390 Power

[fordracer]

What kind of power can I expect from a 390 ? I cannot afford a S.O. but I would like the look, plus the two manufacturers I am looking at don't recommend 460's. I would like to hear from somebody with real experience. I have DD2K. Here is my plan, 390 block,428 crank, 10.5 compression, Crane Hydraulic Roller cam. Thanks

[Dwight]

FROM WHAT I'VE READ AND SEEN, YOU WILL HAVE MORE HORSE POWER THAN YOU NEED ON THE STREET. BUT YOU WILL HAVE A LOT OF BRAGGING RIGHTS. A 390 WITH ALUM INTAKE AND HEADS, MILD CAM WILL GIVE YOU 450 HP + - . SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON SOME GOOD LARGE REAR TIRES!!

[aumoore]

You will end up with a 410C.I. motor with a 390 bore(4.05) and a 428 stroke(3.98). Ford did build a 406motor for the t-bird in '62 & '63 and it was rated at 385hp & 444ftlbs with a single 4bbl. the same year the best single 4bbl 390 was rated at 300hp & 427hp. This motor should be closer to a 428 in performance but it will have just a little less torque. With some Ported HiPo heads or Aftermarket aluminum heads it should put out way over 425hp.

The 390 was actually installed in a few early big block cobras and there was an aluminum block 390 in the flip top cobra. The 390 and 428 look the same as a 427 except for the side bolts on some 427 motors.

[6T5 Cbra]

I have a 390 in mine and although I've never had it dyno'd, it has plenty of power. If I had to guess the hp, I'd say in the neighborhood of 400 to 450 (?).

Mine is .030 over but not stroked. I am running approx. 9.7:1 compression with aluminum heads, 296° dur. w/.572" lift on the cam, performer rpm manifold, holley 770, dove aluminum roller rockers, flat top pistons, msd ignition/pro billet distributor, double roller timing chain, etc, etc.

This setup is very streetable but still quite capable of quickly melting the tread off the tires when desired. Now of course, you don't get the same bragging rights that you get with the 427 SO, but for 1/2 the cost, I can deal with that.

Gene

[Jeb]

The stroked 390 can be a powerful engine.
Your plan to use hydraulic roller lifters however may need some rethinking. Their use in the mix will limit your top RPM's to 5500 max, even with Ti valves and retainers you won't be able to rev much higher than that and there are no rev kits for the FE.

The Cobra needs revs. You don't say what trans type you're thinking of. If it's an auto and you're looking for street use out of this car only, then the Hydraulic rollers would be fine. If you're going racing, sometimes, I'd look at some other form of lifter.

[Jerry Chabino]

Guys,

I surprised that the hydro rollers will only let U go to 5500 !! I thought at least 6500 -7000. I have a flat tappet in my 428 and it pulls up through 6300. I've never taken it any higher. I also have a 427 Vette, flat tappet and I've taken it to 7000. Guess I assumed that along with additional lift that the rollers would be up near the 7000 range.

[Eddie 3447]

I have a Midstates with a mild 390 with a tremec 5 speed, 9" with 3.55 gears and 16 X 10 Rims with 315/40/16 Michelin soft tires. Any launch over 2000 rpm results in wheel spin.

[Captain Speed]

I have a 390 bored 60 over with flat top piston which gives about 10.5 compression and 401 ci. The heads are 352 that have been ported and 427 valves (2.09 & 1.66) installed. Cam is an Elgin pro stock from the 1964 Glaxie (Advertised dur is 324 deg - 245 deg at 50, lift is 524 lobe center is 114). I'am running two 600 hollies on a Ford low riser and the car runs great.

[fordracer]

Hydraulic Rollers are heavier than flat hydraulic lifters, that is why RPM may be limited. With such a big stroke though the engine won't be a screamer anyway. Right now I'm just thinking and according to the Desk Top 2K and Engine Analyzer v 3.0 a Hydraulic Roller is a good choice. I know a lot here put a lot of credibility in these engine simulators and I do think they are good for getting in the ball park but nothing beats the real thing. Thanks a lot for the replies

[John 550]

I think you would enjoy a 390 w / 428 crank more than most people with a 427 0r 428 . For one , it's going to do everything you want it to . And you can beat the snot out of it , and not be afraid of its rareness should a unlikely problem arise .
I would like a 428 crank in my 390 , but it would make sence to do it now . Be sure to have a FE pro do the build ! I had Joe @ Danbury Comp engines in Conn . I Highly recomend !