2v or 4v, that is the question
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New User
Joined: Jun 2007
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2v or 4v, that is the question
I have a 1972 F250 with an aging 360 two barrel. I just purchased a 1969 390 from the local wrecking yard and got them to throw in a 1966 FE four barrel manifold. I am planning to rebuild the 390 using a "RV" cam, but will be using stock exhaust headers. My question is; is it worth the trouble to use the four barrel instead of the stock two barrel? I am really interested in towing and torque issues and not acceleration from a dead stop. I do however love a high torque engine and get-up-and-go when passing on two lane highways. Truck is stock and has a C-6 tranny. I will probably being reconnecting the dealer installed AC next year. Anybody have experience with this conversion?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by redneckone
I have a 1972 F250 with an aging 360 two barrel. I just purchased a 1969 390 from the local wrecking yard and got them to throw in a 1966 FE four barrel manifold. I am planning to rebuild the 390 using a "RV" cam, but will be using stock exhaust headers. My question is; is it worth the trouble to use the four barrel instead of the stock two barrel? I am really interested in towing and torque issues and not acceleration from a dead stop. I do however love a high torque engine and get-up-and-go when passing on two lane highways. Truck is stock and has a C-6 tranny. I will probably being reconnecting the dealer installed AC next year. Anybody have experience with this conversion?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
redneckone Welcome to FTE and the bumpside forum
My 2 cents worth, The cast iron intakes are considered worthless by a large majority, the only none exotic one to use has a raised S on the intake. If your budget allows find an entry alum. after market intake. The Edelbrock Performer intake is a highly used one. Keep the new 4 barrel as small as you can.
Spend the time researching and come up with a towing engine. The 390 is extremely powerful as engines go, a little cam is all that is needed. Stay away from long tube headers. The towing makes the engine run a little hotter and long tubes make a starter killer. The only way to replace the starter is to remove the header, a real PITA.
My 66 has a FE 352, C6 auto, 3.00 rears. It will not lite up the tires but pulls strong. I would look at an overdrive tranny to mate up behind it too.
All IMHO
John
My 2 cents worth, The cast iron intakes are considered worthless by a large majority, the only none exotic one to use has a raised S on the intake. If your budget allows find an entry alum. after market intake. The Edelbrock Performer intake is a highly used one. Keep the new 4 barrel as small as you can.
Spend the time researching and come up with a towing engine. The 390 is extremely powerful as engines go, a little cam is all that is needed. Stay away from long tube headers. The towing makes the engine run a little hotter and long tubes make a starter killer. The only way to replace the starter is to remove the header, a real PITA.
My 66 has a FE 352, C6 auto, 3.00 rears. It will not lite up the tires but pulls strong. I would look at an overdrive tranny to mate up behind it too.
All IMHO
John