I worry about you and Mike - most GM people are used to using 1/4" and 3/8" socket sets, while most ford truck people use 1/2" and 3/4" sets. You sure you got tools strong enough for our vintage of trucks?

It is sort of like trying to use a fine set of jeweler's or watchmaker's tools when you really need a 5 pound sledge and a big chisel.

Ford used masive cast iron heads and intake manifolds to pull heat away from the combustion chamber - I am sure an aluminum head/manifold would look cool and sound good, but would you want to start up the Grapevine pulling a 20k load on a hot summer day?

Our vintage of trucks were not precision machines - they were built to withstand hard service. Like the old Timex watches - no one would confuse them with a fine Rolex, but they would take a beating and keep on ticking!

 

Anyone know where to look for a stock 4 bbl intake for an FE? I would like to get this done before the new Year.

I will keep an eye on Craigslist. I don't know if I want to pay shipping on one from ebay. They weigh too darn much to ship.

 

I gave one away early this year - they weigh about 80 pounds, as I remember.

 

Yeah... that sounds right. My 2bbl intake felt like it weighed that much when I had it off my engine earlier this year.

 

I see your point. On the other hand, Dan's '68 FE360 kept its cool pulling my 4700 lb truck and 2K+ lb trailer over Donner on a 70 degree day.

hmmm, now I am wondering what 20k load I can pull with my truck... maybe a new travel trailer or somethings. How can I sneak one of those into my driveway without Val seeing it.


And in my case... ticking and knocking and clattering, but still going.

Thanks for all the great advice Clint, Mike, Dan, AJ, and all others. I will post pics and stuff after I get it done.

 

OOPS, I know lots of people who have aluminum intakes with no problems. Worse that can happen is your gas starts pooling and boiling in the bowl - but then you can add a heat spacer under the carb to fix that!

If you do go with the old cast iron manifold, there was some built for the T-birds that had a "S" embossed on the front runner. They are supposed to be better.

 

UPDATE--- I had to copy Dan's engine... I just ordered a Edelbrock Performer 390, Edelbrock 1406 600 cfm Carb from Summit. I tried to find the stuff through FTE sponsors, but had no luck.

I called up Summit and they were very helpful in tracking down all the stuff I needed and making sure the numbers matched up. They even have free UPS ground shipping. They had to read a disclaimer saying that my new carb will not meet CA smog rules. Since it is a '70, it doesn't matter.

I also got some new header gaskets as well since mine have a leak.

Once I get them, I will get my local mechanic to install them for me at his shop.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.... I will get pictures as soon as it is done.
karl

 

Summit is a FTE sponser!

 

Now that's the best news I've heard all Fall. I love Summit glad they are a sponsor otherwise my thousands of $'s spent was going to a hack company. Lol !!!!

Woot, Double Woot !!!!!

Karl you might consider getting those header bolt locks that I was talking about. They really have saved me a lot of messing around with header bolt leaks. I swear by them. Well, I swear anyways whether I'm by them or not.

 

Thanks for reminding me about the bolt locks. I will order them next week. one edit. I am going to replace my header gasket and install the bolt locks in the new year once I figure out how I am going to paint/coat/ treat them.

 

Yeah, yeah ... that's the ticket bro.... ;-)

 

The video fastmover posted and reading these posts makes me consider the possibilities. As much as I love the straight six...it's tempting.

 

Cruzin - If your around these guys long enough you'll get the bug. That's how it started for me. I'm getting ready to build my 390 with the help of FTE. I feel a lot more confident knowing if I run into trouble I can ask a few questions and get back on track during the build.

Oh yes, it will be mine. 390 with 390 plus horses. ;-)

 

Santa came early for my truck. I got a couple of boxes from Summit today.. So far I am really happy with them. Free shipping and it only took 2 days and NO SALES TAX! They even threw in a free baseball cap.

Here is a link to the Intake I got http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

And here is a link to the carb:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

It is the same set up as Dan's except I have an electric choke.

I hope to get these put on next week. Now I have to get all my other Christmas gifts, including my wife's. Funny how my truck got it's gift first.

 

Here are photos of the new carb and intake installed. Thanks to all for your advice.