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Collapse <a href=../ForumFE/reply.aspx?ID=7192&Reply=7192><img src=../images/reply.png width=30 height=10></a>&nbsp;<b>spark plugs</b>&nbsp;-- <font color=#0000ff>Ross, <i>07/11/2001</i></font><br /><blockquote>I have a 1967 F100 4x4 with a 390, soon it will have a new iginition system installed.....<br>.... a Mallory Unilite Series 47 Electronic Vacuum Advance Distrubutor  and  an Accell SuperStock HV Coil.<br><br>What will I need for spark plugs?  Or will the original recomended plugs still be my best choice? </blockquote> spark plugs -- Ross, 07/11/2001
I have a 1967 F100 4x4 with a 390, soon it will have a new iginition system installed.....
.... a Mallory Unilite Series 47 Electronic Vacuum Advance Distrubutor and an Accell SuperStock HV Coil.

What will I need for spark plugs? Or will the original recomended plugs still be my best choice?
 I'd start with OEM & experiment, as needed. [n/m] -- Mr F, 07/12/2001
n/m
 RE: spark plugs -- richard, 07/13/2001
keep the stock plugs and gap them at .050. you have not made any changes yet(at least none indicated) to warrent going to a colder plug.
Collapse <a href=../ForumFE/reply.aspx?ID=7191&Reply=7191><img src=../images/reply.png width=30 height=10></a>&nbsp;<b>wanted: aluminun water outlet</b>&nbsp;-- <font color=#0000ff>Ross, <i>07/11/2001</i></font><br /><blockquote>Can someone help me find an aluminum water outlet / thermostat housing?<br><br>I have an old Edelbrock StreetMaster 390 intake manifold.  It has a 3.5" distance bolt spacing, and a 1.85" thermostat opening.  The raidator hose fitting needs to be 2.1"<br><br>I have a 1967 F100 4x4 w/ a 390 in it.  I am going to replace the original carb, intake manifold, and ignition system.<br> </blockquote> wanted: aluminun water outlet -- Ross, 07/11/2001
Can someone help me find an aluminum water outlet / thermostat housing?

I have an old Edelbrock StreetMaster 390 intake manifold. It has a 3.5" distance bolt spacing, and a 1.85" thermostat opening. The raidator hose fitting needs to be 2.1"

I have a 1967 F100 4x4 w/ a 390 in it. I am going to replace the original carb, intake manifold, and ignition system.
Collapse <a href=../ForumFE/reply.aspx?ID=7207&Reply=7191><img src=../images/reply.png width=30 height=10></a>&nbsp;<b>RE: wanted: aluminun water outlet</b>&nbsp;-- <font color=#0000ff>The Original Ross, <i>07/14/2001</i></font><br /><blockquote>I should have what you need.  I havent measured but I think you are looking for the large thermostat housing?  I will check in the shed I should have a couple, email me if you need one  </blockquote> RE: wanted: aluminun water outlet -- The Original Ross, 07/14/2001
I should have what you need. I havent measured but I think you are looking for the large thermostat housing? I will check in the shed I should have a couple, email me if you need one
 RE: wanted: aluminun water outlet -- Ross, 07/14/2001
Yes, I still need one.

I was looking for parts to build one.

