Cubic inches, don't leave home without 'em...

geoklass said:

The neat thing about the 351W block is that you can push the displacement to 427 cubic inches, or even more in some cases. The down side is that it won't be a cheap shortblock. But, how about using an FE engine instead, maybe a 390 or a 427 or a 428? There were thousands of 390 inch engines produced by Ford between 1961 & 1971. Bore was 4.05" and the stroke was 3.78". The 427 was produced between 1963 & 1968, so there are less of them around. The bore and stroke for the 427 was 4.23" x 3.78". As you can see, the stroke on the 390 is the same as the 427. A small bore job on the 390 will allow you to get 427 cubic inches, and purchase stock Ford replacment pistons. The 428 was produced between 1966 and 1970. Bore and stroke was 4.13" x 3.98". Everything in the FE engines are mix and match. For instance, you can use the pistons from a 427, and a crank (and rods) from the 428, and wind up with 447 cubic inches.

It's a very easy swap, and yes, Long Tube headers are available for the FE in 1 3/4", 1 7/8" and 2" primaries...

Click to expand...

I am new to the forum and not for sure how to post a question. Here is my dilemma.. I have a 56 ford customline show car with an almost stock 390 fe. the only thing not stock is dual carbs and high performance coil and dist. setup.. I am going to get carbs adjusted to run right. They are way to rich at this time but can be calibrated down. I can not add anymore hp because there is no room to add headers (have had it looked at by pro custom people). Did 250 hp on dyno (17 inch wheels on rear) and a 325 rear end ratio positrac with 4 speed shifter. Not for sure how much power loss due to the dual carb set up but am looking at how to increase performance on zero to 60 and eight mile runs. At 65 mph in 4th I am tacking 2400 rpm and it will only do 4400 rpm. ( that's borderline to much) If I go to a 6 speed manual shifter and change rear end gears to a 370, will the 6 speed (.63 in 6th compared to 1 to 1 presently in 4th) get me down the road quicker with out hurting my top end or cruising speed?? there are no power adds possible at all because of the header situation.