390 carb question

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Jan 29, 2005 | 10:33 PM

Billy4416

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From: North Carolina

390 carb question

What's the smallest 4v carb that can be used on a stock 390? Just curious.

Jan 29, 2005 | 10:44 PM

rusty70f100

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From: Iowa

I think Holley makes a 390cfm carb. Why go small? Looking for gas mileage?

Jeg$ has 'em for $288.

Jan 29, 2005 | 11:23 PM

fordloverf2501970

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From: burlington, iowa

whats a good 2 barrel carb for a 390. i got my tax check in hand and want to go with a new carb. holly ? edlebrock ? motorcraft ? what cfm is best. what carb ?

Jan 29, 2005 | 11:30 PM

Billy4416

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From: North Carolina

I am currently running a 600 Holley. The truck is not used for any real heavy towing or any off-road activities, just for going to work and back, and sometimes a weekend trip. I am getting about 11 mpg. I have thought about trying a 390 carb. I know not to expect any miracles on gas milage when it comes to FE's, but would like a little improvement. BTW is has fresh wires, plugs, etc. and is running very good, so I know no tune-up is needed.

Jan 29, 2005 | 11:33 PM

fordloverf2501970

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From: burlington, iowa

i currently running a wore out piece of crap autolite. it is killing my brand new 390. i gotta put some kinda carb besides this one

Jan 30, 2005 | 01:43 AM

highboy 74

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If you are looking for a new 2bbl. I would go with the holley 500 cfm. This is a really nice 2bbl carb over the motorcrafts JMHO.

Jan 30, 2005 | 12:09 PM

rusty70f100

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From: Iowa

Billy, you might try advancing your timing a few degrees. If it doesn't ping, you're good to go!

Also give your tires a little more inflation, drive slower, accelerate slower, all that in addition to the carb.

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Feb 1, 2005 | 08:11 AM

Six Niner

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From: East TN.

Quote:

Originally Posted by highboy 74

If you are looking for a new 2bbl. I would go with the holley 500 cfm. This is a really nice 2bbl carb over the motorcrafts JMHO.

you would probably get worse gas mileage with the 500 cfm 2v than a 600cfm 4v. if mileage is what youre after anyway. the primaries on the 4v are smaller or go with a smaller cfm 2v.

Feb 1, 2005 | 04:37 PM

#10

rusty70f100

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From: Iowa

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arrow201

How much more can one advance the timing on a stock fe (360) while improving power and performance?

p.s. I realize this is not the topic of the thread, but I have been wondering this for a while.

Most people run 10 - 15 degrees BTDC initial, but you have to adjust it to your particular engine.