Yes, it has the large (63mm) thermostat.
my email... ross0015@hotmail.com
 Mr. Greg B (corect modern plugs for 428 CJ) -- Richard Swart, 07/11/2001
The point here is not to ONE-UP you sir. But if you check out this sight you may change your mind on fram filters. http://members.nbci.com/minimopar/index.html And clik on tech data, then scroll down. You will find a very good artical on filters. Could save us all a lot of money.
Collapse <a href=../ForumFE/reply.aspx?ID=7188&Reply=7188><img src=../images/reply.png width=30 height=10></a>&nbsp;<b>Over-tourqued my intake bolt</b>&nbsp;-- <font color=#0000ff>Travis, <i>07/10/2001</i></font><br /><blockquote>      This is a funny story for 'yall.  I have a 360 cid stock, with the exception of an edelbrock performer (not rpm) intake, holley 600cfm vac secondaries, and an MSD6al box.  Anyhow the other day I was re-sealing my intake and I decided to do the older brother thing by handing my 19 year old brother the torque wrench.  Well, he ignored the clicking of the torque setting, ultimately ripping a small chunk of iron surrounding the threaded intake bolt hole.  I have been told that I may be able to get it welded back.  I am affraid to tap deeper into my head.  Could I get away without using that bolt or would it warp my intake?  Any answers from an older, wiser, FE gearhead would be much appreciated. </blockquote> Over-tourqued my intake bolt -- Travis, 07/10/2001
This is a funny story for 'yall. I have a 360 cid stock, with the exception of an edelbrock performer (not rpm) intake, holley 600cfm vac secondaries, and an MSD6al box. Anyhow the other day I was re-sealing my intake and I decided to do the older brother thing by handing my 19 year old brother the torque wrench. Well, he ignored the clicking of the torque setting, ultimately ripping a small chunk of iron surrounding the threaded intake bolt hole. I have been told that I may be able to get it welded back. I am affraid to tap deeper into my head. Could I get away without using that bolt or would it warp my intake? Any answers from an older, wiser, FE gearhead would be much appreciated.
 RE: Over-tourqued my intake bolt -- BOB HOPKINS, 07/11/2001
Depending on placement and how much thread youall ripped out you may be able to drill out and installa Heli-coil thread repair,check with local auto partsstore with thread size. Otherwise yoy will/can drill acouple sizes oversize thread screw an locktite a boilcut off flush center drill back to proper size and retap.
 Truck vs Car 360-390 engine emission differences -- John Sutton, 07/10/2001
This question might answer some others' about emission engines. Did Ford put non-emission engines into trucks while emission engines were going into cars? I ask, because I just bought a rusted '76 F-150 with a 390 4bbl (Holley) and C-6 in good mechanical shape, but the engine has no Thermactor set-up, ports or bosses for the ports on the manifolds, etc. It has only one thermal vac switch. The thermal vac switch has two ports, one for the backside of the dual vac distributor, and one for the transmission (I think). No vacuum devices for the choke (electrical-mechanical), the aircleaner, or anything else. It all looks original, and doesn't appear to have anything removed.
Any info?
 Speaking of heads, what were the "Canadian" -- mrb, 07/10/2001
heads? How were they different than regular CJ's?
Also, in cases where the thermactor is leaking, is there any danger of engine damage?
thanks
Collapse <a href=../ForumFE/reply.aspx?ID=7178&Reply=7178><img src=../images/reply.png width=30 height=10></a>&nbsp;<b>I Need my 390 to put out 320HP.</b>&nbsp;-- <font color=#0000ff>Gustavo Chavez, <i>07/09/2001</i></font><br /><blockquote>I,ve got 1967 Galaxie w/ a 390 eng. Now I Know the ThunderBird 390 eng put out 320 HP Stock!  My eng is no where near that!  I bought this car when i was 18 & I,ve put it through hell as any red blooded 18 year old would do,  now I whant to make up to my eng. & restore it to better than original condition with out going Too far.   Any body have any tried & true Eng. Recipes With a Budget of about $2,000.00 give or take. Possibly $3,000.00:<br>I've never rebuilt an eng & my dad knows jack.<br>I Would Appreciate your Input Thanks in Advance. </blockquote> I Need my 390 to put out 320HP. -- Gustavo Chavez, 07/09/2001
I,ve got 1967 Galaxie w/ a 390 eng. Now I Know the ThunderBird 390 eng put out 320 HP Stock! My eng is no where near that! I bought this car when i was 18 & I,ve put it through hell as any red blooded 18 year old would do, now I whant to make up to my eng. & restore it to better than original condition with out going Too far. Any body have any tried & true Eng. Recipes With a Budget of about $2,000.00 give or take. Possibly $3,000.00:
I've never rebuilt an eng & my dad knows jack.
I Would Appreciate your Input Thanks in Advance.
Collapse <a href=../ForumFE/reply.aspx?ID=7179&Reply=7178><img src=../images/reply.png width=30 height=10></a>&nbsp;<b>If this helps any: vin # 7E58H222285</b>&nbsp;-- <font color=#0000ff>Gustavo Chavez, <i>07/09/2001</i></font><br /><blockquote>Other codes: Body-636, Color-x, Trim-8A, Date-09E, DSO-11, Trans-U, Axle-8. </blockquote> If this helps any: vin # 7E58H222285 -- Gustavo Chavez, 07/09/2001
Other codes: Body-636, Color-x, Trim-8A, Date-09E, DSO-11, Trans-U, Axle-8.
 You've got 275 HP stock. -- Dave Shoe, 07/09/2001
320 HP is a cinch.

