Ok, I pulled a 79 ford F-350 out of the ground about 5 years ago. It was sitting in its grave for 7 years before that. I replaced the starter, started celenoid, alternator, voltage regulator, battery, and brakes brake lines. Fuel lines and fuel pump. The ignition was missing so with some toggle switches and some creative wiring I got it started and drove it home. I only run the thing a few times a year. I just went to go start it today and had gas poring out of every gasket on the carb. So, I would like to replace the carb with a new Holley but I would like to know what stock cam would be in there and what CFM should I go with to get a bit more get up and go out of it. I want to get the best match with the stock cam yet also have more acceleration. Befor this it could really throw you back in the seat even while pulling a few thousand pounds. So please let me know what you would do with it.
I'd just rebuild the carb that's on it, if it worked ok before it probably just needs fresh parts in it to make it work right. Otherwise, probably somewhere in the 600-700 cfm range would be good, it's a big engine but also the stock cam really limits RPM, so you don't need a real big carb.
That’s just the thing, it’s like there is no red line. I beat the tar out of it every time I take it out. Never once did I get valve float. It just keeps going until I shift. And I only gave it one oil change and even that was years ago. I have rebuilt the carb about 13 times already. And a few times the leaking fuel and a random spark set fire to the motor. There is not much left of the vacuum lines. That’s why I would like to go with a “bolt on and go” Holley I know the heads are choking the hell out of it but the stock carb is a holly manufactured for motocraft. I believe its ether a 730CFM or possibly a 830CFM If I could just find out what lift and duration the original cam is I would be able to make a better decision on what CFM to run. Anyway, so you’re thinking somewhere around 600 to 700 CFM. Lucky I asked, I was about to bid on a Holly 850 double pumper I just don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a new carb and have it ether starving for fuel or blowing black smoke out the back. BTW, after I get the carb on it will be for sale…. Keep the advice coming. I am going to let you guys pick the parts and see how it goes.
if the cam is stock or even a mild RV grind, it will have a powerband from idle to 4500, roughly. A 750 vacuum secondary would be fine, but I think you might get some lean bog from an 850 double pumper.
OK, I got a Holley 750 signal feed, single pump, vacuum secondary, vacuum chock (will be replacing with manual) And it runs like a bat outa hell! No more fuel leeks! No more spontaneous engine fires! Now what? Intake and heads are next. What should I get? Keep in mind I just may go a little crazy with a new cam, but for now its new Heads and intake. I was thinking about cobra jet heads, any good? Hard to find? This is the first time building a ford, so your input is greatly appreciated. I would like to do as much as I can with as little money as possible. Also I would really like to get my hands on a 4 speed manual trans….
Real Cobra Jet heads are about as hard to find as the Holy Grail and will cost about as much too. Ford Motorsport and others offer a similar design, but in aluminum. I think they are around $2000 for a pair. You may be able to locate a set of iron heads that have been dressed in a similar fashion to Cobra Jet specs, but again, they aren't cheap. Years ago the alternative to the hard-to-find factory Cobra Jet variety (maybe they are one in the same) were the ones that are the D0VE heads- "d" for 1970's, and "0" for 1970. These were used on the 429 Police engines, wagons, and some sedans. After 1970, Ford changed the head designs and restricted airflow to comply with the newer emissions standards and it was downhill from there. They are consequently hard to find as well, but I know people who have found them on 1970 429 LTD station wagons and sedans. Up next in the preference scale would be the 71-73 429 heads...again, getting hard to find. By the time you find the stockers, have them cleaned and machined, with new parts, you will be close to finding a nice set of new aluminum ones at a similar price so it's a toss up. Since you're not restoring a Cobra Jet car, I would look at just having your heads opened up a bit and having it machined for big block Chevy valves installed or just buy the expensive stuff. Sounds like you want an increase in HP, HP isn't cheap... my .02
I just want to do as much as I can with as little as possible. This is a ten thousand pound utility truck, as it sits now I can still give the kids in ther little “Fast and Furious” cars a run for the money. And I love it, big old rusty work truck with dry rot tiers on the old split rims, dully axel blowing by a Honda!! God I love it! There is still nothing like old school big blocks! I just want more. More acceleration, more throw ya back in the seat kind of thing. (I get 7 MPG but its worth it)
Well, in your case I'd advise against spending money on cylinder heads; I wouldn't condone giving 'kids in Hondas' a run for their money "Fast & Furious" style in a 10 thousand pound utility truck on dry-rotted tires... Spend the money on tires and make it safe first.
Might try a 68 429 timing set, as later years were retarted. They say its the best bang for the HP buck!......OLDBEET
Forgot about that one!...applies to the 351M/400 engines too, so I've heard. Thanks Beet for reminding me!
Ya know your not the first one to mention that.. I have found that it really likes advanced ignition timing. I’m just a few degrees (if any) BTDC. A hot start takes TWO 1000 cold cranking amp batteries. Wires will burn if it doesn’t start on the first power stroke. About The tiers, I can’t get an air nosil to the inner rims so I took it to the shop on the corner to have him air up the tiers and got a very long lecture about the horrible terrifying dangers of sixteen 5 split rims. Apparently if you were to attempt to put even the slightest amount of air into them the whole planet would explode and life as we know it would cease to exist. No joke, he even told me I could get a $10,000.00 fine and go to jail. I just wanted some air in my tiers….nope, can’t do it. Have to get a new truck…. Hey, I got six wheels on the road…I can lose one or two and still make it home. Just kidding. I’m all about safety. I never go anywhere with out bungee cords and duct tape.
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