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Technical 390 upgrade question

Discussion in 'Traditional Customs' started by 57Buick, Nov 10, 2025 at 9:02 PM.

  1. Jeff Norwell
    Joined: Aug 20, 2003
    Posts: 15,265

    Jeff Norwell
    MODERATOR
    Staff Member

  2. lostn51
    Joined: Jan 24, 2008
    Posts: 3,249

    lostn51
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Tennessee

    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.
     
    57Buick likes this.
  3. stuart in mn
    Joined: Nov 22, 2007
    Posts: 2,765

    stuart in mn
    Member

    57Buick likes this.
  4. 57Buick
    Joined: Dec 2, 2013
    Posts: 164

    57Buick
    Member
    from Alabama

    Good info. Thanks !
     
  5. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 37,221

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    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
     
  6. cpraceman
    Joined: Feb 6, 2011
    Posts: 33

    cpraceman
    Member
    from walls, ms

    That is THE coolest FE Model A you could ever dream up !
     
    Sharpone likes this.
  7. Jmountainjr
    Joined: Dec 29, 2006
    Posts: 1,896

    Jmountainjr
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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.
     
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  8. Chiefrider
    Joined: Apr 27, 2013
    Posts: 22

    Chiefrider
    Member
    from Lower 48

    After seeing his name spelled incorrectly, three different way- it's BRENT Lykins lol
     
    57Buick likes this.
  9. 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.
     
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  10. mammyjammer
    Joined: May 23, 2009
    Posts: 565

    mammyjammer
    Member
    from Area 51

    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.
     
    57Buick likes this.
  11. Sharpone
    Joined: Jul 25, 2022
    Posts: 2,841

    Sharpone
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    @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
     
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  12. 57Buick
    Joined: Dec 2, 2013
    Posts: 164

    57Buick
    Member
    from Alabama

    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.
     
    Bangingoldtin and Sharpone like this.
  13. 57Buick
    Joined: Dec 2, 2013
    Posts: 164

    57Buick
    Member
    from Alabama

    Thanks !! I appreciate the links
     
    Jeff Norwell and Sharpone like this.

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