1st FE build, looking for 1hp per cube with alot of low end torque

[jayb]

Here's a link to my budget 390 stroker buildup in Car Craft.  $6K, 500 HP, 500 ft-lbs:

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/ccrp-0808-ford-390-fe/

Sounds like you have access to the machine work at no charge (unless I misunderstood), so that would knock about $700 off the cost of the build.  Replace the solid cam with the hydraulic, and lower the compression a little, and you've got an easy 440 HP and 480 foot pounds for well under $6K.

[67Rancher0]

OK, so after reading some more ( jays link ) and talking it over with a few people, I guess it makes as much sense to refresh the 390 as it would a worn out 302. It's less machine work to do 445 than  even a sbf. So the math is closer than I thought, so I just gotta decide if I want to go mild or closer to 500 if cost is relative