Budget 390
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From: St. Libory
Budget 390
Hey guys, I'm looking to build a strong 390 for my old 69 F-250. Right now it is bone stock (2bbl, logs, etc). I'd like to put a 4bbl on it, headers, a cam similar to the 941, and some head work. I'd like to keep this as cheap as possible, but I also want to put the hurt on alot the Chevy and ricer boys in my town.
Now, one quick question since I'm browsing around.
Right now I'm looking at engine kits on Northern's website and the 390 car and truck kits both have "recessed head pistons" (dished?), and the 360 kit has flattops and better cam choices (Comp instead of Federal Mogul). I guess I'm wondering if I could get the 360 kit since it has flattops, or if that will put my compression too high for pump gas. The 360 kit is also the cheapest. I don't see any pistion specs on their site, but maybe someone will have them and could help me out.
TIA,
Jake
Now, one quick question since I'm browsing around.
Right now I'm looking at engine kits on Northern's website and the 390 car and truck kits both have "recessed head pistons" (dished?), and the 360 kit has flattops and better cam choices (Comp instead of Federal Mogul). I guess I'm wondering if I could get the 360 kit since it has flattops, or if that will put my compression too high for pump gas. The 360 kit is also the cheapest. I don't see any pistion specs on their site, but maybe someone will have them and could help me out.
TIA,
Jake
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From: St. Libory
I guess I should add that I'm not planning on any happy juice or anything like that, so stock parts would work. Could a person just use 390 crank and rods with 360 pistons and still have like suitable compression for pump gas?
Barry, you have a PM.
Jake
Barry, you have a PM.
Jake
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I used the 360 pistons in my build. A stock 360 flattop piston will usually put you in the 9.5 - 10 to 1 range, depending on head cc's, head gasket used, block decking, etc. My build put the pistons about .012 below the deck. I used the Mr. Gasket steel shim head gaskets and D2 heads. I think that's about the cheapest way to get a decent compression ratio on a truck 390. Don't kid yourself though...there is no cheap build 390. It's addictive...first you get the flatop pistons....then you want to port and polish the heads....you go big enough on the cam that you've got to at least change valve springs....then it's an adjustable rocker assembly....and it never ends....LOL.
Good Luck!
Tracy
Good Luck!
Tracy
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From: Long Island USA
Tracy, thanks for the input! 9.5-10 is pretty middle-of-the-road.
I used the forged TRW L2291 flat-tops. I topped out at around 11:1 according to my machinist.
After taking it apart, while scrapping the highboy, I found that when I had a massive intake leak, all that oil caked up on the pistons. No wonder I had a heck of a time with pinging. I don't think there was any "deck" left after all the crud built up on the pistons
I used the forged TRW L2291 flat-tops. I topped out at around 11:1 according to my machinist.
After taking it apart, while scrapping the highboy, I found that when I had a massive intake leak, all that oil caked up on the pistons. No wonder I had a heck of a time with pinging. I don't think there was any "deck" left after all the crud built up on the pistons
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From: NE Ga
ya i rebuilt my 360, wasn't happy with no power so i put a 390 crank and rods in with the 360 pistons which were silvolite 1130's with a crane 941...what a wakeup!
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Silvolite also offers cast flat tops for the 390. $84 a set thru Summit Racing. They also see Crane's 272 degree Energizer cam that works well with those pistons and C8/D2 heads. The cam and lifters sell for $125. But after all that, I still wouldn't bet on an F-250 in a race with a lighter vehicle. That huge Dana 70 rear and beefed up suspension adds a lot of weight you don't need for drag racing.
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From: St. Libory
That huge Dana 70 rear and beefed up suspension adds a lot of weight you don't need for drag racing.
It's addictive...first you get the flatop pistons....then you want to port and polish the heads....you go big enough on the cam that you've got to at least change valve springs....then it's an adjustable rocker assembly....and it never ends....LOL.
Thanks guys,
Jake
Oh yea.......it's either this or a 350 ***** and find something to drop it in.......and I'm tired of the way every 350 ever built sounds!!!!!!
Last edited by jseim44; Aug 22, 2006 at 09:20 PM.
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Originally Posted by jseim44
Oh yea.......it's either this or a 350 ***** and find something to drop it in.......and I'm tired of the way every 350 ever built sounds!!!!!!
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From: St. Libory
Now, if I could find a decent Ford Motor Co. product in my price range, then I'd rebuild it with whatever I see fit (302, 351, 460 - you get it). However, I'm not having much luck. Bottom line is - I have to have something since this is for a class at school. I'm also a senior in high school, so I'm supposed to be saving for college. Don't get me wrong, I'm keeping the 69 forever, and someday it will be restored, but I just don't have the $$$ right now.
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From: south louisiana
Why do we have to price everything? Your fingers broke? 
Like I posted earlier, pistons, $84, cam $125 add to that a Performer RPM intake (what? $300? ) Headers,carb, rings, bearings, gaskets. Do the math. You're in school, you ought to be able to figure that part out. Just don't bet on the F250 in a race. It ain't a race vehicle, but more like a race car hauler.
Like I posted earlier, pistons, $84, cam $125 add to that a Performer RPM intake (what? $300? ) Headers,carb, rings, bearings, gaskets. Do the math. You're in school, you ought to be able to figure that part out. Just don't bet on the F250 in a race. It ain't a race vehicle, but more like a race car hauler.
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From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Originally Posted by baddad457
Why do we have to price everything? Your fingers broke? Like I posted earlier, pistons, $84, cam $125 add to that a Performer RPM intake (what? $300? ) Headers,carb, rings, bearings, gaskets. Do the math. You're in school, you ought to be able to figure that part out. Just don't bet on the F250 in a race. It ain't a race vehicle, but more like a race car hauler.
Like I posted earlier, pistons, $84, cam $125 add to that a Performer RPM intake (what? $300? ) Headers,carb, rings, bearings, gaskets. Do the math. You're in school, you ought to be able to figure that part out. Just don't bet on the F250 in a race. It ain't a race vehicle, but more like a race car hauler.Russ
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From: St. Libory
Why do we have to price everything? Your fingers broke? Like I posted earlier, pistons, $84, cam $125 add to that a Performer RPM intake (what? $300? ) Headers,carb, rings, bearings, gaskets. Do the math. You're in school, you ought to be able to figure that part out. Just don't bet on the F250 in a race. It ain't a race vehicle, but more like a race car hauler.
Like I posted earlier, pistons, $84, cam $125 add to that a Performer RPM intake (what? $300? ) Headers,carb, rings, bearings, gaskets. Do the math. You're in school, you ought to be able to figure that part out. Just don't bet on the F250 in a race. It ain't a race vehicle, but more like a race car hauler.
Last edited by jseim44; Aug 23, 2006 at 10:21 AM.