FE 390 tuning

[amazonsport]

My old 390 in my 250 camper special feels a little bit tired..

I want to replace the 2 barrel holley carb but are not sure with what? Maybe a 4 barrel intake from edelbrock (performer) and a 600? edelbrock carburator? Should i have the RPM intake or the (2105) maybe..

Do i have to do something with the rest of the engine?

[HIO Silver]

Do you have headers already? Headers and dual exhaust should be done before making any upgrades to the intake side of the engine. Just going to headers will result in a noticeable increase in HP and TQ. Long tubes are a PITA to install on a 2WD... I went with Sanderson 3/4-length headers to avoid numerous issues like a trapped starter, having to jack up or remove the right motor mount, and having the collector point straight to the crossmember.

And if not yet electronic ignition, ditch the troublesome points and condenser and go with a Pertronix Ignitor (I or II). Dead nuts reliable and, unlike points, doesn't degrade with every mile that is logged.

Add an open element air cleaner and housing. It's worth a few HP/TX numbers. 14x3 is fine.

A 600 to 650 cfm carb with vacuum secondaries is recommended for the street. Either a 2105 or 7105 is fine. Your call. Personally, I would lean towards the 2105.

[tnlprt]

The first thing I would do is a leak down test to see what kind of condition the rings and valves are in

Throwing 800 bucks plus at an engine to correct things that are not the problem is never a good idea

[Ranchero50]

The first thing I would do is a leak down test to see what kind of condition the rings and valves are in

Throwing 800 bucks plus at an engine to correct things that are not the problem is never a good idea

Amen, tired sounds like worn. Make sure the long block is healthy before adding anything to it.

[amazonsport]

Thanks for your answers, when i bought the truck the last owner had put on new headers (dont know what brand)with 60mm double exhaust system. it has also ignitor installed..

The engine doesn´t consume oil and the compression is good in all cylinders. (dont remember how much now)

Is there need for a new camshaft? Or do the old one do the job?

[HIO Silver]

Thanks for your answers, when i bought the truck the last owner had put on new headers (dont know what brand)with 60mm double exhaust system. it has also ignitor installed..

The engine doesn´t consume oil and the compression is good in all cylinders. (dont remember how much now)

Is there need for a new camshaft? Or do the old one do the job?

Cool. The foundation (exhaust work) has been done.

Onward to a carb and intake swap! ...A performance camshaft (plus lifters) is worth some HP and TQ. Your call whether or not to add one to the upgrade list... And if you're that deep into it, seriously consider replacing the timing set if the engine has at least 40K miles (64 Km) since it was built/rebuilt.

[cep62]

I had a high mileage 360 with a bad timing chain.
When I replaced it it ran better than it had in years.

I just happened to catch some of the nylon teeth in my drain pan,
so I could replace it before it left me stranded. (lucky me).

[amazonsport]

Thanks for all the answers and your thoughts ..

[RustRed]

I have read 600cfm is to large for a stock 302