Hey guys,

I'm deployed to Iraq right now, but I want to get my plans straight as far as my truck goes before I get back. It's a '78 F100 with a 460, C6, and 3.50:1 rear end. Here is what I'm looking for out of the truck, in order of priority:

1. Reliability. Once I do get back, it's going to have to drive from Georgia to Texas, and then most likely be my daily driver. I live on a military base and work a couple hundred yards from where I sleep, so fuel mileage won't be a huge issue.

2. Utility. I'd like to be able to tow 5-6000 pounds from time to time, whether it be a boat or a project muscle car...

3. Budget. I'm not looking to go with a stroker kit, aftermarket heads, or anything like that. Stock or stock replacement torque convertor.

4. Performance. Basically the best acceleration reasonably possible given the above requirements. Something I can have fun with at the drag strip Friday night (is low 14's to mid 13's a reasonable goal?), then haul a boat to the lake Saturday morning.

Here's the combination my friend who is going to build the engine and I came up with:

'78 Short Block, zero decked
Ported D3 heads (correct me if I'm wrong, but this should yeild just under 9:1 compression)
Edelbrock Performer RPM intake
1 3/4" headers
Holley 750 vs
Comp XE274H cam (230/236)

My only reservation about this combo is the cam... I think it's a bit wild for what I'm looking for, but my engine builder doesn't think it will be a problem. What do you guys think?

Thanks

 

I dont have any first hand experience with that cam.But im gonna say its going to be a little soft on the bottom end towing.Especially with a stock convertor.Im not questioning your engine builder,maybe he has used this cam before.

 

You might want to price your head work compared to new aluminum heads. It might not be that much more and you would have lighter heads with studs that flow well.