First off, you've got a really sturdy engine. The 390 shortblock is very capable of making serious horsepower. Also, there are no DUD FE heads, only dud FE intake and FE exhaust manifolds (not in your case, though).

You've only got a 9.5:1 compression ratio, but that mainly just means you can run premium unleaded without any problems.

There remains one big question: What is the part number cast into your heads. This number is probably located between the center spark plugs. Check both heads to be certain they are both the same. This number is important, mainly because certain numbers require one type of header, and others a different header - due to differences in the positioning of the exhaust runner. This'll also help you dial-in your actual compression numbers better, as some of these heads also have different chamber sizes. In addition, thi'll help determine which intake manifolds are compatible with your heads, as the intake runners are sized differently on some head castings.

Anyhow, let's just say you should dig up the casting numbers on the heads.

You didn't mention what state of repair this engine is in. I figure you've got fist-fulls of cash because it's time to rebuild.

The first thing I'd buy is an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake. NOT the plain old Performer - Get the "RPM". An RPM cam kit is probably overkill, but I suspect you'd have lotsa fun with it - don't just get the cam and lifters, get the valve springs and retainers, too. These are cheap, top quality, well engineered, and readily available.

With the pumped-up cam kit, you're gonna NEED rocker end supports (four total) as FE rockershafts flex like crazy when springs get stiff and camlobe ramp profiles hit modern acceleration rates. Without supports, the rockershaft is gonna bust on you.

Maybe get a fancy oil pan, too. Front sump pans empty out way too quickly when acceleration increases. I recommend the stock-depth Milodon pan and also the taylor-shaped pick-up tube that bolts to the oil pump. A pan and pick-up will set you back three big ones, so maybe a windage tray will work, as long as you keep the car heavy so it can't overaccelerate.

I recommend sticking to a stock oil pump, as FEs are easily over-oiled upstairs (slow drainback from the heads). If you go with a high volume or high pressure pump, you'll need to do a LOTTA oil mods. FEs really don't need them unless you plan to compete with Hemi Chryslers or big ol' Rats on the roundy-round tracks.

If you plan to rev high, you're also gonna want to switch to a 1968-later type of crank pulley and damper with the 1.10" wide float ring. The damper was redesigned in 1968 and it's a really nice street-performance design. You need 1968-later crank pulleys with it (no need to match belt groove diameters, just match the groove count), however, because they changed the bolt pattern slightly. Your timing marker will be kinda screwed up with the new damper, so getting the 1968-later timing cover or pointer might be nice, too, but the timing pointer position is a minor issue which is easily remedied by adding a white paint stripe or two to the new damper and using the old pointer.

For a Carb, I'd go with a 750 Holley, but I'm just a sucker for Holleys. You probably do want a 750, though. A 650 will pull harder at the low RPMS, if you don't plan to rev all that high.

Headers are sort of a pain, but I'm figuring you might wanna actually make closer to 390 Horsies, so I recommend Headers which are compatible with your heads. Don't listen to the header manufacturers on this - find out which ones you need in the forum, and also learn WHY you need that type. Header manufacturers just don't give a damn that the FE from 1966-70 can have two different and uncompatible port locations.

