AMC 390 Stroker Engine Build Final

[Beckett]

So, here goes. I'm sure I will leave something out but I will try to remember all the details.
Clearancing the block for the rods

Honing the early 360 block to 4.165

Custom grind comp roller cam needs a retainer plate so we machined an alignment tool

Dont forget to clearance the timing gear for the retainer

Finishing up the big end then cutting .014 off the little end to keep the rod from binding

.027 off the 6" eagle rods to make them fit the crank

2.055 Int and 1.710 exh valve from a 351 Cleavland since we needed taller valve stems for the roller cam/springs

Now we can cut the reliefs (flat tops only in the race class)

Studin out the block

Fitting the cam

[Beckett]

Big ole nasty push rods from Comp (FYI ARP 6point nuts wont fit half the head holes)

Checking the piston to valve clearance so we can cut as much off the heads as possible

Don't forget to degree the cam (Piston tops are cut down so we are .010 out)

Putting the top end together

Finishing all the dressing, getting ready to take it next door for install

5.5" Mini clutch for a neutral balanced chevy clutch and an early to late flex adapter. (1972 390 crank)

You can now see how the adapter changes from flex plate to clutch with a late model Chevy V6 roller pilot bearing (Dirrect drive Saginaw trans)

Mini clutch all buttoned up. It's so little.

And finally, the turd dirt track car this thing pushes around at 7600 rpm. Can't find an AMC car cheap enough or would I waste one on this stuff.
I started off to build a 388 stroker but a last minute piston change (I scratched the cylinder wall) and,
Congratulations I have successfully built a 390!

[jeepsr4ever]

:) good work!

[Beckett]

:) good work!

Thanks, and thank you for all your help with knowledge base, parts, and keeping these engines alive. I have purchased many quality parts and used this board to find out all kinds of things.

[tufcj]

What did you do with the head studs that are below the exhaust ports? Those are always a problem when trying to fit headers.

Bob
tufcj

[Beckett]

I had to cut the extra stud material off of a few and replace the others with ARP bolts I already had. I use over the rail step heads now and they would have eliminated the problem. I also had a problem with the studs under the guide plates. All of those had to have .25 to .375 cut off.

[rsbad454]

Nice build....

[Beckett]

Thanks. I have problem though. Does anyone have a 390 crank for sale? Rod journals will be ground to 2.100 so I can be well used. I spun number one and two rod journals in my race last week. I had 55psi top end 25 idle and i was told, by my engine guy, that it was perfect since he clearance it .00325 on main bearings. Motor didn't shell but it went down on power and I shut it down but the damage was done. Race can be viewed on youtube under WWRT88W channel. Thanks for any help. I have a lead on a 401 crank but don't want to waste it by offset grinding it to 390 stroke.

[ron]

I have a couple 390's, have not opened them to see condition I would rather sell complete and not piece them out I'm in wyoming