390 cam recommendations
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: North Dakota
390 cam recommendations
I am currently in the process of removing the engine from my 1974 Ford F-100 w/ 390 to repair the rear seal. As long as I have the engine out I plan on making some minor modifications/upgrades to it. I would like to replace the cam with a more of a performance cam. Currently I have a edelbrock performer 750cfm carb, performer intake, headers, and dual exhaust. I was thinking about the edelbrock performer plus cam as an option, but not sure. I don't really want to replace the valve springs as new heads were just installed a couple of years ago. Basically, what I am looking for is a cam that will work good with my current setup without having to change my springs. Any recommendations appreciated. Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
Those truck motors had low compression, especially if a Fel-Pro head gasket was used.
I recommend the Crane 343971. If you pull the heads and put a good head gasket on, like the .020" thick Mr. Gasket, you'll get your factory compression ratio back. Then I recommend the Crane 343901. The 901 might be pushing it a bit with those valve springs though.
Then you've got the whole issue of the non-adjustable valvetrain. Be sure to check lifter preload if you get a new cam.
If you really wanted to do it up right, you could get higher compression pistons and the whole works, but that would cost $$$.
I recommend the Crane 343971. If you pull the heads and put a good head gasket on, like the .020" thick Mr. Gasket, you'll get your factory compression ratio back. Then I recommend the Crane 343901. The 901 might be pushing it a bit with those valve springs though.
Then you've got the whole issue of the non-adjustable valvetrain. Be sure to check lifter preload if you get a new cam.
If you really wanted to do it up right, you could get higher compression pistons and the whole works, but that would cost $$$.
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I just fired my 390 top end rebuild and wow do I love the lope and sound of my Comp cam Summit #cca-33-224-3. She really ,really sounds good boy and It has just enough lope to make someone ask what's she got!!! yet enough vacume to run my power brakes. if ya really want I can send ya a sound bit as I also just added headers and new exhaust into new 40 series flows and turn downs!!! DJ
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From: North Dakota
Yes that would be great, I would love to hear what it sounds like. I just bought the 268H from summit. I am in the process of installing it and completing my rebuild. Do you have the flat top pistons or are you running the stock ones? Whats it got for power? Any other add ons or performance mods besides the headers?
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Just all new rods and springs,lifters. I ported and polished the heads my self so I am not really sure as to the gain as a professional job may produce more/?? DJ
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Hey DJ53 I would really like to hear a sound byte of your motor with that 268H cam. I had order that cam over at Auto Zone and I was about to put it in when I had talk to a guy who had installed a Comp cam and he told me it went flat it the first 5 minutes of the engine break-in. So I started reseaching Comp Cams on the internet and had found several post about Comp Cams and lobes going flat. Hell I was at a loss so I returned it and put the stock cam back in.
This is a new but only a temporary motor for the winter while I build something with higher horsepower. I too am running headers, 3" pipe and 40 series flowmasters. I have an old elelbrock streetmaster manifold with a new edel 1406. I am looking for the lope sound you were talking about. If the 268H has got it and I dont have to change anything else I want it.
Send me a sound byte please.
Thanks
This is a new but only a temporary motor for the winter while I build something with higher horsepower. I too am running headers, 3" pipe and 40 series flowmasters. I have an old elelbrock streetmaster manifold with a new edel 1406. I am looking for the lope sound you were talking about. If the 268H has got it and I dont have to change anything else I want it.
Send me a sound byte please.
Thanks
Last edited by 73fordf-100; Jan 11, 2006 at 01:47 AM. Reason: spelling
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Well we just did about 50 minutes of break in last night and I hope no worn lobes. although I did hear that as well about the lobes!!. maybe not enough experience here to heed the warning and go with something else.Immediatly after the first start we went to about 1500-1700 and let her run a bit maybe 10 mins but I had to shut her down quick as i lost oil pressure, why?? well old dumnb azz me forgot to put the gasket between the pump and the motor in the build.so I replaced it anyway with a high volume pump. by the way does anyone know how much oil pressure these high volume put out as my oil pressure gauge says 100lbs. anyway I really tried to protect that cam in breakin.
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