Adding power to a 390 help

[Hoser]

Hello, I own 76 F100 shortbox with a 390,c6 and a 9" with 3.00 gears. This truck is my weekend toy in the summer and I'd really like to add some more power to it. The 390 is just a rock stock 2bbl however it's been rebuilt about 5 years ago and run like a Swiss watch, I was looking at edelbrocks top end kit 2044 and was wondering if this was something I could install or would it just end with wreclimg my bottom end? I also plan on putting a shift kit and 2500 stall in the truck as well as a 3:55 posi. I'd appreciate any help or advice with this, im open to suggestions, thanks

[wowens]

The gear change will up seat of the pants feel a lot, exhaust upgrade should then be next. Then alum intake & small 4v carb. Without a cam change next, heads won't help much.

[chilly460]

Have you verified it's a 390, and not a 360?  Most F series would have had a 360 installed.  Do you know the casting numbers on the heads?  That will dictate, to some extent, how much improvement you'd see in going to Edelbrocks, and will help select correct headers if you go that direction. 

[Hoser]

Yes it is an actual 390. I've been looking at the whole top end kit including cam, I believe edelbrock calls it a power package. I don't know the head's because from what I've read they're not worth putting money into so I figured it'd be better to just replace all of it. I plan on headers too and maybe a bigger exhaust as it only has 2 1/4" duals

[e philpott]

BBM or TFS heads from BP or one of the FE Builders , Performer RPM and a Hydraulic Roller Cam from BP , Brent or Barry for application

[NIsaacs]

BBM or TFS heads from BP or one of the FE Builders , Performer RPM and a Hydraulic Roller Cam from BP , Brent or Barry for application

I would think that would be overkill on a used pickup 390. I think the ED kit would be great.

Nick

[chilly460]

Lots of variables depending on what you want to spend.  As stated above, TFS or BBM heads, a hydraulic roller, headers, performer RPM, and 650-750 Holley would be a nice package.  I'd personally stay away from the Edelbrock cams, the Performer is quite small, the Performer RPM is an older design and on the larger side for a truck application. 

Edelbrock heads are solid but use an older chamber and flow quite a bit less than more modern offerings.  I know from experience they'll also need a valve job out of the box. 

The hydraulic roller is not at all a necessity, just nice for ease of break-in and no fear of a lifter going flat.  Lots of variables as to what cam to run, the heads you select will influence which cam you should go with. 

[e philpott]

BBM or TFS heads from BP or one of the FE Builders , Performer RPM and a Hydraulic Roller Cam from BP , Brent or Barry for application

I would think that would be overkill on a used pickup 390. I think the ED kit would be great.

Nick

for some it would , but the OP will have shift kit , 3.5 gears and 2500 stall speed , as long as the cam works with the stall it should be a fun driver

[jayb]

To get back to the original question, as long as the short block is in good shape, and it sounds like it is, putting the Edelbrock package on isn't going to wreck anything.  For that vehicle a more exotic head package is probably overkill, and I think going to the Edelbrock heads, Performer RPM intake, a good Holley carb, and headers would give a huge improvement.  I would stay away from that Edelbrock cam, though.  Also I've purchased a few sets of the Edelbrock heads and they haven't needed a valve job out of the box, but the springs that come on those heads aren't so great.  So, I'd suggest a different cam with matching springs, and I think you'd be good to go.

[Hoser]

This is great, lots of information. Where would I find out the best cam for my application? I use the truck as just a cruiser, I don't tow or work it.

[fastback 427]

I would first get a budget in mind. Then find out about your rebuild, like which pistons and deck hight. If you can afford it the new trick flow heads seem to be good bang for your buck. Get a custom cam from one of the builders here when you have onough info for them. Headers, recurved distributor, and deeper gears go without saying.

[fe-starliner]

Contact Brent for choosing the correct cam for your combo.

http://www.lykinsmotorsports.com/

[My427stang]

First, I would be very sure I have a 390 and not a 360 in a 76.  As long as you know what you have, fine, but more were 360s than 390s.

Assuming its a 390, you could go cheap at first, at least if you think you can get the top exhaust manifold bolts out.  Headers, duals, a crossover and good mufflers, rear gears, a shift kit, and a recurved distributor will make a huge difference before going inside, and is likely even worth it if it turned out to be a 360

Also keep in mind it will take a little more money to buy headers that fit a truck with a set of Edelbrocks or TFS compared to stock heads, but, if the bolts are all going to break, may as well just bite the bullet for heads an intake and a 600 Holley and a set of FPAs for a CJ .

As far as the cam, I wouldn't start buying until you see how deep in the hole the pistons are and calculate compression.

All that being said, a distributor with a healthy advance curve, a shift kit to bang the gears, more gear in the rear, and a free flowing exhaust with a bark will make it more fun, and if it runs real nice, you never have to go inside.  I have even run that combo with a 500 Holley 2 barrel for a little more breathing

 

[Joe-JDC]

Edelbrock RPM heads have had a better spring package for several years, now.  The last several sets I have checked had 135-140# on the seat.  You can specify what springs you want when ordering from Summit, or Jegs, etc..   Joe-JDC

[Hoser]

Ok so I think I have a plan. I'll use edelbrock heads, edelbrock rpm performer intake, recurved distributor, a custom cam to fit my needs, Headers (I like what I read about FPA), bigger duals and a holly 4bbl. I'll figure out the C/R but I'm sure it's just the stock 8.5, which I know isn't ideal but I can't seem to find a reputable machine shop in all of Ontario. Plus I'm still going to run the shift kit, 2500 stall and posi with 3:55 or maybe 3:73 gears.

I think I can do all this in my budget of 12 grand. That's the plan so far if anyone see's an issue with it please let me know. I'm pretty green to performance work, so I appreciate everyone sharing their knowledge with me. Thanks