Lykins Motorsports 390 FE, 540 hp, 515 lb-ft...

[blykins]

This is one of those builds that shows that you don't have to buy stroker kits or $4000 engine blocks in order to get big, streetable horsepower. Engine makes 540 hp @ 6000 and runs on pump gas.

We started out with a 390 block, did the normal machine work, then fitted it with the customer's 391 crankshaft that had been ground down to BBC rod journal dimensions. Added some custom Racetec pistons, Scat rods, one of my custom hydraulic rollers, and some Trick Flow heads. Performer RPM intake went on top with a Quick Fuel carb. Pretty vanilla combination.

Customer put it in a '66 Galaxie wagon. 4600 lbs with driver, it runs in the 12's, through mufflers, stock shocks, etc.

[Sawdust]

That's impressive Brent!

[KDubU]

That is a nice engine.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by blykins

This is one of those builds that shows that you don't have to buy stroker kits or $4000 engine blocks in order to get big, streetable horsepower. Engine makes 540 hp @ 6000 and runs on pump gas.

We started out with a 390 block, did the normal machine work, then fitted it with the customer's 391 crankshaft that had been ground down to BBC rod journal dimensions. Added some custom Racetec pistons, Scat rods, one of my custom hydraulic rollers, and some Trick Flow heads. Performer RPM intake went on top with a Quick Fuel carb. Pretty vanilla combination.

Customer put it in a '66 Galaxie wagon. 4600 lbs with driver, it runs in the 12's, through mufflers, stock shocks, etc.

What's the stroke / displacement with that reground FT crank?

[blykins]

A 391 crank is the same stroke as a 390, 3.780". Total displacement is 395 cubic inches.

[undy]

Originally Posted by blykins

A 391 crank is the same stroke as a 390, 3.780". Total displacement is 395 cubic inches.

Isn't the 391 crank forged steel VS the 390's cast crank?

[blykins]

Yep..

[DanEC]

Nice engine. You have really become the go-to guy for an FE. Appreciate your being able to share your work and experience here on the forum.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by blykins

A 391 crank is the same stroke as a 390, 3.780". Total displacement is 395 cubic inches.

Got it. I was thinking you may have offset ground those journals and added a little stroke while you were at it, but I guess not. Impressive output for 395 CID.

[olddog]

I agree with your parts choices. 390 went into pick up trucks well beyond all the other FEs, and some are still running. It's getting harder, but they can still be found fairly easily. 427's are pretty rare these days, and 428s are not plentiful either, so I think these should be saved to restore original cars, in an ideal world.

A 390 block stroked out to 440ish is more engine than a 2500 lb car needs. I'm surprised I hear of so few. Everyone seems to want to go Windsor stroker or all out aluminum block 482 or bigger. It puzzles me more people do not go with an economical 390 or 440ish stroker. Glad to see you showing us what can be done.

[byron w]

Hi Brent,
Sounds like the +.060 390 in my Cobra. What compression ratio on this engine?

[blykins]

10.3 on this one. The TFS heads and cam will make the difference....

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by olddog

...A 390 block stroked out to 440ish is more engine than a 2500 lb car needs. I'm surprised I hear of so few. Everyone seems to want to go Windsor stroker or all out aluminum block 482 or bigger. It puzzles me more people do not go with an economical 390 or 440ish stroker. Glad to see you showing us what can be done.

I agree with you olddog. Why put a Windsor stroker into a 427 replica when you can still source a genuine FE-family engine?
In a replica, what is the sense of going out past 427? How much power do you want / need ....and why, in a 2500lb car?

edit: obviously I'm in a minority

Brent: nice engine, keep them coming!

Cheers!
Glen

[tortuga]

Nice presentation

[jetblue69]

Brent, how do you like the TFS heads? I wish they were around when I built my 427... How do they compare to the Eddy's?

[blykins]

The TFS head has about 70cfm more flow with the same size intake port. Small, heart shape chamber requires a lot less total timing. They are all I use for aftermarket heads.

[byron w]

Brent, will you tell the cam specs on this engine and the street manners? Please?

Byron

[blykins]

This was not the most correct camshaft for this engine. We had started the build thinking we were going to use some CNC ported Edelbrock heads so I went with a 240/243 @ .050" hydraulic roller, .580" lift, 109 LSA.

We switched to the TFS heads mid-build and I hated to ask him to shell out another $425 for a different camshaft. The cams for the TFS heads need more duration split. Probably could have squeaked out another 10-12 hp.

All-in-all, it doesn't have vacuum for power brakes, but it's mild enough for his wife to drive the 4600 lb beast around town. It's also rowdy enough to be shifted at 7000 rpm when he's drag racing.

[byron w]

Thanks Brent, lift is about the same but a little more duration at .050 and I am on
107 LSA

[blykins]

Probably quite a bit more cylinder head than what you have too, which will make the engine pull higher. Difference between Edelbrocks and TFS heads are about 50-60 cfm, which is considerable.