power gain

[cammerfe]

+1 on exhaust. Brother Lon's first new car was a '63 Gal 500 convert. 390/300 and 3-speed. We did a quick diz work-up to get more initial without too much overall. And within a few days, Lon got a pair of 406 manifolds and we put them on.

It made a GIANT difference, but the valve springs and lifters weren't up to it and valve float started occurring at about 4500. It went back to the dealer several times before they relented and replaced ALL the lifters and the springs as well.

But let me emphasize that the exhaust made a very significant difference.

KS

[Grbmaverickmo]

This is a great thread going. Here`s my dilema I have a short amount of time and momentary tight budget before the FE race my 54 is together and runs so I don`t want to take it to far apart and not be able to race that weekend. I have been collecting pcs all winter but don`t have them all. I `m trying to decide what my last big spend is gona be gears or shorty headers and better exhaust. Right now it is a stock rebuilt 69 gt 390 and fresh c-6 with a 3.10 open and log manifolds off a mid sixties t-bird with 2inch duals and glasspacks out the back of the car. I do have a edelbrock 600 on it and a accel super coil, dist is recurved so it has more initial.

[Ratbird]

My biggest gains (based on feel) came with headers, and reset the timing and curve. Advancing my timing was huge.

[Joe-jdc]

Sounds like you have the stock rear gears in the '54.  That is your weak link if true.  You need to get at least 3.50 gear and positraction or you are going to be spinning your wheels---literally.  Headers and dual exhaust, timing/tune-up tricks, intake/cam/carb in sequence.  Joe-JDC

[ScotiaFE]

This is why I dont do bolt-ons, seems like no matter how hard one tries it just never really does much. Always felt like if a guy had a plan and a goal and just went for it, he would be much happier!

You got your bolt on and weld on.
Most engine parts are bolt on.

How fast to want to go?
That costs extra. lol

[Bad Byrd]

This is why I dont do bolt-ons, seems like no matter how hard one tries it just never really does much. Always felt like if a guy had a plan and a goal and just went for it, he would be much happier!

You got your bolt on and weld on.
Most engine parts are bolt on.

How fast to want to go?
That costs extra. lol

Good point! I was thinking more of the process but yeah I hear what your saying!

[Lenz]

My two cents are to go with "friendly" parts if you can.  When I rebuild I'm sticking with my 3310 Holley at 750 cfm.  The vacuum secondary is brought in by what's really going on will help regulate your power output by managing fuel input.  You can change the diaphragm springs to bring your secondaries on faster if you like down the road.  Sort of a self tuning carb, it'll adjust for the driveway mechanic that doesn't have the equipment to match his setup with a more dedicated unit like the double pumper.  And, a larger cfm carb lets you go bigger later on..........  JMO

[Ford428CJ]

Here is what I would do... Like some people have said... Headers, gears (maybe, last thing to do), shift kit (Stage 2), Intake (dont waste your time on the performer, get an RPM), A good carb 650-780VS cfm, hot ignition set up (MSD or Mallory 6AL box & coil), 2 1/2" exhaust, A set of Autolite 124's or NGK AP7FS to top it off with. That will get you moving!  LOL  JMHO 

[Ford428CJ]

Also some other things that are over looked.... Get a good cap and rotor! One that uses brass parts, like Accel cap and rotor (something along those lines).... A good set of plug wires too... Ford Motorsports comes to mind....