cam for a 390
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
cam for a 390
Dave Stop before you start. What do you want from the truck? Are you looking for crusing & good milage or take off power? What is the main use stop light racing or highway crusing? Do you already own the carb?
John
John
Senior User
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis
cam for a 390
I highly recomend that you look at Competition Cams web site. It is very informative. They have an on line tutorial for basic cam education. You need to figure out for yourself what cam you want, and why you want it. Also 650cfm carb is a lot of carb for a 390. If you are stuck with it, at least jet it way down.
For me the Comp Cams 268h is the perfect cam. My choice for my own reasons.
For me the Comp Cams 268h is the perfect cam. My choice for my own reasons.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
cam for a 390
I mainly want more top end power for towing, but mileage is a concern too, since I drive the truck every day. I already have the carb,(carter AFB) its been on there for a few years, and it works good, I think it could be jetted down a bit though.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
cam for a 390
Dave the FE engine has a low rpm torque curve. You will need to set it up to max out at about 3600 rpm and get your tire size and rear gears to max out, and match in the same range. If you can jet your carb back to 550 or 600 cfms I think you will see more performance.
IMHO
John
IMHO
John
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
cam for a 390
I got my carbs mixed up, it DOES HAVE A 600 CFM carb, it used to have a 650 holley. What cams do any of you guys have in, your FEs?
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
cam for a 390
what advantages does the 268h have I found it in my summit racing catalog for $99.95, the 260h sounds like more what I want since I dont have headers, or performance intake manifold, but I dont see it listed for the FEs.
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 796
Likes: 3
From: Anderson Northern Ca
cam for a 390
It sounds like you will use your truck for heavy work & towing . 22 years ago I built my 390 for the same reasons .The new build consisted of block & head rework,new rods pistons etc.,but the best combination I used was an edelbrock aluminum intake with a 650 holley and a sig erson 1/4 rv cam. I have lots of torque & plenty of top end power. I have changed over the years to a carter afb with better results. I have done 3 valve jobs and replaced all other engine components except from the heads down . I have put over 500,000 miles on this build and I will get up in the morning and drive it to work just like the last 22 years,now thats Ford durability if I ever did see !!!! Good luck
Senior User
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis
cam for a 390
I have never tried the 260h. I went right to the 268h from stock. I put on an Edelbrock performer with a Holley 600 on it, without running headers. I also went with Rhodes lifters and a Carter high volume oil pump. I had a bunch more torque and more confidence in running it up past 4000 rpm. The idle sounded smooth and it accelerated nice all the way up to 4000
It worked for me. As I said before, you need to make your own decision.
One hint is to do it right the first time. Don't settle for something right now thinking that you can redo it a few months from now. If you can't afford all you want now, wait until you can. Just remember,,, that any changes you make will affect the whole drivability of the vehicle. Figure out what you want your truck to do when you are done, and then work backwards from there.
It worked for me. As I said before, you need to make your own decision.
One hint is to do it right the first time. Don't settle for something right now thinking that you can redo it a few months from now. If you can't afford all you want now, wait until you can. Just remember,,, that any changes you make will affect the whole drivability of the vehicle. Figure out what you want your truck to do when you are done, and then work backwards from there.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
cam for a 390
Like others have said it depends on what your going to do with it, and where you want your power! I've had very good luck with Edelbrocks power packages combined with holley carbs. The performer RPM with 236 deg. at .050 and .572 valve lift with 1.76 ratio rackers works wonders in my 71 f-250 4x4. Of course matching components is neccisary, such as torque converters, ignition curves, and carburator jetting. FE bottom ends are very strong for being 2 bolts, and can easily take 6,000 revs with the proper valvetrain.
