1972 390 performance upgrades?????????
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Outside Raymond, MS
1972 390 performance upgrades?????????
I recently purchase a 1972 f100 four wheel drive because I love the truck and this one is in great shape and looks great! The owner was less than honest on the motor though ! I just dropped a cylinder and currently have the 390 at the machine shop getting it checked out. The motor had a little high energy cam, eldebrock intake and holly four barrel, my question is besides headers what engine mods can I do to make this 390 run as strong as it can? This truck is my every day truck and because it looks so good people mess with me and I like to play also. Would different heads help or just port and polish? I would appreciate any ideas on building this motor. Thanks 
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First of all welcome to FTE!
Second, this is the 73-79 Dentside forum. You'll want the 67-72 Bumpside forum.
As for the engine you can post the question here, the Bumpside forum or the FE engine forum.
We have all the bases covered!
As for the engine, what is your budget? The stock heads would do fine, with CJ valves, exhaust port gasket matched, short turn blended, bowls blended. Do not touch the intake ports.
You mention an Edelbrock intake, is that the Performer or Performer RPM? You cannot expect much from the standard performer.
Headers will help for sure.
What are the specs of the cam you want? Rpm range, idle quality etc?
Josh
Second, this is the 73-79 Dentside forum. You'll want the 67-72 Bumpside forum.
As for the engine you can post the question here, the Bumpside forum or the FE engine forum.
We have all the bases covered!
As for the engine, what is your budget? The stock heads would do fine, with CJ valves, exhaust port gasket matched, short turn blended, bowls blended. Do not touch the intake ports.
You mention an Edelbrock intake, is that the Performer or Performer RPM? You cannot expect much from the standard performer.
Headers will help for sure.
What are the specs of the cam you want? Rpm range, idle quality etc?
Josh
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 32
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From: Outside Raymond, MS
Thank you
Thank you, the intake is just a performer 390, the cam I have no idea I am trying to get the number off it. I have put several basic motors together , just trying to do this one right. You ask about my budget and I have about 3 grand at the most to rebuild this motor . Thanks Gordon
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there is a guy selling a 410 fe in the fe motor forum section just an option. if you build your motor, have it balanced and see if they can dynimicaly balance it as well. had mine done and its as smooth as silk...zero vibrations. i went with a sealed power rv cam .536 lift with 214 druation. good vacuum, not too nasty of an idle but it lets you know its there. have the exhaust seats changed over to the hardened ones. however i will say this. i spent just over 700.00 rebuilding my old heads. for around 1200-1500.00 you can get a set of edelbrocks.
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The valves on Ebocks ALWAYS need to be lapped and many need aditional valve grinding. Another added expense.
Ebocks also need special head bolts/ studs.
It's a good idea to install rocker shaft studs.
Almost a bolt-on deal, but not quite.
The 72 engine will have either C8AE or D2TE heads which are just fine for a mild street build.
Double roller timing chain, windage tray, HD oil pump shaft, Edelbrock aluminum water pump, Forged pistons.
Josh
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Western Washington
Sounds like you pretty much have it covered. You can also upgrade your ignition to something like a MSD or other. You can also have your distributor recurved to help. Having it dialed in on a dyno will also help pick-up some extra hp. Edelbrock heads are a good bang for your buck, but are quite pricey.
OJ
OJ
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