Input on 390
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From: Selah
Input on 390
I am planing on rebuilding a 390 and I would like some input on what parts can get a good gain but nothing outrageous. Like intake, carb, cam, headers and such. Let me know what you think.
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are you doing any bottom end repairs? if so make that bullet proof 390 a indestructible hunk of steel with some forged pistons crank and rods! then build from there, Just my preference.. Good luck and enjoy it
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From: Selah
I dont really know what I cant spend right now. But my goal is to make modest horsepower and torque. Say around 350 to 400 hp. I want to be able to pull a trailer for camping and still use it for driving on the road. I know that I will not get great gas milage but I want it to be streetable.
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You may want to give this a read as well...http://www.legendaryfordmagazine.com...ibers/d/11.pdf
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From: Kingsport, TN
FE build
Many people build a good engine but forget an important item > exhaust. The power has to get out to be effective. Opening up the exhaust itself will add a few HP. Like most components - check out the types and what they offer, then check out the manufacturers for different prices on the same item. 
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
I dont really know what I cant spend right now. But my goal is to make modest horsepower and torque. Say around 350 to 400 hp. I want to be able to pull a trailer for camping and still use it for driving on the road. I know that I will not get great gas milage but I want it to be streetable.
We have some good designers on this forum that can point you in the right direction.
John
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From: Union, Washington
Horsepower is about going fast, as in top speed. Torque is about acceleration and towing. A stock 390 car engine back in the 60s had 427 foot pounds of torque and were more than adequate to tow most anything your truck would be rated for. Last 390 I did got 9 to 1 pistons, an "RV" cam with a 256° duration and a .525" lift, a stock "S" intake with a reworked (by me) Holley 600 CFM vacuum secondary carb with a two stage power valve, to go with the 390GT heads and exhaust manifolds I had along with a 2 1/4" dual exhaust with cross over. I used to carry my 13 foot camper and the race boat was towed behind it over 5000 foot mountain passed with ease. When using the truck for work, I towed up to a 31 foot, twin hot rodded 502 BBC motors, go fast catamaran (as in 80+ mph) weighing in at over 12,000 pounds with it's triple axled trailer and had no problems. Oh and this was with a C-6 and a 3.73 rear end.
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Bear 45/70 - My fine lady took Xception to your "Geezer Crossing" AND the "Cats do as they please." (With a smile of course) AND THEN - had a few choice words about your OPINION. MY thought = Keep on truckin'.
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"An armed society is a polite society" among other things.
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Bear - TOTALLLLY AGREE on the armed/polite society. Point in question > Washington DC has the strictest gun laws AND the highest crime rate in the country + should show us something. = Clinton & others think only criminals & cops should have guns. That makes the rest of us "victims" ??