Who was wrong?

 

I was!
Yah, it really doesn't matter anyways, few bucks here or there is no big deal when I am working on my Ford. I just want it back on the road so I can enjoy it. I hate when any of my 4 ford trucks are out of commission.

 

Mudbuggin Adam, a stroker engine would be great. There was a nice 390 featured in Street Rodder awhile back that had the 4.125 crank dropped in. It made a nice 520 lbs-ft of torque. Compare that to the 400 or so the 390 will give you. But it will cost you. You'll have to deciede if it is worth the money to you. A healthy 390 might be more than enough. At any rate, if you DO go with a stroker of some kind,stay away from a place called 'Flatlander's' . One of our men here purchased from them and had a bunch of trouble. I wish I was up where you are, all of my snow has been gone for weeks. It is in the '70s during the day, and all of the trails are nothing but mud. I much prefer the cold and snow. DF, @ his Dad's house

 

Finally got the price on the stroker kit.....maybe next year. Crank is $1020, con. rods are $450, pistons are $475 rings are $130 plus there are bearings. That comes out to $2100. I don't need torque that bad right now. I think my original plan that Rusty approved of will work just fine. I should be able to pull an 8000lb load including trailer with out too much trouble, don't you think?
Parts are coming soon can hardly wait!!

 

Have you thought about aluminum heads from Edelbrock? You could probably buy 2 of these cj heads, a front disc brake kit (if you need one) and some urethane front end bushings, in lieu of the crank. Just food for thought....

 

I am having the heads ported and polished to match the application of the rest of the build. No I don't want to buy new heads, the motor I'm using for the build is very strong just needs more torque.
I have not even thought of a disc brake conversion but is a good idea. I am not sure though where in Canada I can track one down.

 

That stroker kit price seems high to me. I had Flatlander design and build my stroker. As DF mentioned, it was a a nightmare. terrible service, took almost 4 months to build. They have a decent web-site and prices. you could probably order your stuff from them and assemble it yourself and be OK. I just don't reccomend letting them do any work.

Remember, you can use Ford 428 crank to stroke a 390/360 as well, and save a lot of money.

 

I just got offered a Hotshot contract for this old truck..... pretty funny!

I was quoting Can$$ Gtex so minus 20% or so. I looked at Keith Craft and a few other stroker companies on line and it works out the same.

A 428 needs to be balanced externally though doesn't it? I did think that road but got to wondering if all the parts I ordered would work. I want to save some money so I want to assemble this myself (minus head work). That is why I will just leave it a 390.
If I knew more about swapping cranks I would probably look at it but I have only done mild builds. Driveway type scenario... don't pull motor just change everything in the vehicle and try to be as clean as I can!!
Can you explain the steps I would need to do to drop a 428 crank in a 390? Do I need to change my rods and pistons(stock 360 for 9.5 comp)? Is it a pain to install a harmonic balancer if that is what I need?
Gtex you and Rusty are the 2 most evil men I have ever had the PLEASURE of conversing with! My wife is going crazy listening to me recite your new ideas because I can't settle on one plan.
I have my funds pretty much exhausted now unless work picks up a bit. What I have going will work well but like you a bit more torque will help, especially if I sign this hotshot contract.

 

Hey gtex, since you have torn your whole truck apart, and I just took out my whole front
end today, one of my I-beams is slightly bent. Do you know, if any, the tolerances are for
the front suspension. - I mean are those I beams supposed to be perfectly straight?

 

You can and should have the 428 balanced internally, just as you wuold any sroker build. But, youcould get by using a 428 flex-plate or flywheel. That's where they are balanced in stock form.

As for the supension, I'm not much help. If you think you're aligment adjustments can compensate, I might be tempted to try it.

 

discman- I have not ever seen a straight I-beam. They all have some bend or angle to them.

 

Do you guys think I should buy a new oil pump and water pump? Motor never overheats and when cold, oil is showing 2/3 to 3/4 on guage and when warm around 1/2 on guage.
I have it apart so just wondering. What about fuel pump? I am getting a new filter.

 

I would always put a new water pump on a new motor. For the oil pump, you can inspect it and if it's in good condition it's probably ok to use. A new fuel pump would probably not be a bad idea, since if they go out gas gets into the oil. Fuel pumps cost around $20 at Napa, so you're not exactly breaking the bank...

 

I put a new high volume water pump on mine, but its still on the engine stand, I wouldnt put old parts on a new motor either. Waterpump could last 10 weeks or 10
years. I went with a high volume oil pump, but it's probably overkill.

 

Dino, what Hot Rod article had the 390 with 4.125" stroker? I would like to read up on it. 525# torque sounds sweet.

Torque Junkie..........Carl=o&o>....