I am getting ready to yank the 360 thats in my truck to do a little work. Planned replacement is cam and lifters(Crane 266 duration 5.13 lift) pushrods, valve springs, timing chain, and HV oil pump. I plan on cleaning the engine like it was being rebuilt(not hot tank, just major degreasing). The engine does not need rebuilt, it just doesn't get driven much and has developed a flat lifter. So I am taking the opportunity to do some other things while I am in there.
When the engine goes back in, I will be adding headers and 2 1/2" dual exhaust(now has manifolds and single exhaust) and an iron 4 barrel intake with holley carb.
This will be my first time inside an FE engine so I am looking for any pointers, suggestions etc.

One thing I would like to know is upgrading the distributor to electronic. I have a self serve junk yard near by to scavenge from, so if anyone has done this before, I would appreciate the knowledge of what was done to convert(what years/parts needed, wiring diagram, etc.)
I am not a blubbering idiot when it comes to engines. I am a Mopar guy and just don't have much Ford experience(except owning and maintaining this truck for the last 10+ years). I am sold on this FE, it is the best engine I have ever had.
The truck is a 67 F100 4x4
Thanks in advance.
Brian

 

Converting it to a 390 is cakework if you want some cheap torque. We can tell you how. Make sure and do the oiling mods as described in other posts. They are very simple and help out the oiling system a lot. It sounds like you are looking for a good daily driver so the cam you chose is a good bit bigger than stock but will give you just as good drivability. I would recommend going with a dual pattern though as it will give overall better performance with the FE.

 

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-16-03 AT 12:45 PM (EST)]Brian,
Just some simple pointers you were probably goind to do anyway:
1. Just be careful unbolting those shaft mounted rocker arms. I've heard they're easy to warp if you unbolt them unevenly. Heck,
you're a Mopar guy, so you've probaby dealt with them before. I would also label each pushrod and make sure it goes back in the same spot.
2. I converted my stock distributor to a Mallory Unilite. Lots of list members like the Petronix conversion too (both run $60-80).
You can also snag a stock Ford electronic distributor (Duraspark). I believe there's a write-up on this site about this.
3. People here are quite opinionated about headers. I'm running the coated Dynomax headers. I had to drop my starter, and then reinstall it AS I installed the PS header, but I figured it was worth it (just having three hands would have helped). Some people are vehement in their hatred of headers. Not sure what's available for your 4wd.
4. I'm running the Crane 260 cam in my 360. Nice bumpstick.
5. Might replace your rear-main seal while you're in there.
6. Replace your oilpump pickup tube/screen w/ a new one, and replace the oil pump drive-shaft too.

Good luck,
Ohio Bill