A big block FE is a very different animal than that 289 you’ve been beating on. With the FE, you’re going to get loads of low end torque and some real nice hp numbers without having to turn the thing over 6K. I have my rev limiter set to 6K which also suits my cam’s power band.
If you want a lumpy idle, you can sure get one with an FE. How much hp are you looking to build? I’m expecting 375hp (I hope for more) out of it. It’s a basic 390 build.
Here are my specs:
390 .030 over short block with stock bottom end
Oiling mods (chamfered
oil feed holes)
10:1 compression
Federal Mogul SpeedPro forged pistons (TRW-L2291F)
HV
oil pump
CraneCam Part# 343801 Grind# H-278-2
Edelbrock RPM heads 72cc
Edelbrock RPM intake
Ductile Iron 1.76 rocker arm kit adjustable Crane CRN-34772-16
Pushrods Crane Cam CRN-34645-16 stock 3/8 diameter, 9.234 in. long
MSD “ready to run FE” distributor # 8595
MSD coil and 8.5mm wires
MSD 6AL ignition box
Holley Street Avenger 770 cfm
ARP bolts throughout
Hooker Super Comp headers
Tim