Match Race ~ 1968 Road Runner '383' vs. 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT '390'

A-Body-Bomber

Yes, we built more than a few 390 HP Engines back-in-the-day for customers.

Either for 'NHRA Stock Class', or high-performance 'Street Machines'.

390 'FE' Short Block

I know that we always used the Cast Crankshaft {63 lbs.} because it was lighter than the Forged Steel Unit {76 lbs.}

The Cast Crack was never a problem, as long as the internals were balanced.

The 390 needed to get higher RPM's to perform.

Biggest problem for the 'Stockers', was the heavy Connecting-Rods and Pistons preventing the 390 to reach attainable RPM's for power.

If I remember correctly, we used the 'early' C3AE-C Connecting Rods
with 3/8" Bolts. They were the lightest Rods, and came in at around 760 Grams.

We heat-treated them first for improved strength, and then
'shot-peened' them for added stress-relief.

For the Street Performance cars, we used 'Speed-Pro' Forged Pistons, and lightened them up.

For the 'Stocker' Race Engines, it was 'Arias Pistons'.