I recently rebuilt a 351w and popped it in my 78 F-150. It is based off of the Edelbrock Performer kit, including:

- stock bottom end w/ ARP rod bolts for piece of mind
- block-hugger headers
- Performance Dist. dizzy
- Performer heads (1.90" intake valves) which apparently are the same as the Performer RPM heads w/ emission stuff drilled.
- Performer-Plus cam w/ matching springs
- Performer intake
- 650 CFM Thunder carb
- Roller rockers

I should also note that I currently have 29" tires with 2.73 gears. I'm putting on 33" tires with 3.10 or higher (numerically) in the coming week or so. (behind a stock C4)

Even with the current gears, this build has good torque down low, which is what I wanted (or was told I should want). Going from stoplight to stoplight is fun and all, but the acceleration isn't that great unless it's at lower speeds. Downshifting to pass certainly leaves something to be desired. So now I am contemplating what I can do to make my truck more fun to drive. I don't want to loose low-end torque, but I do want to gain higher-rpm power (from 2000 to 5000).

I was thinking of putting in the Performer RPM cam, RPM airgap intake, lower gears and a little higher stall-speed torque converter. This truck is my weekend toy and never hauls anything major and certainly never tows. I want it to be fun on the streets, be good off the line and at higher speeds (not high-reving import style mind you) and handle the 33" tires.

Any advice?

 

If you're going with the Performer RPM package I'd change the gears to at least 3.55 or 3.73 with 33's. If you'll never drive it on the highway too far (or more than 65-70mph) go with 4.10 gears. She'll be plenty peppy.

 

I tend to push it past 70-80 mph. On the rare occasion I push it up to 95-100. I do a good amount of highway driving.

If I go with something like 3.55 gears, but a higher-speed stall converter (around 1500-1800 rpm), will I still be able to take off nicely and cruise at decent RPMs with good power all around?

 

Also, the engine currently has an 8.5:1 compression ratio. Is this too low for the Performer RPM or similar cam? Edelbrock's Performer RPM components recommend a higher compression ratio (I think 9.5-10). And I have basically a stock bottom end except for the rod bolts... no fancy pistons or rings.

 

dual exhaust, port the heads and intake, and a dyno tune

 

Forgot to mention I have dual exhaust. 2.5" w/ H-pipe and Magnaflows

 

You can't have both good acceleration and a comfortable cruise rpm at 80+mph with a 3-spd tranny.. unless you drop in a big block. 3.55 gears would be a healthy upgrade performance wise and won't limit your top end, especially once you get larger tires.

 

4.10 with an overdrive transmission.....AOD should be fine, your never hauling stuff right?

 

I was actually just thinking about that and keeping the engine how it is right now. It's a bit more than I wanted to spend right now but it might be the best thing to do.

 

Yeah, that RPM cam needs more compression. Changing to a RPM or Stealth manifold will help a ton above ~4,500, the Performer really dies up top. Let that sucker breathe.

Eighty mph with 33's and 3.55 gears @ 1:1 = 2,900 rpm, with 4.10 gears it'd be 3,340. That's singing along pretty good. With your current set-up you're turning 2,530. With 33's, the AOD and 4.10 gears it's 2,240.

Overdrive is a must in a truck if you're driving any kind of highway miles over 75 mph.

 

I was also looking at a Gearvendors unit... it would be easier to do and probably cost the same (compared to a new semi-built aod, installation and necessary accessories), but the final gear ratio on that is 0.78 compared to the 0.67 on the AOD.

With the 33s, 4.10s and AOD, I can cruise 70 mph at 2000 rpms, compared to 2300 rpms with the GV unit. I think I'd prefer the AOD just because of that, but I wonder how long the AOD will last. Was looking at a TCI AOD built to handle 450hp.

So it looks like the RPM cam is out. Can anyone recommend a cam that would give me good low-midrange power, but more midrange power than the Performer-Plus cam I'm using? I've read in other threads that the Performer cam isn't that great. Is there a good cam for my setup (with or without the RPM intake)?

 

im pretty sure the fourth gear on the AOD is .7 not .67. double check because that will make a difference.

you could try a trick flow stage 1 cam maybe.

 

I'm sure about the gear ratio (at least for the TCI built AOD):

TCI - TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Transmission Gear Ratios

 

The Hardcore Mustang Drag Racers Forum - Factory Ford Transmission Gear Ratio Chart - Walt Vengelis, Jr.