390 engine build?
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Junior User
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390 engine build?
I just wanted to get some of your guys feedback on what I am planning on doing to my 390.
crane cam- 343941
crane adjustable rocker arms-34772-16
summit lifters
hooker competition headers
edelbrock performer intake manifold
holley 600 street performance vac sec. carb
dsc push rods
I do not know what kind of pistons yet and what kind of valve springs. Is it worth porting my heads. Any input will be great.
crane cam- 343941
crane adjustable rocker arms-34772-16
summit lifters
hooker competition headers
edelbrock performer intake manifold
holley 600 street performance vac sec. carb
dsc push rods
I do not know what kind of pistons yet and what kind of valve springs. Is it worth porting my heads. Any input will be great.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
You have an excellent start. I recommend you:
1. Step up to the Performer RPM or Blue Thunder intake. They flow better.
2. Use replacement 360 pistons or L2291 forged pistons.
3. Use the Crane recommended valve springs. #96801
4. Definately port your heads! FE heads respond exceptionally well to porting. Depending on the year of your heads, you may have to enlarge the intake port openings to match the size of the intake manifold ports so as to not cause a flow restriction.
5. Use a .020" head gasket. You'll get more compression, AND less chance of detonation.
1. Step up to the Performer RPM or Blue Thunder intake. They flow better.
2. Use replacement 360 pistons or L2291 forged pistons.
3. Use the Crane recommended valve springs. #96801
4. Definately port your heads! FE heads respond exceptionally well to porting. Depending on the year of your heads, you may have to enlarge the intake port openings to match the size of the intake manifold ports so as to not cause a flow restriction.
5. Use a .020" head gasket. You'll get more compression, AND less chance of detonation.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
First take a look at my other thread: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=427321
Ok now a quick history lesson. 360 pistons are high compression 390 4V pistons. Ford was too lazy to make decent pistons for the 360, so they used 390 4V pistons and called it good. There are a few different types of 390 pistons, most with a dish of varying size. Some are particularly bad, and sit down the hole quite a bit and give astonishingly low compression. It's easiest to just specify 360 pistons. Impossible to screw up and get the wrong thing that way.
360 pistons get the piston real close to the deck at TDC, providing good quench. This gives you the most powerful and efficient 390 you can get.
Now go back and read my other thread. Understand?
Ok now a quick history lesson. 360 pistons are high compression 390 4V pistons. Ford was too lazy to make decent pistons for the 360, so they used 390 4V pistons and called it good. There are a few different types of 390 pistons, most with a dish of varying size. Some are particularly bad, and sit down the hole quite a bit and give astonishingly low compression. It's easiest to just specify 360 pistons. Impossible to screw up and get the wrong thing that way.
360 pistons get the piston real close to the deck at TDC, providing good quench. This gives you the most powerful and efficient 390 you can get.
Now go back and read my other thread. Understand?
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Junior User
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that was a good article so with all that in mind I want 360 pistons and flat-top pistons right? So which pistons would these pistons be. I have to admit some of this article went right over my head but I think I got this jist of it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
360 pistons are flat top and they have 4 valve reliefs. They still count as a flat top though. Go down to Napa or another auto parts store and check prices for replacement 360 pistons. The morons at most auto parts stores will ask for the type of vehicle. Tell 'em it's a 1973 F100 with a 360.
Some part numbers are:
Silvolite 1131 - add an "h" to the end for hypereutectic, so you'd have 1131h
TRW L2291F - follow the F by the oversize, in thousandths. So for .030" oversize bores you'd have L2291F30. These are forged pistons, and as such cost a bit more.
The L2291's are the ones I'd get. Summit number TRW-L2291F (tack on the oversize). I mean, just look at these beauties!
Some part numbers are:
Silvolite 1131 - add an "h" to the end for hypereutectic, so you'd have 1131h
TRW L2291F - follow the F by the oversize, in thousandths. So for .030" oversize bores you'd have L2291F30. These are forged pistons, and as such cost a bit more.
The L2291's are the ones I'd get. Summit number TRW-L2291F (tack on the oversize). I mean, just look at these beauties!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,235
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easy there rusty!! don't go getting too excited and having a heart attack on us!!! LOL
i know how shiny new motor parts can get the blood flowing!!! LMAO all kidding aside, those are good pistons, very tough and unless you're doing some serious hardcore stuff and shooting a ton of nitrous to 'em they'll be perfect.. JMO
i know how shiny new motor parts can get the blood flowing!!! LMAO all kidding aside, those are good pistons, very tough and unless you're doing some serious hardcore stuff and shooting a ton of nitrous to 'em they'll be perfect.. JMO
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360, 390, 4v, build, compression, engine, ford, high, history, maintenance, motor, performance, piston, pistons, size, street, troubleshooting
