400HP 390cid.

[Guest]

I'm soon dropping off my bullet to a custom painter for a custom paint resto. While out of it's box, I'm going to dress up my original 390cid. With this, I wanted to mildly mod it in hopes to get at least 400-450 HP. I had it rebuilt about a year and a 1/2 ago only to get it back on the road. It still had the soft valve seats and smoked like a hippie. I'm afraid of getting taking advantage of as I don't know what to ask for other than give it some more ponies. I know this barge will never be popping wheelies but I'd like to get it out of the box a little faster. I've already got some headers and piping to the two new magna flows in the garage waiting for reassembly. I'm sure that'll help but what else can I do on a limited budget that is going to the paint shop.
thnx.
Dr. Otis.

[Alexander]

RE: 400HP 390cid.

To get rid of the smoke you need new valve guides. To prevent valves from burning you need hardened or Stellite valves.

There are lots of high performance parts for the FE engine.

http://www.carrollshelbyent.com/engine_index.cfm

http://www.oregoncamshaft.com/428-FE.html

http://www.holley.com/types.asp?type=308

A good article on improving the horsepower of an FE engine: http://www.mustangandfords.com/techa...e_ford_engine/

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[1960Bird]

RE: 400HP 390cid.

How much is your budget? 400 to 450 HP is not exactly cheap. Tell me what mods you have now.
mtl. cost estimate only:
For sure you will nead headers $400
Edelbrock RPM Intake $290
Cam $150 $250
Heads $300 to $1300 ported or new Edelbrock
2-1/2 inch exhaust $300 to $400
solid lifter Roller rockers $800 or more
Carb $300 to $450 around 750 CFM
gaskets misc???

I would also suggest changing to a higher ratio rear end I have a 3.70 at 55 mph runs about 2650 RPM





1960 HT 390, Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake, Shorty Headers, 2-1/2" Exhaust and 3.70 Rear Gears