[JohannTbird1964Qp390]

Gday from Downunder,
Have read many threads and as a novice getting more confused.
Recent purchase 64 Tbird coupe.
We have the 390 out, have got Edelbrock intake and looking at Holley. (I know itis not a sprinter, have Mustang Cobra for that )
Thinking of Ed. heads---would like to put a mild cam to get the old girl off the mark a tad quicker and mid range accel. for overtaking as it will be driven on secondary country roads.
Is there such a thing? , if not overtaking more important.
Thanks and cheers,
Johann.
Sydney

[vinniekq2]

390s make good power but the exhaust side of the heads do not flow enough.If the heads are off,get a little exhaust work done.You dont need much cam,contact your favourite grinder and give him the parts list and flow rate of your heads if the porter has a flow bench

[JohannTbird1964Qp390]

Thanks We are looking Edelbrock Heads do not have a "Grinder" was hoping to get an off the shelf. if not We can get one made up one of the Aus Cam Co's.
Cheers from Downunder,
Johann(390 Greenhorn)

[vinniekq2]

the FE heads can be ported a lot.Edelbrock heads come with a decent flow rate if you can justify the cost. The weight savings on a 390 intake is worth it.The rocker ratio is great so low 400 HP engines are easy to make.

[JohannTbird1964Qp390]

Thanks- with my big gut I need all the weight loss!!! Will also have custom mandrell bent headers.

[JohannTbird1964Qp390]

P.S. Whats rocker ratio pls ? (Greenhorn)

[texastomeh]

Johann,

The link below is from when I went through the same exercise with my '63 T'Bird 390. May be of some help.

332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum: '63 390 4V (300 HP) Stock Camshaft Specifications??

Tom

[JohannTbird1964Qp390]

Tom,
have printed off info and will take to my guy on mon.,
Cheers,
Johann

[texastomeh]

Johann,

I am ALWAYS glad to help out a fellow T'Bird'er!!!!

Tom

[F-BIRD'88]

If you want to resue the stock FE motor valvetrain limit the new cam lift to .514" or less. If use t a stock low stall torque converter and hiway gearing keep the cam .050" duration between 195 and 218 deg @.050"

A new moderate high perf cam with 208 to 218deg intake and 212 to 224deg ex duration "@.050" will get it done . 110 to 114LSA.
Degree in the new cam to verify the timing events (correct cam installed phasing)
Some FE motor timing gears sets result in retarded cam timing (emmisions)
The only way to verify this is to degree in the new cam.

.500" valve lift is plenty. More lift will require valvetrain upgrades and rocker pushrod length geometry verification.

When the .050" duration gets beyond about 230 deg @.050" the idle gets rough, idle manifold vacuum takes a hit and the car wants a high stall converter and gears and more than stock compression ratio.

Again amy cam in the 208 to 224 @.050" range and .514" or less lift will get it done nicely. More power than stock especially with headers , without getting too carried away.

There is a good old Ford factory high perf "Cobra Jet" Hyd cam that fits the bill nicely. C8AX-6250-C

Crane cams Blueprint replacement Crane #340301

A nice choice Comp cams #33-304-4 FB260AH-10

Howards cams #250031 or #250021

Crane Cams | Automotive Home Page
COMP Cams - Performance Camshafts, Lifters, Valve Springs, Rocker Arms
Howards Cams

[F-BIRD'88]

Here are some more Clevite Moderate hi perf cams.

PN duration @.050 LSA and lift

229-1776 204-214 112 .486-.512
229-2086 214 214 110 .512
229-2088 218 218 110 .528
229-1624 224 224 112 507 this one will have a perf idle and will like a higher rear gear ratio. ((3.55+) but will go like hell at 3000+ rpm.
may not like a stock stall converter if the stock converter stall is very low.
2500-3000 stall best. 4.10's-4.30's for drag racing

All these cam for the 390FE motor require a high perf valve spring and
must be degreed in for max perf.

Your stock 64 390fe cam should be around 195@.050" and .446" lift.

Any local shop that can get Clevite hi perf bearings should be able to get these
Clevite high perf cams for you.

[JohannTbird1964Qp390]

Many Thanks for a very comprehensive reply. I do know we have Crane here in Aus. so i will start wih them.
Cheers,
Johann(horn)

[F-BIRD'88]

If you are willing to go the extra mile to get a good power improvment
from a good cam Crane has beauti stat of the art retro fit Hyd rollercams.
They have systems for the Ford FE motor. They do require some valvetrain upgrades.
The gains are well worth it.And Crane is the company for this. You are not at all limited to what is shown in the Crane catalog.
Custom grinds are their business.

You'd really like a properly selected aind installed Crane Hyd roller cam and valvetrain.
Especially with exhaust headers and some basic FE cylinder head port cleanup.
Big torque and power gains and keep the streetability and reliability.

A "Cobra Jet +++" motor for the new millennium.

Note: The export version of the 390FE thunderbird motor had a lower compression ratio
to run on 87 octane gas. Something to look for.
Yours may or may not be the low cr export motor.

Crane Cams tech will help you and your engine builder work out a system that is just right for your car.
Give 'em a call.