FE390 build suggestions

[Blooeffie]

Good Morning all.
I just picked up a 390 engine and I am in the process of rebuilding it. I am not looking to go all out, just want a reliable strong motor. I plan on replacing the cam, intake and carb. I would appreciate your advice on which brands or model numbers have been reliable for you. Thanks in advance!

[Ranchero50]

Pretty much any 'name' that's been around for a while has decent parts.

Without a better description of the intended use and duty it's hard to suggest what level of components to install. Everything has to work together to perform well to do what you need it to do correctly. That is the balancing act that requires the better description of use and duty.

[radioactivelarry]

Check out this publication on Big Block Ford Engines namely the FE & FT. It will tell you everything you need to know about your 390.

Big-Block Ford Engines.jpg

[DuckRyder]

Also this one:

[cowbay]

Good books there to start off with. As also stated above what is your goal with this motor? For me I rebuilt mine to with stock components i.e. intake, carb, heads, low compression, etc. The cam I used was a comp Duration 268/268, Lift .494/.494. As a result just a super solid driver that I use for three seasons. It gets decent mileage and has enough power to get out of it's own way.

[HIO Silver]

Here's some reading for your info: CarCraft Magazine: Build a Low-Buck Street/Strip FE

[cowbay]

Here's some reading for your info: CarCraft Magazine: Build a Low-Buck Street/Strip FE

I am not mature enough for that at the age of 48. I would probably loose my license for having my foot on it all the time

[redmcode]

I just got my 390 fe stroked to a 431 off the dyno. Very happy with the results. It was built to be a weekend driver not a drag car. From 2900 rpm the TQ started at 500ft/lbs maxing out at 540ft/lbs and still over 500 lbs the way to 5200 rpm. As for HP at 3400 rpm was over 400 hp all the way to 5200 rpm and maxed out at 465hp. It is a big TQ motor and will be very hard on tires. Glad i am four linking the rear to get some king of traction. Good luck with your build.

[390bump]

I read those FE hot rod books before rebuilding my 390 and while they were interesting - not very useful regarding building a strong truck "everyday" motor. I read a lot of post on the FE forum that was very helpful.
My quick advice:
Get pistons to get your CR up to 9:5.
Spend money at the best local machinist you can find that knows FE motors.
Spend money to bore, balance, etc the internals.
Spend money for best bearings, piston rings, gaskets, etc...
Do the oil modification mod to the heads.
Rebuild heads and get stainless valves
Get RV type cam for low RPM torque
get aluminum (ED) water pump and Performer intake
get exhaust manifolds milled and put in heli coils if bolt holes are pitted
get MSD distributor
new or rebuilt carb (autolite 4100 or Holley, Edelbrock...)
new timing chain, oil pump...

Theres a lot of money to spend to build a good quality motor. Make a list before you start.