Rocky Mountain High Ford
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Rocky Mountain High Ford
Hey Guys,
First, I'd like to say that I'm quite impressed with this website. Given me a wealth of information so far. I haven't had the chance to work on a 'real' vehicle in a quarter century. Too much computer crap in cars nowadays!
Got my FIRST Ford yesterday (lifetime Chevy guy, so be nice to me! ). Been looking around for something to fix up and keep running for quite a bit longer. Got a '72 F350 with the 390! Who cares about fuel prices, well it won't be my daily driver anyhow. It's a camper special, might not clean her back up for putting a camper on, but to have a good running truck.
A question, or perhaps it could/should go into another category. With the 390 I have, I think a 2bbl carb is a bit small for that engine; can a 4bbl carb be used to in place of the 2 bbl? I was looking at either an Holley or Edelbrock 750. Could anyone recommend the best set of headers for her as well? Maybe specifics that are made by Headman or Hooker.
Nice that you guys are around! Enjoy your trucks!
P
First, I'd like to say that I'm quite impressed with this website. Given me a wealth of information so far. I haven't had the chance to work on a 'real' vehicle in a quarter century. Too much computer crap in cars nowadays!
Got my FIRST Ford yesterday (lifetime Chevy guy, so be nice to me! ). Been looking around for something to fix up and keep running for quite a bit longer. Got a '72 F350 with the 390! Who cares about fuel prices, well it won't be my daily driver anyhow. It's a camper special, might not clean her back up for putting a camper on, but to have a good running truck.
A question, or perhaps it could/should go into another category. With the 390 I have, I think a 2bbl carb is a bit small for that engine; can a 4bbl carb be used to in place of the 2 bbl? I was looking at either an Holley or Edelbrock 750. Could anyone recommend the best set of headers for her as well? Maybe specifics that are made by Headman or Hooker.
Nice that you guys are around! Enjoy your trucks!
P
- forrestbump
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Re: Rocky Mountain High Ford
from an EX Chebby guy myself. Don't discount your 2100 two barrel carb, it's a GREAT one...you'll be surprised! No advice on headers for ya, plenty of folks here will chime in with their experience. Recommend them? Only if your current exhaust system is junk. Will headers improve performance? No Doubt!
1970, 2WD, F-250, C/S, Dual Tanks, 390 FE (of course), C6, Power Steering, Power Disc Brakes, Dana 60 3.73, Sky View Blue, Ranger XLT
1970, 2WD, F-250, C/S, A/C, Dual Tanks, 390 FE (again, of course), C6, Power Steering, Power Disc Brakes, Dana 60 3.73, Wimbledon White & Sky View Blue, Ranger (almost twin brothers!)
"One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't do" - Henry Ford
Larry
1970, 2WD, F-250, C/S, A/C, Dual Tanks, 390 FE (again, of course), C6, Power Steering, Power Disc Brakes, Dana 60 3.73, Wimbledon White & Sky View Blue, Ranger (almost twin brothers!)
"One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't do" - Henry Ford
Larry
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Re: Rocky Mountain High Ford
SWCEXPAT
- robroy
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Re: Rocky Mountain High Ford
Good day SWCExpat!
That's neat that you found an F350! Those are unusual and of special interest to many of us. If you ever have a chance to put up some photos of it, I know we'd love to check it out!
Everything I've read is in agreement with what Larry said about the factory carburetor on a stock truck 390. I've not read of any advantages to installing anything with greater CFM capacity, as long as the engine's a stock truck engine. As you may or may not know, the 390 FEs put in cars were set up differently and could suck down more CFM than the truck engines could. As I understand it, Ford set up truck FEs primarily for low-RPM torque, and less CFM's required to feed an engine at low RPM like that.
If you'd still like an aftermarket carburetor, it seems that there are guys who like both Edelbrocks and Holleys. Based on the little I know about carburetor sizing though, 750CFM is far too much for a stock truck 390. Of course you could get all kinds of great technical feedback on carburetor sizing if you started a thread specifically on that in the engine section.
It's the opinion of Tom Lucas at FE Specialties (one of the FE authorities) that some carburetors made by Holley are the best fit on FEs, or at least on modified FEs. Yet at the same time, some super experienced and knowledgeable members here like 70_F100 like the Edelbrocks. I think the key with either carburetor type is knowing how to choose the best jets and springs for your application. That's a task that guys like 70_F100 are definitely up to, but beginners like myself are better off getting guidance before making changes.
