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Old Mar 7, 2005 | 06:33 PM
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360 build

I have a nice running 390 in my pickup right now that has alot of oil leaks. I plan on replacing all the gaskets in this pickup.

I also have a 360 out of a '75 F250 high boy. I would like to build this motor for a back up motor to my current 390.

I would like to get 300-350hp out of this motor, maybe a little more if possible.

Right now the 360 has a valve out of it, according to the guy I bought the '75 from, I have never run this motor and he bought the pickup new and said it was the original motor and has never been touched.

I will be bolting it up to a T-18 tranny.

I would like to build this on a pretty tight budget, if possible. So where should I start?
 
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Old Mar 7, 2005 | 08:37 PM
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I'd just do a simple rebuild. Keep the stock cam, rocker setup, and pushrods. Keep all the valvetrain components in order, since the stock setup is non-adjustable. Overbore .030" and get appropriately oversize pistons, bearings, gaskets, etc.

It's really hard to hop up a 360 due to it's extremely low compression ratio. Basically, you need custom pistons. If it's just to run the truck while the 390 is out, then rebuild it stock, it'll work just fine until you get your 390 sealed up. Expect about 250hp with headers and a 4 barrel carb.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2005 | 01:51 PM
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I want to upgrade my ignition from the points it has now. What is the most cost effective solution for doing this? I will probably get an Edelbrock Performer intake, and undecided on my carb yet. I already have headers. Will the distributor swap between the 360 and 390?
 
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Old Mar 8, 2005 | 02:15 PM
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Yep, the distributor will swap right over. Honestly, I dont think any of the aftermarket systems are worth buying over a good set of points. The key word there is "good." Go to Napa and specify you want a set of Blue Streak points. By far they work the best.

For the carb, I'd recommend a Holley 600cfm vacuum secondary.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2005 | 06:27 PM
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I like the Pertronix Ignitor Electronic ignition conversion personally. Rusty is right though, no electronic ignition (on a stock engine) will work any better than a good set of properly adjusted points. But why hassle with periodic adjustments? For 75 bucks you can pretty much just set it and forget it. Never worry about dwell again. Especially on a stock engine, where you probably don't wan't to spend to much time under the hood.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2005 | 07:15 PM
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I think right now I will just go ahead and rebuild my 390, so it is ready for my completely re-did pickup (67 F100 shortbox, converted to 4x4, 4.10 gears, 36" tires).

What should I expect to spend to get 350-400hp and some good torque out of this engine? I've never put together an FE before, so I am new to these engines.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2005 | 08:30 PM
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If put together right, 350hp is not unheard of for a 390. A good porting job on the heads and good compression is key though. Then you can expect around 400hp, depending on various things like compression, head flow, camshaft selection, etc.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2005 | 12:11 PM
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Costs depend on the condition of your parts and how much machine work is required. If you do the rebuild assembly, then you are saving right there. I would put away about $2000-$2500 for the project and adjust your needs accordingly.

--Mike
 
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Old Mar 9, 2005 | 12:45 PM
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Ya I will do the assembly myself. I can get the machine cost done by a buddy afer hours in his shop for next near to nothing. So it should just cost me the price of the parts. What pistons, cam, etc should I use?
 
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