Which heads for max torque?
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 286
Likes: 32
Which heads for max torque?
I am starting to plan for a rebuild of the 390 in my 72 F250. I use the truck for towing an old mustang to car shows. It sees lots of highway miles and has a 3.54 rear end and C6. It will never be raced or see high RPMs.
Today its not much of a hill climber. I lose alot of speed on hills.
Which FE heads should I use to get max torque from idle to highway cruising speeds? My suspicion is that its not necessary to drop the $$ for aftermarket aluminum heads. It would probably be better to spend money on a stroker kit.
Any thoughts?
What kind of torque can I expect?
Today its not much of a hill climber. I lose alot of speed on hills.
Which FE heads should I use to get max torque from idle to highway cruising speeds? My suspicion is that its not necessary to drop the $$ for aftermarket aluminum heads. It would probably be better to spend money on a stroker kit.
Any thoughts?
What kind of torque can I expect?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
My suggestion would be to rebuild the stock heads. If you have the tools and feel comfortable doing it, polish the chambers yourself. It's not too difficult, there's some tech articles out there on it. Otherwise have someone go through 'em for you. Get hard valve seats if they don't have it already. New valve springs (make sure you match the cam).
I'd consult the cam techs to find a good grind. Something like the Crane 343941 or 343801 would likely be your best bet. If you want to get a bit more umph from it, consider hunting down a 428 crankshaft.
There's a lotta good archived info on the boards though. I really suggest you search the boards a little and do some research on the motor here. Also, find a good machinist that knows FE's to balance and blueprint the engine -- do a search on oiling mods too, very important (in my opinion) information there.
A mild rebuild on a 390 will make plenty of power. A mild rebuild on a 410 (390 w/ 428 crankshaft) will make a little more. A good dual-pattern cam and headers will make all the difference in the world, as will swapping out to a good aluminum 4-bbl intake and carb.
Hope that helps a bit.
I'd consult the cam techs to find a good grind. Something like the Crane 343941 or 343801 would likely be your best bet. If you want to get a bit more umph from it, consider hunting down a 428 crankshaft.
There's a lotta good archived info on the boards though. I really suggest you search the boards a little and do some research on the motor here. Also, find a good machinist that knows FE's to balance and blueprint the engine -- do a search on oiling mods too, very important (in my opinion) information there.
A mild rebuild on a 390 will make plenty of power. A mild rebuild on a 410 (390 w/ 428 crankshaft) will make a little more. A good dual-pattern cam and headers will make all the difference in the world, as will swapping out to a good aluminum 4-bbl intake and carb.
Hope that helps a bit.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
a 390 is Torquey motor. in the 400+ lb-ft range even stock.
have you considred a gear change. Some 3.73s or 4.10s ought to help put you in the sweet spot for towing.
I don't think you need to be to picky about which heads to use. Just get a good match between your heads, intake, carb, compression ratio and cam and a good flowing exhaust.
have you considred a gear change. Some 3.73s or 4.10s ought to help put you in the sweet spot for towing.
I don't think you need to be to picky about which heads to use. Just get a good match between your heads, intake, carb, compression ratio and cam and a good flowing exhaust.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
I'm gonna suggest an edelbrock performer intake, a holley 600cfm vacuum secondary, a Crane 343901 cam, and Silvolite 1130 pistons. I'd run the stock heads without even porting 'em. I would add headers and dual exhaust though.
I'd use 3.73 gears in it. That'll help with towing. Unless you're on the interstate going 75 a lot, then I'd stick with the 3.54's.
I'd use 3.73 gears in it. That'll help with towing. Unless you're on the interstate going 75 a lot, then I'd stick with the 3.54's.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: East TN.
i would stay away from porting the heads. especially the chambers, if you dont know what youre doing you could really mess things up. the more you open the ports and runners the farther up in the rpm range you move your power band.
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