Everything I've read indicates that headers will provide a significant performance improvement, and that's because the manifolds Ford used on these trucks are too restrictive, or create too much turbulence, or something like that. This said, the stock manifolds fit very neatly under the hood, make less under-hood noise and heat than headers do, and are worlds easier to remove and install. Rich (1972hiboy), a professional mechanic and great guy that lives nearby me, chose to stick with stock manifolds on his 1972 Hi-Boy for these reasons, and his engine compartment looks very tidy that way. His truck also has a tight, clean, low-pitched rumble when it runs. I love the way it sounds.
One of the things that sticks out around the headers most is the big OEM starter. Not only does it stick out, but the heat from the headers can mess it up over time. And when it's time to replace the starter, the header on that side of the engine typically needs to be removed or loosened first. So many guys wind up replacing the OEM starter with a modern, gear-reduction, miniature type starter before putting headers on. These are a lot smaller so they fit under there well, and they're much more heat-resistant. There are several makes that I've read good things about, yet my personal favorite is the RobbMc P/N 2001, because it's 100% USA-made in Nevada, using almost entirely USA-made components. And the guy that makes it, Robb, his a very personable and friendly guy. He's really in to the FE engine and has been active in an FE Web forum (he might still be). When I sent an e-mail to him to ask some questions about his starter, he personally replied in an unusually warm way with high-quality information. I was sold by that uncommon service!!!
SWCExpat, since I joined FORDification in 2008 I've asked hundreds of questions and received untold hours worth of guidance from top members. All of that guidance, and documentation of it being put in to action, remains available in those threads. A while back I made an index of all the threads to help myself and others find stuff. Maybe you'd be curious to browse through that index some time:
Main #50 Project Thread: 1972 F250 4x2; 8,100lb GVW; FE+T18
Robroy
That's neat that you found an F350! Those are unusual and of special interest to many of us. If you ever have a chance to put up some photos of it, I know we'd love to check it out!
Everything I've read is in agreement with what Larry said about the factory carburetor on a stock truck 390. I've not read of any advantages to installing anything with greater CFM capacity, as long as the engine's a stock truck engine. As you may or may not know, the 390 FEs put in cars were set up differently and could suck down more CFM than the truck engines could. As I understand it, Ford set up truck FEs primarily for low-RPM torque, and less CFM's required to feed an engine at low RPM like that.
If you'd still like an aftermarket carburetor, it seems that there are guys who like both Edelbrocks and Holleys. Based on the little I know about carburetor sizing though, 750CFM is far too much for a stock truck 390. Of course you could get all kinds of great technical feedback on carburetor sizing if you started a thread specifically on that in the engine section.
It's the opinion of Tom Lucas at FE Specialties (one of the FE authorities) that some carburetors made by Holley are the best fit on FEs, or at least on modified FEs. Yet at the same time, some super experienced and knowledgeable members here like 70_F100 like the Edelbrocks. I think the key with either carburetor type is knowing how to choose the best jets and springs for your application. That's a task that guys like 70_F100 are definitely up to, but beginners like myself are better off getting guidance before making changes.
Everything I've read indicates that headers will provide a significant performance improvement, and that's because the manifolds Ford used on these trucks are too restrictive, or create too much turbulence, or something like that. This said, the stock manifolds fit very neatly under the hood, make less under-hood noise and heat than headers do, and are worlds easier to remove and install. Rich (1972hiboy), a professional mechanic and great guy that lives nearby me, chose to stick with stock manifolds on his 1972 Hi-Boy for these reasons, and his engine compartment looks very tidy that way. His truck also has a tight, clean, low-pitched rumble when it runs. I love the way it sounds.
One of the things that sticks out around the headers most is the big OEM starter. Not only does it stick out, but the heat from the headers can mess it up over time. And when it's time to replace the starter, the header on that side of the engine typically needs to be removed or loosened first. So many guys wind up replacing the OEM starter with a modern, gear-reduction, miniature type starter before putting headers on. These are a lot smaller so they fit under there well, and they're much more heat-resistant. There are several makes that I've read good things about, yet my personal favorite is the RobbMc P/N 2001, because it's 100% USA-made in Nevada, using almost entirely USA-made components. And the guy that makes it, Robb, his a very personable and friendly guy. He's really in to the FE engine and has been active in an FE Web forum (he might still be). When I sent an e-mail to him to ask some questions about his starter, he personally replied in an unusually warm way with high-quality information. I was sold by that uncommon service!!!
