Hey guys,

I know this question has been asked many times, and i'm sure you are all sick of it but, from the threads that i have read none of the buildups really apply to possibly what i'm looking for. I got a 1975 F250 that originally had a 360 and a manual transmission and 4.11's. It now has a '69 390 which I would like to buildup. I don't know what car it was from, I think the owner said a mustang not real sure because we both aren't working together just yet again (construction, different sites). What I want is an engine that can pull the occasional trailer (4-wheeler and bike), can withstand 4-wheeling and can beat my cousins somewhat built chevy 350 lol. (been teasing me for years, because his 350 can beat my tired f150 with a 400). I was thinking about the usual bolt ons such as 4v carb, intake, and headers. Probably a good cam. I also thought about throwing in a 428 crankshaft but don't know if it will be worth it, however if it is recommended I'll splurge and spend the money to get it. The block is bored .30 over and has from what i gather reconditioned heads with less than 2k miles on them, is thier anyway to get more performance out of stock heads? I'll have to go to the shop and get ya the numbers if you need them. Cost isn't really an issue because I care to do this right the first time and willing to save whatever amount i need. Thanks guys and sorry for the long post.

-Rooney

 

Sounds like you got a good rig. I might suggest changing to a faster rear end. With what you got you could pull a house, but not that fast. It would be much more road friendly, and easier on fuel, with faster gears. 3.54s would work pretty well. If its a 4x4 it will be expensive tho. Could use slightly taller tires to help too.
My stock 72 390 with 3.54 gears could outrun my buddies 89 cheby 350 from light to light. I also pulled a fifthwheel stock trailer with it.
Altho fun, i dont think youd gain much by adding the 428 crank and rods, unless youre planning on throwing piles of money at it. The 428 parts are expensive and hard to find.
The 390 4brl, cam, headders, should run pretty hard, and still pull your trailer when you need to.

Tony Warren
Nebraska

 

I forgot to add, the reason why i got 4.11's still is because i intend to put on 36x14.50 tires, probably super swampers, parnelli jones or something along those lines. Thanks for your help

Rooney

 

If you got the stock '69 heads you can port the top of the exhaust and smooth out those hideous bumps quite a bit. The exhaust are curved more than the older heads and you can take out this curve easily due to the lack of the water jacket in the end.

 

Ok heres what I've been thinking and not sure if it will work, but heres some ideas from what the other members have recieved:

Holley 670cfm Carb Truck Avenger
Weiand Stealth
Crane Cams 343901
Felpro Gaskets
Sterling Pistons?
HiVol Oilpump
I'm partial to Hedmen headers
I will see how much it is to get the heads worked on, I live in Cheyenne, Wy so i don't know if we even have a decent machine shop anymore, my dad use to know a couple owners but they don't have their shops anymore.
I was thinking about going to a crane ignition system. The truck currently has been converted to an electronic ignition system (sorry if you like ford stock ignition system, but i think it sucks, too many boxes have went out for me, could just be the ding dong setting it up too lol )

Thanks guys,

Rooney