turbocharging 390 FE

[Zderf]

I simply went with a stock 1974 390 with a full overhaul (0.10 over) and added a Comp Cam kit (33-230-4 / 280 lift - 230 duration) with the stock hydraulic heads, Edelbrock Performer intake, Holley 750, stock Ford distributor, and some hi perf add ons (water pump etc). I have more power and torque than I can usually use. That includes high altitude driving as well (I'm at sea level).

The motor is very reliable and streetable, sounds like the real thing (427), looks like the real thing (see my photo gallery), and was done with a reasonable budget.

You might want to take the lower road until you are convinced that this is not enough. If it isn't, then you may be planning to race competitively..... I'll tell ya, ain't many cars going to pass you as-is!!

Good Luck,

Zderf

[Dominik]

I hear you guys!

thanks for the moral support. handling is what I also want to focus on, because I live 5 minutes from the race track.

But I was also used to accelerate with the big bikes, that is less than 10s to 125 mph...

let's overbore this block and put the crank in as well as pistons.

thanks again,

dominik (cape town)

[SCOBRAC]

A Paxton super charger(s) would be a direct bolt on for a 9:1 (think 1976 ford truck) 390 FE..

Carroll Shelby built two (2) twin Paxton 427's (who will know your 390 isn't a 427 TO in South Africa) One he still owns and one was sold to Bill Cosby, that one was later seen cliff diving in Southern California. Top speed.. 182 mph

[Dominik]

micheal,

a direct bolt on for 9:1. do you know the boost of those and do I need forged pistons and better con-rods?
the paxtons would also be unavailable here, and unaffordable shipping them, but I contact australia for parts now.

funny enough my buddy has the book from Bell. I gave him a book to read: "drive to win", and here is my return.

christmas is coming and no engien shop has open. let's relax.

thanks,

dom

[SCOBRAC]

Boost is whatever you would decide to dial in by choosing the drive pullies.. Much as one would for a roots style supercharger.. mild to wild. 6psi was a good starting point for most. It was not uncommon to bolt on 125-150 hp with a paxton in the 60's with a standard small block..

Shelby used a cross ram style manifold like a Micky Thompson or a Weiand unit to mount the carbs closer to either side of the engine rather than over the centerline.. Search Paxton in Google or Yahoo for more info.

Regards,