I have a 69 ford with a 360 in it. I want it to either get better mileage, be more powerful, or more than likely a little of both. I am hoping to maybe add a cam and a bigger carb, and some headers. Does anyone have experience in getting one of these engines to the 14-16mpg mark? I have timed it to 6 btdc and have flipped the lid on the aircleaner assembly (which also has a K&N). The truck has dual exhaust out the rear of the truck with an H pipe. I was given a MSD Blaster coil and it seems to really help. I would like to add msd as well. I am still running stock points. I am on a tight budget so if there are any ideas that are not too expensive That would be great too. Thanks advance for any info.
Sounds doable depending on such things as how much rear gear you have. Edelbrock Performer cam/carb & intake combo probably would be the choice. Stock intake reportedly weights 105 lbs! Doc Fromader did a build on them in Streetrodder a few years back, also check webrodder. Doc reported problems at that time with gewtting pushrod holes to align properly,should be checked. The 650 CFM carb should be adequate.
Fleet, These old trucks don't get good mileage. My Father has a 70 with a 360 2 brl. in it. I think the best it ever got was around 12 -14 when it was new. They aren't very aerodynamic and usually geared around 3:25 to 3:50. You can get a Duraspark dist. for a later model FE and swap it out for the old points one. They usually go for around $25 -50.00 range around here.
My Dad had a 72 XLT....new with the 360, automatic It got about 10 MPG I put duals on it.........10 MPG I recurved the distributor.........10 MPG I changed out the rear gear.......11 MPG It ran better after the duals, recurved distributor and gear change but it still was a gas pig. Dad sold in it in 1990......with less than 50 thousand miles.......it was just NO FUN to keep gas in.
My '72 F250 had a 360 in it. It typically got 7-8 mpg. After the head gasket blew I rebuilt it with 0.040-over forged pistons and a 390 crank and rods. The stock intake weighed 72-73 lbs. The new Performer RPM intake was around 23-24 lbs. Your timing sounds a little retarded. If I remember right my initial is around 10 or 12 DEGBTDC. It's a lot more fun to drive and now averages 10-11 mpg at 60-70 mph. It's a cool and unique motor that I'll probably wind up using in my '29. I'm still new and as yet unsure of the rules are regarding the recommendation of other web forums, but here goes... You'll find a bunch of friendly folks at www.ford-trucks.com. Look in the 332, 352, 360, 390, 391, 427, 428 (or something like that) forum.
If you think that's bad you should see my Model A Coupe with the 428 FE with two 4 barrel's on it. I have to put racing gas in it, or high test with octane booster so it doesn't get driven on long trips anymore.
[QUOTE='29MurrayTub]My '72 F250 had a 360 in it. It typically got 7-8 mpg. After the head gasket blew I rebuilt it with 0.040-over forged pistons and a 390 crank and rods. The stock intake weighed 72-73 lbs. The new Performer RPM intake was around 23-24 lbs. Your timing sounds a little retarded. If I remember right my initial is around 10 or 12 DEGBTDC. It's a lot more fun to drive and now averages 10-11 mpg at 60-70 mph. It's a cool and unique motor that I'll probably wind up using in my '29. I'm still new and as yet unsure of the rules are regarding the recommendation of other web forums, but here goes... You'll find a bunch of friendly folks at www.ford-trucks.com. Look in the 332, 352, 360, 390, 391, 427, 428 (or something like that) forum.[/QUOTE] Cool thanks for the info guys. I have a 4 speed and i forgot to mention that, and I think that that makes it a little more doable. I looked up the spec as being 6 btdc, I guess I will just try playing with it and see what works best.
They are cool motors, but i wouldnt expect any milage out of em, they are pigs. I have one im building for my model a and im putting the BIGGEST gas tank i can find in it. wes
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