Top FE Engine Builders in the World Start on a 390

[Drew Pojedinec]

At least you didn't wish my car would burn to the ground this time.

Oh yeah, I remember that.
Anyway, I do test every carb that I build. So that kinda fits the criteria.
I can’t imagine an engine builder doing that.  Testing 12 carbs in a day is totally possible when the part swapped is 15lbs.
I’m reminded of a lesson one of my mentors shared with me. He built 4 identical carbs the same day. 3 were perfect and one was off. I assume this is why dynos are popular with the engine builders. 50 year old parts often have 50 year old problems.

I think r&d is a critical component to any builder of any part.
It’s totally not feasible to build every combo and try it out. I (and I’m sure everyone else) relies on customer feedback, and good note taking to gain experience.
That is how I can build a set of carbs that bolt on, and the car runs a 9 second 1/4 mile with zero changes, while not having a car that is anywhere near that in power.

I’m sure we all wish we had more time to build fun stuff for no reason.  Sadly part of running a successful business is you tend to be fairly busy.

[FElony]

.570 lift.........made the ports right here on my own table.  I thought hot rodding was about taking the parts and adding your own spice....    And it didn't get eaten by the way........

What about a 570 hp 390 with a .481/.490 lift flat tappet cam, PI manifold, and C6-R heads?  10.30s in a Mustang with a 9" tire.  Does that qualify as grassroots?

I'm not sure I understand your point.  If you want someone to build a bone stock 352 with no mods, what would be the point?  Just to see what a stock 352 would do in a '64 Country  Squire?  Elaborate please.

OK, never mind. Over and over I write my ideas, but people just don't want to read. Wrong forum, I guess.

[FElony]

Sorry, I'm trying to keep up and that Mustang comment should have been aimed at cjshaker.

At least you didn't wish my car would burn to the ground this time.

Trying to recall the context. Link?

[Posi67]

I've always ran cobbled together junk and it seems to work good right until it goes KABOOM. If I had the wherewithal, I'd happily drive a stock 352 or 390 mid 60's car or 70's truck. I had a 360 once which was about enough though. Machine work is the same no matter the parts so unless someone has good used on the shelf then new and improved just seems to make the most sense. Not that being sensical is a prerequisite here..... 

[TomP]

The first several FE's I ever had were just 390's or 428's pulled out of old Galaxies or TBirds. Not rebuilt at all, just throw the big hydraulic cam in 'em, deep oil pan and the Cobra Jet heads and whatever intake I had at the time. Dual quad MR, Streetmaster, PI or F427. I would wing them 6500 or more with stock pistons and rings, stock rods and bolts, stock pushrods and stands and rocker assemblies.

In fact the ramp trucks engine is exactly that, a 428 with it's original rod bolts and C6AE pistons. It's been over 6500 many times.

[FElony]

Sorry, I'm trying to keep up and that Mustang comment should have been aimed at cjshaker.

At least you didn't wish my car would burn to the ground this time.

Trying to recall the context. Link?

Couldn't find the original comment, but I found my apology and your acceptance of my apology, Doug. Why bring it up? Still holding a grudge since Dec of 2018? Wow. I'm lucky if any of mine last more than a couple days, if that long.

[blykins]

Guys love underdogs. 

If you want to see evidence of that, look at the dyno section of the forum.   My junky 352 dyno session has over 1800 views, while some of the other builds I've done, 445, 482, etc., with Trick Flow heads, aftermarket parts, etc., are looking at 600-700-800 views. 

I don't know if I would be so adamant about putting it in a vehicle though, or giving builders a hard time because they build but don't install.  I can see exactly what a change will do on the dyno a whole lot quicker than I can see what it would do in a car.  I agree that driving is fun (that's why I'm working toward my own project) but there's lots of data to be had with a dyno session. 

If you hadn't watched, my 2bbl 352 started the dyno session with about 190 hp.  A PCV removal and timing change to 42° added 18 hp.  Adding a 500cfm Holley 2-bbl added 26 hp more and a swap to a BT intake and a Holley 650DP added 30 hp on top of that.  At the end of the session we were at 264 hp, which is more horsepower than my 2002 Mustang GT had, brand new from the factory. 

[cjshaker]

Sorry, I'm trying to keep up and that Mustang comment should have been aimed at cjshaker.

At least you didn't wish my car would burn to the ground this time.

Trying to recall the context. Link?

Couldn't find the original comment, but I found my apology and your acceptance of my apology, Doug. Why bring it up? Still holding a grudge since Dec of 2018? Wow. I'm lucky if any of mine last more than a couple days, if that long.

The context was, somebody was having starter problems and a couple of us forum members suggested trying the RobbMc starter. I was having hot start issues during Drag Week (you know, actually doing something with an FE), so I used the RobbMc starter and the issue went away. You insisted that it must be my starter cable, and that resistance was the issue, despite the fact that the issue was gone when I used a different starter. When I pointed that out, you still insisted it must be my cable. Then you went on some tirade about how you were some automotive electrical guru (30 years of wiring experience, blah blah blah) and that I didn't know what I was talking about. Then you wished my car would burn to the ground.

Ring a bell now?

Your "apology" was on a different thread, on the off chance that I might see it. Not on the same thread, as most people would do if they were truly sorry. And do I still hold a grudge over it? You're damn straight I do. Will I ever forget it? Hell no I won't. Anybody who would wish for someones classic car to burn to the ground, is lower than dirt in my opinion.

My apologies to the forum for the rant, but a reminder that that's the type of person you're dealing with here.

[FElony]

Oh yes, I was trying to help you troubleshoot your starting problem by narrowing down the possibilities. But you rejected my suggestion, adamant that it wouldn't help. You rejected other peoples' ideas, too. Why ask for help if you're going to have that attitude?

Yes, I had a career working on cars that involved electrical and current flow. You? No. You dismissed me out of hand because you hold a perpetual grudge. You insulted me and my background until I said what I said. Doesn't matter "where" I posted the apology, as you read everything that's posted here night and day. Your boss must be looking the other way.

Since you felt it necessary to bring this up again, I say fine. Let the others see what you're really like. A year and a half later and you're still hot over it. Who wins? Nobody, really.

[jayb]

FElony, why is it that so many of your topics degenerate into these little pissing contests?  So now I have to lock this post to enforce a civil discourse here.  Sheesh...