Hi Nick,

The very first improvement I would do would be to upgrade to an electronic ignition. Petronix has a unit for about $60 that can replace the points and condensor. They also have a blaster coil to improve the spark. If the distrubutor is well worn a new electronic Duraspark distributor for a late FE truck is a relative cheap option. MSD also makes a new billet distributor for the FE. If you get that make sure you get the newer model with vacum advance.

If you don't mind taking things a bit a part an Edelbrock Performer RPM indtake will help the breathing and shave some weight off. A new carburator from Edelbrock, Demon or Holley will also help. Even though ambition says 750CFM a 600 - 650 CFM carb is likely plenty and will offer better fuel economy and throttle response.

If you have more money left over - Install FPA headers and a low resistance exhaust system.

All these parts can be put right back in service when you later have rebuilt the engine.

Enjoy !

i've never had this prob before with the pumps,,ieven checked that the bolts didn't have too much of a shoulder in the non threaded area below the bolt head

for better oiling.used the LATE model oil filter adaptor,modify your pad gasket to fit the larger passages of the adaptor.and how to reconize the adaptor,it has no sguare nobs on the outer area on the adaptor,the early one have the two nobs about 45 degrees apart,facing away from the block,and small passages,the late one casting number is C8AE-6881-A i also modify the passages on the block to smooth out the passages ,those two 90 degree bends don't help oiling,i also match the main bearing oil hole to the bearing hole,wich will need a high volume pump,and if you feel brave,you can ream the oil galleis from the pump,and center to the 427 size,i never had an oiling prob at 7000rpm+

I just rebuilt my 390 in my 67 Galaxie over the winter/spring and this is what my combo has:
Edelbrock 650 vacuum secondaries
Edelbrock 427 intake (don't know if they still make this)
Hooker Super Comp headers
Pertronix ignitor module
MSD 6AL box
MSD blaster 2 coil
Sterling Hypereutectic pistons .030 over
Comp Cams 268H cam with the valve springs they recommend
Milodon 7 quart pan
HV oil pump
other minor stuff

This car seems to make decent power, but the one thing holding me back for now is the rear gears (still stock 2.79 or something like that). I only really drive it on the weekends since I live in Chicago, but my work seems to think it is better to ship me out to DC, so I still only have like 500 miles on the rebuild. When I get at least 800-1000 miles on it I will start really putting the pedal to the metal. If I were doing this for cheap, the things I would do first are 4 barrel carb and intake, cam, then headers, then MSD ignition. But building any car isn't cheap so watch out as it will snowball on you.

From all the info I can find all the intakes that were for the 427 high riser motor ended with the letter H in serial number. This one definately is not one that I can find anywere listed as med riser ect.

Doug is the machinist who originally made them for Ford Power Parts. Now he has his own business. They are excellent and Doug builds a great oil pump too.

Royce