I am new here and looking for some help. It seems each time I look for something for my 390 the part is always listed for the 460 or 428. What I want to do is build my stock two BB up. I want the right cam, Manifold and carb (4BB) I need some names and numbers. I am ready to yank the motor and put it on an engine stand and do the thing. 400hp or so would be nice. Can use some direction here. Thanks
<<<<MIKE>>>>

 

Mike,

You have an FE engine, part of a series including the 360, 390, 406, 410, 427 and 428 motors. 460/429 and 289/302/351/400 parts are usually not compatible.

There are plenty of parts for your FE engine. here are some parts often used by the guys here:

Cams-

Crower, Crane ,Comp Cams and Edelbrock.

Intake manifolds:

Edelbrock RPM intake is quite popular, as are older Factory Ford 4 barrel intakes.

Carbs- 600-750 CFM, Holley, Edelbrock, etc.....

Take alook at some of the postings in the
FE engine forum and check out some of the "signatures" (like mine below) for the guys here. You should see a variety of hardware listed. There are many built 390s in this group. They were very helpful in getting my project going.

 

It's not as E-Z as a 351W BUT there is lots of Hi Performance available for the Mighty FE, (even in JEGS and Summitt) also get the Mustang & Ford edition of Auto Trader. I'm into my 2nd major build up, and I highly recommend going for Forged Pistions, Forged Rods, stainless steel valves (use the Edelbrock alum heads, I built cast iron heads to same 428CJ specs long before these available, and am switching to them, the Edelbrock performer intake(also alum.) headers, a cam that opens more on exhaust cycle, 400hp is very e-z with these upgrades and it'll pull stumps (or rusted chevys) out of ground all day. CACWBY in WI '67 F-100 with 390FE

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 04-Mar-02 AT 01:35&nbsp;PM (EST)]Pretty much every part that is listed for a 428 will work just fine on your 390. There are only three real differences between the motors -- balance, bore and stroke. The 428 has a 4.13" bore, whereas the 390 is 4.05". The 428 has a 3.98" stroke to the 390's 3.78". And the 428 is externally balanced via the flywheel, whereas the 390 uses internal balance. In fact, it's easy to stroke a 390 to 410 cubic inches just by swapping the crankshaft and flywheel. Then bore it .080 over (if the block will take it - some won't), and you have yourself a 428.

In general, the 390 is pretty easy to "wake up." It's biggest deficiency is exhaust pressure. If you want a lot of power, start with headers and a good dual pattern cam (longer duration on the exhaust than on the intake). Comp Cams and Crower both make some great cams for the 390. Lots of companies make headers for the 390 in 67-72 trucks (Sanderson and Stan's are especially highly regarded). Of course, a dual exhaust is a no-brainer.

Once the exhaust restriction and too-mild cam have been addressed, add an aftermarket aluminum intake manifold (Edelbrock, Weiand, etc.) and carb. 600 cfm is plenty unless you're racing. Also convert to an electronic ignition. The easiest way is to use the Pertronix kit, but you can also swap your distributor for an aftermarket electronic one from Mallory, MSD, etc.

It's easy to get 400 hp from a 390 with bolt-on mods. 500 is doable but expensive, and will require a complete blueprint and balance job if you want it to last.