427 heads on 390?
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427 heads on 390?
Im buying a 77 f150 with a 390 out of a 69 mustang or feirlane i was told. The motor has 427 head on ot and 427 crank and bored 30 over. I want to put a big cam in it and intake, but i dont want to slap a valve. Does anyone know the biggest cam i could run with this setup? Im new to fe motors but eager to dig in. I already ordered msd distributor, 6al ign, coil, wires, edelbrock performer rpm intake. still running the exhaust manifolds for now. Does the 427 and the 390 use the same exhaust manifold? Im not sure if a 390 or 427 were an option for a 77 f150 but i was looking for some 4x4 headers when i cld find a set that would work. thanks for any help. Jon
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I know 427's had variety of exhaust manifolds, and some of them were so good, they've been compared to shorty headers, and not really that far from full-length headers, but still not as good for power, but much, much better than traditional manifolds.
That said, I have no idea if they will fit your block, but I'd bet they won't.
I have a 390 and would love to use the best 427 manifolds too...
That said, I have no idea if they will fit your block, but I'd bet they won't.
I have a 390 and would love to use the best 427 manifolds too...
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I see, hopefully the manifolds flow well then. Do u know the size valves the 427 heads use compared to the 390? or is there options? I heard the 427 heads flow equivelently to summit racing heads, but im not sure which heads i have if there the medium riser ones or not.
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From: Stanley, VA
The 427 was never available in the pickup and the FE series wasn't offered in the pickups after '76. The 360/390 engines were replaced by the 351m400 in '77.
The only way to be sure about valve/piston interference is to actually measure it. Thats something that you don't want to guess at.
I have doubts about the heads being "427" heads. The 427 had a larger bore than the 390 and larger valves. I believe you should be having valve/cylinder interference if they were true 427 heads (the intake valve hits the edge of the smaller 390 bore).
Post the head casting number, its located between the two center spark plugs, and we can identify what heads you have.
If you're looking for performance, ditch the manifolds and go with a good set of headers.
The only way to be sure about valve/piston interference is to actually measure it. Thats something that you don't want to guess at.
I have doubts about the heads being "427" heads. The 427 had a larger bore than the 390 and larger valves. I believe you should be having valve/cylinder interference if they were true 427 heads (the intake valve hits the edge of the smaller 390 bore).
Post the head casting number, its located between the two center spark plugs, and we can identify what heads you have.
If you're looking for performance, ditch the manifolds and go with a good set of headers.
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427 has the same length stroke as a 390 just a massive bore to make 427. 428 crank is used to make a 410, and used the 4.050 bore of the 390. 410's are a good motor. the original merc. 410 had around 440ft. lbs. so they are a strong motor. im betting the guy ment 428 crank with maybe the 428 cj heads? i've got a 390 with 428 super cobra jet rods, they are heavier than the standard 290-428 rods, tho the 428 nascar rods are the heaviest.
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I have to correct myself, don't know what I was thinking...the manifolds of course bolt to the heads, so if you do have 427 heads, then the 427 manifolds will fit, and I'd be surprised if the 390 manifolds fit.
Now I'm just dying of curiosity to see if you actually have 427 heads on a 390, or more likely, 428 heads. I don't know anything about part or casting numbers, but maybe that's a good way to start.
Now I'm just dying of curiosity to see if you actually have 427 heads on a 390, or more likely, 428 heads. I don't know anything about part or casting numbers, but maybe that's a good way to start.
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i've got a book with casting numbers on it or a quick search on the net will result with the info he needs on them. i've seen 427 heads on a 390 but the block had been bored quite a bit and the cylinders had been notched. i'd have to say i think a better head choice would have netted better gains. too much shrouding of the valves. not good for performance. the new edelbrock heads are a really good choice. i should have gotten those when i rebuilt my 390. i spent 800.00 to have my stockers rebuilt, and for 1400 i could have had better heads.
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i just talked to the guy, he said the motor is out of a 67 police interceptor. he said it has a 428 crank and heads if that helps figure out what heads are on it. ill ge the casting numbers later today after work.
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A reference source:
FE Cylinder Head I.D. and Application Chart
427 heads will go far beyond 6500 rpm, but need to be equipped with the springs, end stands etc to support that.
In general, FE heads will get you all the air/fuel IN that you want. It's the exhaust side, especially the manifolds, that are the problem.
The swoopy 427 cast manifolds would be great, if you could find them, and if they weren't a small fortune:
File:Wiki 0 FE.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"428" heads might just be the same, or might be PI or other heads. You can see the differences in the link above.
FE Cylinder Head I.D. and Application Chart
427 heads will go far beyond 6500 rpm, but need to be equipped with the springs, end stands etc to support that.
In general, FE heads will get you all the air/fuel IN that you want. It's the exhaust side, especially the manifolds, that are the problem.
The swoopy 427 cast manifolds would be great, if you could find them, and if they weren't a small fortune:
File:Wiki 0 FE.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"428" heads might just be the same, or might be PI or other heads. You can see the differences in the link above.
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BTW I recommend you visit the FE forums, especially the FAQ at the top of the forum.
Go to the top of the page here.
Click on "Ford Truck Enthusiats".
Scroll down.
Find:
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Go to the top of the page here.
Click on "Ford Truck Enthusiats".
Scroll down.
Find:
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
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i checked out that FAQ lots of good info. Is there an option besides custom made headers for the 428 heads in a 77 f150? I wanted to run long tubes with glasspacks but that motor wasnt offered in that 4x4 truck.
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From: Stanley, VA
Headers will fit, the engine compartment is the same 73-79. Just the engine options were different. The only thing you need to check is the manifold bolt patern. All trucks and most cars used two bolts per port, located at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock, to attatch the manifolds to the head. Some high performance heads had a diagonal bolt patern. Truck headers won't fit these heads.