Best FE Heads
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 3
That was our speed at the end of the 1/4 mile when I drove it last. That was with 60's dual point distributor and old technology. With 50 more hp and our MSD distributor and electronic ignition, it could be 126-130 mph.
A crash at that speed would not be fun, especially with these old bones.
It might be worth exploring building something to catch oil from a pan that has a rod through it, so it does not reach the ground.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 292
Likes: 11
From: Yakima, WA
Posts go back 5 years but still some good reading. Now correct me if i am wrong, the stock heads on my 68' 390 would be still be better than the eboks??? Is there any advantage from my stockers versus the GT heads?? cause it just sounds like different spring rates and exhaust bolt pattern. In a truck i highly doubt the 6 to 7 grand range, last time i did that i bent all my pushrods. Since 10 grand for a hot motor is out of the question thinking that my motor close to stock is better than buying a name. I too like the look of a motor without too much bling, let the performance speak for itself. Just my .02
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 3
Posts go back 5 years but still some good reading. Now correct me if i am wrong, the stock heads on my 68' 390 would be still be better than the eboks??? Is there any advantage from my stockers versus the GT heads?? cause it just sounds like different spring rates and exhaust bolt pattern. In a truck i highly doubt the 6 to 7 grand range, last time i did that i bent all my pushrods. Since 10 grand for a hot motor is out of the question thinking that my motor close to stock is better than buying a name. I too like the look of a motor without too much bling, let the performance speak for itself. Just my .02
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 292
Likes: 11
From: Yakima, WA
Thanks for the info, always like picking the brains of people who know more than me. Now if i can't run across some GT or CJ heads, should i stay with the stock valve sizes or should i step up a size or two?? I am assuming GT and CJ are close chamber heads?? Since its only gonna run on my poor boy budget i don't see the need for exotic gas or a cam so tall that it is not streetable. Just gathering info, 460 would be a better route but i have always liked the numbers matching part of a vehicle. Maybe i should just store the original 390 but have heard they are good house pullers. Trucks only mean something to the person that owns them, sometimes can be a love hate relationship just a like a woman LOL
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 3
For your application, if you can get a set of 428cj/scj heads, just keep the stock valves. 2.09 intake and 1.66 exhaust. Without major head work, the best upgrade is to install 2.15 intake valves, but they can get pricey, because of the cost of the 2.19 valves and then cutting them down to the 2.15 size. With new valve guides, springs, valves, keepers, seals, retainers, shims, valve job etc. etc. they can get pricey. New Edelbrock rpm heads look better all the time.
I don't know what 428cj/scj heads are going for now, but adding that price to the above rebuild, gets you close to the price of the Edelbrock rpm heads. We just spent $600 to rebuild our 428cj/scj heads and I did not need exhaust valves or new valve guides. They did need milling on the exhaust side because of being slightly warped. We did install new 2.15 intake valves.
I don't know what 428cj/scj heads are going for now, but adding that price to the above rebuild, gets you close to the price of the Edelbrock rpm heads. We just spent $600 to rebuild our 428cj/scj heads and I did not need exhaust valves or new valve guides. They did need milling on the exhaust side because of being slightly warped. We did install new 2.15 intake valves.
Needsmorecoffee.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,624
Likes: 2
From: CT
CJ/SCJ heads are still around $400-800+ per set on average depending on date code and condition. Those like many other FE hipo heads were very popular and still cast until 1975-ish. They will have the same C8OE-6090-N casting number just a later date code. Correct date code (69-70) CJ/SCJ heads are still in the $1200+ range.Yep with all the trimmings very close to a set of Edels.
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FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,461
Likes: 4
From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Shoot its been so long since I priced any Ebrocks.....last I remember they were $1159 a set.. I know they must have gone up , Because my beer cans are getting thinner !!
~Russ
~Russ
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 3
CJ/SCJ heads are still around $400-800+ per set on average depending on date code and condition. Those like many other FE hipo heads were very popular and still cast until 1975-ish. They will have the same C8OE-6090-N casting number just a later date code. Correct date code (69-70) CJ/SCJ heads are still in the $1200+ range.Yep with all the trimmings very close to a set of Edels.
Glen, our 428scj heads came off our 1970 428scj mustang. Soooo,,,, they are worth $1,200. That is good to know. We have the complete engine, less the original iron intake manifold. I got rid of them years ago, along with the stock 428scj exhaust manifolds. I should have kept that car... Big mistake selling it. I still have the 4spd original trans. I sold the car, less the engine and trans. The car was in show room condition... Big big mistake.
Needsmorecoffee.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,624
Likes: 2
From: CT
Yep the SCJ stang is worth big bucks. One thing you can do if you evr decide to sell the SCJ engine and trans is try to locate the current owner. And offer him the engine and trans. He'd be a fool not to take it. Scott H's 428CJ registry site is the place to do so. If you still have the VIN you can email him and see if the car is in the registry. If so he can put you in touch with the new owner. Being they are all date code matching it's worth $$$$! 70 date code intakes and ex mani's are pretty easy to track down with a little time and patience. Or if you ever decide to buy the car back. That's always an option as well.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
360 pistons in a 390
Interesting... I'm in the process of turning a 360 into a 390 by changing the crank & rods. I've been told the 360 pistons are deeper & will make a hi-comp 390. I've got Folwmaster long-tube headers. Still working on the best cam for all-around use. . The best head would be the stock (opened up ) ??
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
c8ae-h heads on a 390
It looks like ya'll have been around FE motors for a while. I have a question, C8ae-h on a 390 with flat tops, crane 274 cam., edlebrock performer intake,Holley 600 cfm carb. headers, flowmasters 3'' inlet\ 2.25'' outlet with H-pipe. What horse power do I have?I have posted questions on this sight but no buddy has responded?Could someone help a FE fan out?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 747
Likes: 0
From: Klamath Falls OR
It looks like ya'll have been around FE motors for a while. I have a question, C8ae-h on a 390 with flat tops, crane 274 cam., edlebrock performer intake,Holley 600 cfm carb. headers, flowmasters 3'' inlet\ 2.25'' outlet with H-pipe. What horse power do I have?I have posted questions on this sight but no buddy has responded?Could someone help a FE fan out?
Need to know Valve size, Static C/R with the heads your using, Port work done, Rocker ratio and so on. That edelbrock performer intake will kill your HP!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,785
Likes: 4
From: Mddl A MexCans
My friend, I would'nt put the 360 pistons in the 390 because the 360 deck height of the piston is to tall to put in with the 390 crank and rods, that set up will not work! I would get a set of high compression 390 pistons and save you a lot of head ache.I hope this helps?