SWCExpat, since I joined FORDification in 2008 I've asked hundreds of questions and received untold hours worth of guidance from top members. All of that guidance, and documentation of it being put in to action, remains available in those threads. A while back I made an index of all the threads to help myself and others find stuff. Maybe you'd be curious to browse through that index some time:
Main #50 Project Thread: 1972 F250 4x2; 8,100lb GVW; FE+T18
Robroy
- Joshpow
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Re: Rocky Mountain High Ford
Welcome to the site. Glad you convertd to Ford!!!! Lets see the ol truck when you get time to post pics. Glad you like the ol truck.
Josh
72 F-100 Ranger XLT SWB
71 F-100 Custom SWB
67 F-350 Dually Dump
02 F-250 Stroke
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2972100
72 F-100 Ranger XLT SWB
71 F-100 Custom SWB
67 F-350 Dually Dump
02 F-250 Stroke
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2972100
- fireguywtc
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Re: Rocky Mountain High Ford
from Texas!
I am with Robroy on the carb, a 750cfm is way too much for your application.
I am with Robroy on the carb, a 750cfm is way too much for your application.
Bill
1967 F-250 LWB 2WD 352 V8, 4spd manual, true duals, 122k original miles (currently being restored)
1970 F-250 4x4 highboy ranger 390 V8, 4spd
2012 F-350 PSD FX4 LWB CC lariat, white
http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... hp?uid=602
"If you want to judge a person's true character, give them power."
1967 F-250 LWB 2WD 352 V8, 4spd manual, true duals, 122k original miles (currently being restored)
1970 F-250 4x4 highboy ranger 390 V8, 4spd
2012 F-350 PSD FX4 LWB CC lariat, white
http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... hp?uid=602
"If you want to judge a person's true character, give them power."
- Mancar1
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Re: Rocky Mountain High Ford
Welcome aboard from Northern Ca. I have had 400+ HP FEs and stock FEs. I agree that a 750 is more carb than needed on a FE.
May your sails stay full, and your knots not slip. Unless a slip knot.
Once I thought I was wrong, but I was wrong.
Life is a banquet, and every days a feast.
68 F-250 CS 390 C-6 P/S A/C front disc. 2nd owner.
2016 GMC Terrain Denali 301 HP V-6 AWD.
2009 Silverado Crew Cab, V-8, 4X4.
DD-727
DD-806
AE-35
LSD-39
AS-41
AR-8
Once I thought I was wrong, but I was wrong.
Life is a banquet, and every days a feast.
68 F-250 CS 390 C-6 P/S A/C front disc. 2nd owner.
2016 GMC Terrain Denali 301 HP V-6 AWD.
2009 Silverado Crew Cab, V-8, 4X4.
DD-727
DD-806
AE-35
LSD-39
AS-41
AR-8
- 1970FordTK
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Re: Rocky Mountain High Ford
Welcome from North Carolina.
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Rocky Mountain High Ford part II
Hey Guys,
I appreciate the welcome thus far.
Not quite sure if the numbers match, will look for engine block numbers over the weekend. I think they should match, the drivers door is not original; those numbers completely different. The tag on the firewall is hanging on by one screw-so who knows! I'll get some pics up hopefully over the weekend, she needs some good ole TLC, but not too bad overall. Actually a Cali truck until a couple years back.
I will keep the 2bbl on her, sounds like there's no need to put a 4bbl on her. Any good shopping websites outside of Jegs, Summitt, or JCWhitney? Nothing against those, but looking for others to check out! Thanx
I appreciate the welcome thus far.
Not quite sure if the numbers match, will look for engine block numbers over the weekend. I think they should match, the drivers door is not original; those numbers completely different. The tag on the firewall is hanging on by one screw-so who knows! I'll get some pics up hopefully over the weekend, she needs some good ole TLC, but not too bad overall. Actually a Cali truck until a couple years back.
I will keep the 2bbl on her, sounds like there's no need to put a 4bbl on her. Any good shopping websites outside of Jegs, Summitt, or JCWhitney? Nothing against those, but looking for others to check out! Thanx
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Re: Rocky Mountain High Ford
From So. Ga.