392 max engine speed

2000CobraR · #1 (**permalink**) 12-24-2003, 11:51 AM

hey I was looking into getting the ford racing 392 crate engine. I was just wondering if anyone knew the maximum engine speed for this engine. Thanks

RallySnake · #2 (**permalink**) 12-24-2003, 01:16 PM

That's the stroker size that Dennis Oltoff and Doug Reed used to win their class and 3rd place overall in the "One Lap" a couple of years ago. There was a great write up about it on one of the Superformance web site. Use Google to find it.

I understand that there are many more reliable engines than the Ford crate jobs. Better to ask for an engine builder in your area that will build to suit your requirements.

Paul

wilf leek · #3 (**permalink**) 12-24-2003, 01:18 PM

Max engine speed ? 150mph +

Sorry - it's the Christmas spirit.

Perf. Eng. Eric · #4 (**permalink**) 12-24-2003, 01:48 PM

2000CobraR, We have found on our chassis and flywheel dynos that the 396 Ford crate engine with a hydralic roller cam peaks out around 5800/6000 RPMs. The engine will go to about 6200/6300 RPMs but produces no more power. Hope this helps.

bullseyeprec · #5 (**permalink**) 12-24-2003, 06:49 PM

I got a 392 stroker and the dealer said 6000 is max and 5500 is extra safe. It makes really good power to that rpm and when you shift you are right back in the peak torque curve. Good luck

Jack21 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-26-2003, 11:44 AM

This Months' Muscle Mustang, and Fast Fords tests 6 sets of heads in a CHP 393W dyno test mule. The Com Cams hydraulic roller cams were a little (in my estimation) on the wild side for a "street" motor, but the top performers (AR, & TFS) were making 525 HP on pump gas at 6400 - 6600 RPM.

RPM's are typically limited to 6000 or so with street valvesprings and hydraulic lifters, flat or roller. And a street cam, you're not making any power over 6000 anyway.

Pushing the engine from 6000 to 7000, reliably, and still making power requires you to go first class on everything in the bottom end.

There are better places to shop than FMS for motors. Someplace you can drive to and discuss your build with the shop owner who builds HP street and race motors for a living. Then drive to to pick up your work-of-art. Then drive back to for further discussion, diagnostics, and repair if there are any problems.

Cobra #42 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-26-2003, 12:00 PM

2000, I have used the 392 from Ford in one of my cars and it didn't hold up well at all. First on track event it through a rod at about 5500 RPM. My recommendation is to go to Keith Craft or Roush for an engine that has a warranty as well as great performance. In the engine business you get what you pay for. The 392 from Ford is an OK engine if you are never going to push it. But it is built for a specific price point and has no warranty.
From your question about max engine speed I would think you are not leading a parade with your car, so be warned.
Thanks, db

niles · #8 (**permalink**) 12-26-2003, 12:14 PM

Several people have given you sage advise.
I was orginally steered toward the FMS crate 393, but further research and reading the fine print in the Ford literature resulted in a custom build. to paraphrase the Ford footnotes; it says something like; built to the same tolerances and QA standards as the standard production engine. ie, no blueprinting, balancing, parts matching/ selection.

gn

2000CobraR · #9 (**permalink**) 12-28-2003, 08:50 PM

Everyone says that the 392 isn't a good engine so I was wondering what would be the best engine to get that works with a Tremec T-56 transmission and fits in a 2000 Mustang GT.

Bill Wells · #10 (**permalink**) 12-29-2003, 03:59 AM

whoa cobraR2000...

I am not so sure I would come to the same conclusion as you have, it is but a small sample here and i think too early to condemn the FMS 392, as I am not sure those with these motors would overwhelmingly condemn them but rather support the engine..like anything, some fail and some dont'. cost of a crate w/o warranty vs custom build same size w/warranty, I dont know what that dollar difference would be as i did not shop a comparison. but, a legitimate question.

I put on 3200 miles this summer in a Ford Racing SVO 392 crate stroker and no problemos. good all range performance. hopefully my good news experience continues. there are quite a few 392 strokers around and i have not heard any widespread complaining...

re your RPM query, I was told by Ford Racing that there was no need to exceed 6,000 rpm with my 392 stroker, as it is beyond the power curve, so I have a shift light set at 5600 and a rev limiter set at 6000.

there are lots of engine choices and engine builders so take your time and carefully select. its always easier to go 'more' power the first time than later. and, if ya find a good supplier/builder/ dealer locally it is easier than getting things done later if needed via long distance.

good luck. whatever ya get, enjoy it and DRIVE IT ! bill. .

jmkkingpin · #11 (**permalink**) 12-29-2003, 07:16 AM

Like anything else if you know a great local eng builder who you can keep an eye on thats one thing.If you dont youre better off with a FMS 392 than an engine built by some guy who doesnt know what hes doing !

coyled · #12 (**permalink**) 12-29-2003, 09:05 AM

2000cobraR, a 351 stroked to 392 is not the kind of motor that you want to get power out of at high rpm's. If you want to go to 7000 rpm or better, stay with a 351 or 302. I would highly recomend going with a builder that will dyno and break in the motor, regardless of choice. If it breaks on the dyno, its his problem, if it doesn't break, the motor will probably last. Scott