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Old 03-16-2006, 07:31 PM
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blueovalfanatic blueovalfanatic is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Columbus, OH
Cobra Make, Engine: Shell Valley- 390 FE, 4 speed toploader, 3.50's
Posts: 249
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Default 390 valve lift: what is "safe"?

First off, I do not know alot about the FE's. I have a 1967 390 out of a Fairlane GT that was rebuilt awhile ago, maintaining the stock pistons and heads. I plan to add a new oil pump, and a few basics such as carb, intake, cam, etc.. I have been looking through some speed shop catalogs, and some of the valve lifts I see seem pretty steep- i.e. .57, .60, etc..

Id like to go pretty radical with the cam as without power brakes, vacuum is not as much as a concern. I know the pistons, thickness of the head gaskets, what type of heads and if they have been milled, etc. play a major role- but at what valve lift should I start being concerned.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Greg
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