The bottom end of the FE is a very strong design.They have oiling problems that need to be addressed but the deep skirted block should be strong enough for any "normal" style build.If you start using huge amounts of nitrous or turbo's/supercharger then you might want to add some block filler to the water jackets...There are also some big differences between some of the FE blocks such as stronger main webbing.What year is your block?..I would ask the same question at this site http://www.network54.com/Forum/21142/
The Ford FE series of engines are very pretty and have a ton of nostalgia, but are EXPENSIVE to build. They also have a lot of 'quirks' if you want to make more than 450hp, spin over 5500 rpm, or run very aggressive camshafts.
TONS of research needs done before you start on any build that is much more than stock.
for a street engine...About 450 - 500 hp. for a stock bore 390 is not out of the ordinary. Using good parts as a foundation plus Cam, Heads (edelbrock or ported factory heads w/ 2.09/ 1.65 valves), headers and a good single plane, mid/high rise intake with 700 cfm carb will make that number and not break the bank.
When you say "stock" block. The biggest issue is thin cylinder walls. Do not bore these blocks too much. If you want inches, then get a SCAT/Eagle stroker kit.
The factory rating (old SAE rateing) was around 400 - 440 ftl/b torque for stock mid-60s, 4brl 390. So torque is not a problem.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Beoweolf on 6/25/06 11:07am ]</font>
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