Are the stock brakes on my '72 F250 a match for a 400HP FE?

[robroy]

Hello,

I'm in the midst of a project to replace the shot FE 360CID in my '72 F250 (this was its factory engine) with a 400HP FE 390CID. Since I'm removing the front body and engine from the frame, now would be a convenient time to perform any brake modifications.

I don't plan to use the truck for any kind of racing or extreme driving, but I recognize that the new motor will be able to hurl the iron through space and time with much greater ease than the original one, and a good balance between engine and braking power may be important.

1. Are the stock disc brakes on my '72 F250 a fair match for a 400HP FE motor? Or will they get hot and fade too quickly?

2. If a brake upgrade is advisable, what is the most feasible method for installing bigger/better brakes?

Thanks very much for all the fantastic advice!
-Robroy

[convincor]

I think your fine as long as you have the disc fronts.
If your plan to haul a 15,000lbs trailer I'd be concerned.
Not to mention, what options are there to upgrade too???

[robroy]

Hello Convincor, thanks for your response!

Sounds good; I'll not worry about the brake capacity then.

-Robroy