Since a full rebuild is in the works, you wanna resize (actually - "reround", but it's called resizing) the rods - this is mandatory if you install new rod bearings, as the big-end of forged steel rods of any type get pounded into an egg-shape that'll kill new rod bearings in a hurry. The small end of the rod will need some attention if any play is detectable. Either rebushing or reaming for oversized pins is the way to go on the small end. These rods are really nice forgings. Oh yeah, since you no doubt gotta resize the rods, buy some ARP bolts prior to resizing - it'll definitely add strength to the bottom end.

With new pistons you can go up to 10.5:1 compression, but you'll find your car finicky with the premium. Stick between 10.0:1 max and 9.5:1 minimum, and you'll have much better luck with cheaper grades of premium unleaded. Cast 390 pistons take quite a pounding, so you needn't step into forgings or anything at the sub-400 HP level. Don't get your pistons at PAW, if you know what's good for you, and inspect them to be sure they look like they were all cast and machined at the same time. Also, cast pistons are usually balanced with their pins, so do NOT mix pins between pistons. Do a minimum overbore (+.030 max), otherwise you'll need a sonic check. FEs dig thick cylinders, and overboring has MANY drawbacks, including overheating and ring sealing issues.

Upgrade from your restrictive 1967 air cleaner assembly to a 1968-later Ford assembly. The factory air cleaner assemblies from 1968-on have large air cleaners and are very aerodynamic. Also, you can stick an extra fat aircleaner in the 1968-later cover and gain breating PLUS a bad-ass intake manifold sound.

the stock coil is great, but you wanna upgrade your distributor innards with a Pertronix conversion kit. Just remove the pioints and plot it in. This'll let you rev way out.

All of this advise is at best "questionable", but it'll give you an idea where to get started. Also, it's probably not complete, but it's just what popped into mind on short notice.

Shoe.
Collapse <a href=../ForumFE/reply.aspx?ID=7170&Reply=7170><img src=../images/reply.png width=30 height=10></a>&nbsp;<b>header horsepower</b>&nbsp;-- <font color=#0000ff>Krinn Evans, <i>07/08/2001</i></font><br /><blockquote>I have a 1971 fe 390 being put in a 1973 mustang.  I have opted to go with headers instead of the stock exhaust in order to clear the shock towers.  I am curious how much this will help the horsepower.  As close as I can tell the engine is currently about 280 hp with the headers what increase can i expect if any? </blockquote> header horsepower -- Krinn Evans, 07/08/2001
I have a 1971 fe 390 being put in a 1973 mustang. I have opted to go with headers instead of the stock exhaust in order to clear the shock towers. I am curious how much this will help the horsepower. As close as I can tell the engine is currently about 280 hp with the headers what increase can i expect if any?
 RE: header horsepower -- RC Moser, 07/09/2001
MY opinion you will gain more in heat disapation in the engine conpartment. A 10 to 15 precent gain can be expected. Also wrap or have the headers coated. If you don't have a elect. choke you will have to run a copper tube for a heat riser if you plan on running it in the winter. A 1/2" long with a inside diameter big enough to let the 1/4" diameter tube slide in and welded to #6, 7, or 8 cylinder header tube makes a nice nipple for the heat riser tube. I put mine inbetween where 6 and 7 meet. You could also wrap the tube around #7 and put the end inbetween where 6 and 7 meet to get a good thermal transfer. Only draw back is the possilbility of leaks. Plan on getting the best gaskets to seal the headers or be prepared to change a gasket or two every now and then.
 390 headers -- Chuck Rozell, 07/08/2001
Has anyone tried to use f-150 headers on a galaxie. Such as Hookers Competition 26 inch 2 1/2 in. I have not found a header that is cheaper than $250 for the galaxie. Or does anyone know of good set of headers that will work in a 67 galaxie.
Thanks
chuck
 66 galaxie 352fe headers -- steve daniels, 07/08/2001
my 352 with 390GT heads needs headers. Hooker
has the application for $400.00 Is there any cheaper applications available. Example: will failane headers fit galaxie, reply soon thanks
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