. Edit: MAKE SURE you beef up your valvetrain if you're going to use this cam, as it has .739" lift!!!!!
With headwork, with ported stock heads and about 10.5:1 compression, here are my recommendations:
Hydraulic flat tappet: Crane 343941
Solid flat tappet: Crane 344361
Hydraulic roller: Crane 349521
Solid Roller: Crane 348801
Of all of the above, I recommend the Crane 348801. On DD2k it makes the most hp with a great torque curve. Any bigger in the crane solid roller line, you dont gain any hp and lose torque. Get some good flowing heads and that would change, though. Edit: MAKE SURE you beef up your valvetrain if you're going to use this cam, as it has .739" lift!!!!!
HELP?????
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Originally Posted by 1970Custom
I'm pretty sure it's a 390; the casting #s say it's out of a 67 Merc.
Just trying to find a good combonation for street and strip.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
With the Crane Energizer I listed in a 68 Merc Monterey's ( 2 dr. 4200 lbs) still std bore 390 with C8AE-H heads, stock 10.25 to 1 pistons, 428PI intake, 750 Holley, FPA headers, and a C-6 , 3.70 rear, this combo runs mid 14's in the quarter.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
Originally Posted by baddad457
With the Crane Energizer I listed in a 68 Merc Monterey's ( 2 dr. 4200 lbs) still std bore 390 with C8AE-H heads, stock 10.25 to 1 pistons, 428PI intake, 750 Holley, FPA headers, and a C-6 , 3.70 rear, this combo runs mid 14's in the quarter.
That's pretty impressive for a 4200lb car! Especially with stock heads and a reasonably mild cam! I guess it launches pretty good, no?
Surprises the **** out of the local rice crowd too 
Hopefully tomorrow, I'll be in possesion of one disassembled medium riser 427 to take it's place.