Budget FE Build - Combos You are Happy with

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by PANAVIA

Rodney -- what was the cam spec on your roller cam >?

Steve, I didn't know exactly what you meant by "budget FE." When I started to look for an FE engine, I looked at used 428 and 427 parts, but the prices were very expensive and some of the parts were junk in my opinion. I finally decided to increase my budget and just get an all new setup.

My cam card is at my workplace, but I think the specs were 112 LSA, 245/253 duration and .634/.651.

[patrickt]

PANAVIA -- Why don't you get quotes for a completed budget short block 390 or 428 from Barry, Keith, et. al. and then you do the rest? If you're not comfortable with that, move it up to a long block. I personally prefer a solid cam, but a hydraulic is safer and easier to break in. Don't go with a "budget FE builder," only go with a recognized FE expert. Right now the economic times might just play in your favor if you find the right builder who will ease back a bit on his labor rates and build it for durability as opposed to ridiculous horsepower. Just keep in mind the FE mantra: Some things are better the second time around; rebuilding your FE ain't one of them.

[PaulProe]

Patrick,
I was faced with a similar choice. I ended up with a bored/stroked 390, internally balanced, Edelbrock heads, Crane Hyd. Roller cam.

Very happy with the choice. My only regret is I didn't use a cross-drilled block. Not for strength but for appearance.

Take a look at http://webrodder.com/. Search their articles for "fe ford" There are some very good articles on building FE motors

Paul