I’d listen to Jeff and talk to the feller that knows the FE motors like the back of his hands. But it sounds like you just want something that makes a little noise and you can play in a bit. If it was me I’d call Comp Cams and have them build me a “Mutha Thumper” cam, get the appropriate intake/carb and then port and polish the heads with a good set of headers, put a 4 speed in it and have some fun.
I found this discussion on 390 horsepower upgrades: https://www.fordfe.com/best-way-to-build-a-390-fe-on-a-budget-t168104.html There are some discussions on the Ford-trucks.com board as well. I believe you can stroke a 390 fairly easy with a 428 crankshaft, but if you can find a 428 that would be a better starting point anyway.
When I put a camshaft in my big block chevelle a few years back, I was worried about cam and lifter failures too. I ended buying an ISKY cam and lifter set. I figured that a company that had been in business that long wouldn't risk their reputation by selling junk parts. Mine went great.... Also of all the failures that I had read about, I never read about one that involved isky parts
Nothing wrong with a good quality flat tapped cam. Especially if you take the precautions to ensure success: Lifter to bore clearance; oil flow mods; break in springs; correct break in process.
Troy, I ***ume you are going to use the motor you got from Kenard? I would clean up the heads with a valve job, flat tappet cam of your choice, aftermarket intake and headers, curve the distributor, and call it a day. If that doesn't give you what you want, go full tilt on the motor you got from Chris, following the advice from the FE gurus here.
Can’t remember the whole story, but the problem is you can’t get the “Good Stuff” in the cam break in lube anymore. That is what has been causing a lot of flat tappet cam failures. That being said, I broke in the Comp cam and Comp lifters in my FE with (a lot) of their lube and it is fine. A set of Prescion Oil Pumps rocker shaft stands is worth the investment.
@Mummert has a good video on cams and lifters. He talks about buying a couple extra lifters and hardness testing them. Not sure what hardness is desirable maybe he, @chicken or @PackardV8 would know. I agree with @Moriarity with using Isky lifters, don’t think you’ll go wrong they’re a little pricey but I’m sure the quality is there. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/flat-tappet-cam-one-more-step-towards-success.1343053/ Another good thread. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/camshaft-advice-needed.1314239/page-2
Thanks for checking back in. Yes, you are correct on the Kenard engine. I like your ***essment here and it is tremendous advice, just as you have offered in the past. Thank you sir.
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