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Original Message
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| RE: 390GT rebuild - ignore if you read it on VMF |
| By Gerry Proctor - 07/14/2004 12:59:31 PM; IP 207.133.188.254 |
Unless you're trying to eclipse the 400 hp level without going too big on the cam, alloy heads are unnecessary.
A good replacement cam (although the GT cam is still a pretty good grind, just a bit puny on the top end) and headers will probably show your biggest gains for the money. You can do a cam kit and exhaust system for a bit under the $1k level. You won't have enough left over for an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake and 750 CFM carb but those would a good addition down the road. Though, you can use the stock iron intake and 600 cfm Holley in the mean time without a significant performance penalty.
FE heads, even the worst, are still pretty good at supporting lofty power levels. Again, bone stock garden variety heads flow well enough to around 375 hp. Over that, it's a good idea to blend the bowls to start, then larger valves with a bowl job, then porting the runners. If you're going to start putting that much into the heads, you're usually at the point where a set of Edelbrocks make economical sense. Better flowing heads allow you to make a more conservative cam selection but, again, as long as you're not reaching too high you can easily add 20 or more horspower and still have very good street manners with the stock heads.
In short, the 390 in the Fairlane/Mustang is most encumbered on the exhaust side due to the poor log manifolds so that's were you're going to see your greatest return on investment. Going with a cam kit is just plain beneficial since you have to replace the cam/lifters/springs in your overhaul anyway soyou might as well get something that reflects the advances in cam technology.
Just my two cents. |
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