390FE build up
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Boise, ID
390FE build up
I have a 390FE and I want to build it and make more power. I'm not very familiar with these kinda motors and I have had a little trouble finding parts. Can you stroke the 390? What is the most power that the 390 has made without forced induction? Sorry for the newb like questions but I have to find out somehow... Ideas on what to do to the 390?
Thanks
Jake
Thanks
Jake
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
Well if you stroke it, it's not a 390 anymore! So this means, you can pretty much get as much power as you want. You know the sayings: Cubic dollars, and you wanna play you gotta pay!
Anyway, there are 4.25" stroker cranks to make a 445. There is a wide selection of heads available, intakes, etc and so on.
We've quoted so many builds on here it's not even funny. So I want you to think about what YOU want to do with it! Then come back and we can help point you in the right direction to round up the parts to make it happen.
Anyway, there are 4.25" stroker cranks to make a 445. There is a wide selection of heads available, intakes, etc and so on.
We've quoted so many builds on here it's not even funny. So I want you to think about what YOU want to do with it! Then come back and we can help point you in the right direction to round up the parts to make it happen.
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Elder User
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From: Boise, ID
Originally Posted by Thomasm67
Go to DCSMotorsports they deal with ford engines and parts yes you can stroke a 390 by using a 428 crank you can buy most of your parts from them.
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From: Mesquite, Texas
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Boise, ID
I have an intake and carb already on my truck. I am going tog et a 428 crank. What i am not sure about is pistons and rods and what to bore my block out to. I also need help on what kind of cam and heads to get! please any help and advice would be greatly appreciated! Price really isnt that big of an option i dont want to spend to much but i want the best in my pickup! thanks Jake
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Nebraska
Pistons will depend on how much over your standard bore is since mine is already .40 over were taking additional .20 to clean up the walls. dscmotorsports sells 428 cranks for $450 which is a good buy compared to what i've seen sold elsewhere. I'm going with Hbeams rods cause i'm just bulletproofing it now instead of later.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Charlotte
There are a ton of folks here that constantly give good advice and know what the heck they are talking about. (eg Bear 45/70; Krewat, etc. many many more)
Plan what you want it to do, then come back, like previously said. The easiest way to get power off a stocker is to add a 4 barrel and headers. If you are rebuilding, I say build for torque. Trucks need ton's of torque in everyday situations. Just my 2 cents
Plan what you want it to do, then come back, like previously said. The easiest way to get power off a stocker is to add a 4 barrel and headers. If you are rebuilding, I say build for torque. Trucks need ton's of torque in everyday situations. Just my 2 cents
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 960
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From: Spring Texas
Ok guys. I am a cheap bastward and I do not want to waste my money buy I want the best bang for the buck. I have a 66 T-bird with a Z390 rated at 315HP from the factory. I do not want to have to pull the engine and rebuild since it is already a good engine and has plenty of life. I think I may pull he heads and have them rebuilt for unleaded gas and a little more umph. I can add headers and I am open to a better intake, carb and anything bolt on including port and polish the heads while they are out. Let me know what is the best way to get serious HP out of the engine on lets say a $2000 budget and that is till going to get me in the doghouse with my wife. Ed 
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 422
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From: S.C. North Dakota
i would say not much more can be done with stock heads other than smooth out ports n polish and a 3 angle valve job if so inclined , few different intakes to pick from , mild to wild. carbs ,,, depending on what cfm you want and how fast you want it to suck gas . maybe go to a electronic ignition but then its not stock looking
New User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: sheridan wyoming
hey someone corect me if i'm wrong but don't you need to also get 410 or 428 flywheel when using 428 crank because they are externally balanced and the 390 is internally balanced???? just wondering
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
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From: SW Michigan
390 to 410 or 428, balance
Wyo, no, you don't need a 410/428 flywheel. BUT, you are correct that the balance is differant on the 3.98 stroke engines than the 3.78 390. You can use the 410/428 'wheel, OR you can have you 390 'wheel balanced to match the 410/428's needs, OR you can have the whole rotating assembly balanced internally. I like the internal balance best, that way if you need to change flywheels at a later time, you have no interchangability problems. DF
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Nebraska
The only downside to having that 428 crank internally balanced is it is very costly i'm stroking out mine but just having the 390 Flywheel balanced i saved $115 on buying a set of heads down at a swap meet last weekend only cost me $50 for them but it will cost me to have the valves taken out to CJ size 2.09 and 1.65 and harden seats put in.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Charlotte
I had a 66 LTD with a z code 390. I would say you could give it a lot of umph for 2k! LOL. I would start out with a Edelbrock RPM intake ($300) and shave off 50 lbs difference from the iron one. Then throw some headers (FPA headers at DSC $500) and check your rear gear in the differential (go to a 3.54 LS). Just my 2 cents. You could also do a bigger carb, but if it has the Autolite 4100, that should do just fine IMO