390 build suggestions (performance parts)

[reflectionpoint]

I'll leave the detailed stuff regarding internals to someone who knows wth they are talking about. However on the exhaust I used true 2.5" duals into FloPro mufflers. I had the shop dump them right in front of the rear axle and keep it divorced. The sound isn't LOUD, but it has a nice tone to it, and it's not deathly quiet. It does drone at about 900-1000 RPM but the shop said if it bothers me he could put in a crossover and that would eliminate it. I was also told that if I had them extended past the axle it would also. At anyrate, it flows well and has a nice tone to it without being raspy. This system is louder than mine but has a very similar sound. http://datafordummies.com/muffler/70chevelle2mx500.htm I'll try to get a decent video of it but my phone doesn't do audio well.

[coletrain777]

reflectionpoint - thanks for the reply about the exhaust, that's helpful!

[LANCE65]

Do the oil mods on the block and heads. I always have the block align honed and square decked. Then bored and honed w/torque plates. Deburr the entire engine to get rid of excessive casting flash and sand. If youre towing heavy loads I would not go as high as 10.0:1. Replace you stock distributor with a Dura-Spark and either the factory style module or the GM HEI module(that is what I am doing). For a cam,contact Comp Cams and give them your details on the ENTIRE drivetrain and intended purpose. Use GOOD parts,pay CLOSE attention to detail and have it balanced. I wouldnt think you need to use a HV oil pump. Replace your oil pump drive with a stronger one from ARP. Also when you have the rods resized, use ARP bolts for extra insurance. The mechanical fuel pump will be just fine,as well as the stock intake. Good Luck.
-Lance

[BobbyFord]

I prefer Magnaflow mufflers. Free-flow, no drone, not loud but throaty when you mash on it. Run the exhaust out the back and run an H or X pipe.

[Vinniesempire]

d2 heads with the smaller valves will make more torque down low, at least get good bearings, moly rings, x-pipe exhaust flowing into cherry bombs than other mufflers of your choice.(yes, 4 mufflers)
manual or auto?
also use high grade diesal oil with z-max and zinc additives for at least the first several thousand miles if your not getting it machined.
if you go to comp cams, get a K-kit,(i think thats what its called) as it comes with everything. Follow proper break-in procedures to aT, and the motor will probly last 100k+ with good oil and filters.

[Vinniesempire]

Also in my experience, a 1" 4 hole spacer on that intake increase low-end and mpg slightly

[coletrain777]

Thanks for the replies guys, great suggestions. Keep the ideas coming.

[coletrain777]

Oops, as for manual or auto I haven't decided yet, I have both setups (t19 and C6). Any suggestions? Just looking to make the best drivetrain combo out of what I have to see what's possible with a little low dollar ingenuity.

[DuckRyder]

With 10.0:1 compression you need something with a long advertised intake duration or it isn't going to run on pump gas. Any of the new steep ramp cams that make power down low are going to ping on pump gas unless you really retard the timing. You may look at something like Lunati's "Factory Muscle" Cobra Jet cam. If you can find a Crane 343801/2 that would work too.

I understand that you already have it and it will work, but I believe that a 600 is too small for a performance 390 and I would go with a 670 or better (mine has a 3310 750) on it. And yeah, I know folks will (and have in the past) whip out all the formulas and say 600 is enough.

[coletrain777]

Brokenarrow - the 4100 throttle plate was frozen so bad there was no hope ever getting it to move (I soaked it in Berrymans for 2 weeks...nothing). I would rather run the 4100 but it's dead. I would love to learn more about and run a quadrajet, but which model would I want (don't know anything about quadrajets).

Duckryder - Is the crane 801 better than the 901? Also, I don't mind getting another carb if it would help on the lower end, but my engine will probably never see over 4K rpms so I am not sure it's needed.

[DuckRyder]

If it will never turn over 4000 I think you are going to have trouble picking a cam that will work below 4000 and still alow a 10:1 390 not to ping on pump gas.

The 801 is two steps larger than the 901 (the 941 is/was the next one) it is a good cam, but I think you are going to need to get the compression down in the 9.0:1 - 9.25:1 range.

Do a google on "Patrick Kelley DCR" and run you choices through through the calculator.

Again, with a 4000 linit a 600 will probably work fine...

[Brokenarrow]

Brokenarrow - the 4100 throttle plate was frozen so bad there was no hope ever getting it to move (I soaked it in Berrymans for 2 weeks...nothing). I would rather run the 4100 but it's dead. I would love to learn more about and run a quadrajet, but which model would I want (don't know anything about quadrajets).

Just google "quadrajet tuning". The majority of Qjets are capable of flowing 750 cfm. But it will only flow what your engine "wants". By changing jets, metering rods, secondary hangers & power piston springs you can make the same carb work on anything from a 302 to a 460. I prefer the late 70s models because they have an adjustable initial setting for the primary rods. They call it an APT (adjustable part throttle) As I said before, they are pretty complicated but if set up right they'll make a 390 ford purr like a kitten and roar like a tiger

[r71f250]

Your build is simular to mine. FE Specialties in Sacramento, CA is going to do my build the end of the month. They are going to do as follows

iron heads retained with torque port
9.8-1 pistons
performer RPM intake
650 Holly
MSD ignition
Torque grind cam (their spec)
40 over
Shaft rockers

est power 350-375hp & 460Lbs. Not a hot rod engine, but price is very reasonable. Est about $4500. Hope this helps... check out www.FEspecialties.com I read about them on this particular forum.... I would send off your heads and get the cam they reccommend.... just a suggestion.

Blessings,
AMS