The Ford Barn

Scotty's 52 F3 · 12-04-2017, 11:08 AM

I'm getting ready to pull my 52 F3 down for body and paint as well as engine build. I'm gathering parts and got hold of a Merc crank, EAB cam and EAB heads. I'd like to run 3 ring pistons with a more modern ring pack. The only cast versions I see is EGGE in .125 over which I may do if the block will handle it. I don't mind spending the money on Ross pistons if they are less trouble with domes vs heads. I have a 49 block and my still running 52. I'll use whichever is best. I'm already running a modified Accel dual point with a vacuum advance and advance curve as recommended by JWL a while back for my stock 8RT engine. My engine runs well considering all the blow-by it has.

I have JWL's book as a guide so I was also considering an Offenhauser 4 bbl. intake with the 465 Holley. My exhaust manifolds are cracked so I was going to fabricate some center dump type headers and run through some 1 3/4" duals. I have more time than money so I fab as much as I can. Part of the fun anyway.

My question is about porting.......or not, for this build. Do I need to do more than gasket match, blend bowls and radius the sharp edges? If so, does anybody have some specific info or pics for an engine being built for low RPM torque? Would a center port divider benefit me in this case? Any build advice would be greatly appreciated.

12-04-2017, 11:08 AM	#1
Scotty's 52 F3 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Marana, AZ. Posts: 482	Building for Torque Porting Question I'm getting ready to pull my 52 F3 down for body and paint as well as engine build. I'm gathering parts and got hold of a Merc crank, EAB cam and EAB heads. I'd like to run 3 ring pistons with a more modern ring pack. The only cast versions I see is EGGE in .125 over which I may do if the block will handle it. I don't mind spending the money on Ross pistons if they are less trouble with domes vs heads. I have a 49 block and my still running 52. I'll use whichever is best. I'm already running a modified Accel dual point with a vacuum advance and advance curve as recommended by JWL a while back for my stock 8RT engine. My engine runs well considering all the blow-by it has. I have JWL's book as a guide so I was also considering an Offenhauser 4 bbl. intake with the 465 Holley. My exhaust manifolds are cracked so I was going to fabricate some center dump type headers and run through some 1 3/4" duals. I have more time than money so I fab as much as I can. Part of the fun anyway. My question is about porting.......or not, for this build. Do I need to do more than gasket match, blend bowls and radius the sharp edges? If so, does anybody have some specific info or pics for an engine being built for low RPM torque? Would a center port divider benefit me in this case? Any build advice would be greatly appreciated.