1954 ford F-100 440 mopar......

Hello everyone,

I am new to this deal but I love the Mopar sound.  I have a 1954 ford pick up f-100 with a volare front end suspension, 9 inch rear end with a strage center section filled with 4:11 gears.  I also purchased a 727 B&M Trans  with a true Hughes 3000 stall converter.  
I have the set up and just purchased a 1977 440 with 727 trans combo from a motorhome with 52000 original miles.  It looks great and sat for 10 years.  A mopar guru started it with propane and it fired right up.  I plan to refurbish the block with bearings and the usual seals, but I am torn between cam selection.  I want a MOPAR Purple shaft either the .509 or the .528.  I know the .509 sounds better but the .528 makes more power and is more streetable.  I am going to drive the truck to the track and race it and then drive it home.  I think the .528 lift with 284 duration is better but I would like to know your opinions.  

Also, how much horsepower could I expect with rebuilding the engine and heads with stock formation.  I know it should have between 8 to 1 and 8.5 to 1 compression, and I plan on using the Edelbrock performer RPM intake with 800CFM Carb, and have 31 X 15 inch Mickey Thompsons in the rear with a 4-link.
Sorry for rambling, but the homework has been done and just want real time numbers and figures from the pros.

Thanks,

Shawn  

The biggest limitation to your 440 is the compression. I'd recommend finding pistons with a compression height that puts the piston right at the deck at TDC. The cylinder heads from the 440 are open chamber design and limit compression when the factory pistons are used.

As far as cam selection, it depends on the entire combination. I've used the MP "purple shafts", and they work ok, but there are better, more modern cams on the market today.

Try calling Comp cams and outlining your combination. They should be able to recommend a good cam for you.  

You got a good block and rotating system, BadFish has you going in the right direction. A good 30 over forged piston, I like Ross Pistons but any good name will do. Comp Cams will set you up with a good package If I were you before rebuilding the heads that came with that block (smog heads) Look on racingjunk.com or Ebay for a set of 906's, you might get a good deal on some already rebuilt or some good cores to build yourself. Good luck  
Point it straight and stomp the Gas!!!