Hey guys great forum! This is my first post but I've perused all of the threads here so hopefully my questions won't be redundant....

Let me start off with the target numbers that I'd like to reach, application, then describe the pieces-parts I've got in hand and ultimately open the discussion for some advice and guidance.

Target: 500 hp/550 lb-ft of torque from a naturally aspirated 390 FE. Possible? Less would be acceptable but if ya don't ask......

Application: 1967 Mustang Coupe that will be a weekend toy and occasional cruise night ride. I'd also like to be able to be able to take a few shots at the 1/4 from time to time as well as play around in the twisties, too (the suspension and brakes will reflect this desire).

Here's what I've picked up along the way: A well seasoned (80,000 or so mile), standard bore (for now) C6ME-A Block with a 3U crankshaft, C6AE-C rods and a pair of C7AE-A heads. All of these supposedly came from the same engine and I'm inclined to believe the guy. They're also purported to be from a '67 Galaxie 2bbl and the 2V part is supported by the "2V 390" on the pistons. All of these parts will need to visit the machine shop since they've lived for an extended period of time (12+ years) in , and I quote the seller here..."a ratty old shed on my parents farm....". He wasn't lyin'.....A field mouse had actually taken up residence in the oil pan.....which was still bolted to the block...

In addition to the factory iron, I also have a 750 cfm vacuum secondary Holley that just showed up one day....Really, I have no idea where I got it or for what reason but I do know it's got next to no time on it so that's gonna be the carb...Actually, I think it was a trade for repairing a tube-type guitar amp for somebody but that's completely extraneous info.....sorry....

From my research here, it looks like the Erson setup or the Shelby setup is the ticket for rockers. I'm leaning towards the Erson's right now but I'm certainly open to suggestion. I've also pretty much settled on one of the Edelbrock aluminum intakes since I haven't found anything numbers wise to point me elsewhere. The Weiand looks to perform about the same but costs more. I'm still up for some input though, you guys have definitely got a handle on the FE stuff....

I want to stay with the 3U crank and factory rods if at all possible. I know, I know, "there ain't no substitute for cubic inches" but a major jump in displacement would necessitate a new crankshaft....Maybe for the next build....Regardless, I'll be boring the block .030 and maybe more? If that's the best balance between reliability and power so be it. I'm not certain just how much these blocks will take from this perspective. I've seen all sorts of recommendation but the majority of folks seem to think that .030 is the safest bet. I am kinda curious though, the C6ME-A casting appears to coincide with 3 different engines-the 390 (bore 4.05), the 410 (bore 4.05) and the 428 (bore 4.13). From what I can gather all of the 428 blocks have have "428" cast in the water jacket and that can be seen with the middle freeze plug removed. This block doesn't have the "428" nor did I expect it to but I am curious to know if it's advisable to take this casting to 4.13? The casting numbers are the same but are the blocks different in that all important area of cylider wall thickness? BTW, I base the previous information off of the information contained in the "High Performance Ford Engine Parts Interchange" book by George Reid.

Is it possible to get to the power levels that I've mentioned previously with those iron heads? If so, how much work would be involved in getting them to flow the necessary amount of air? If it's cost prohibitive, what are the thoughts on the aluminum ones available?

Will that crankshaft and rods stand up to the power levels that I'm trying to achieve? If not, what do I run?

Camshaft? I've got no idea at this point. It's gotta be streetable and not destroy the valvetrain in the process. Other than that, I'd love some input.

Recommendations on lifters, pushrods, pistons, rings, etc. eagerly solicited and gladly accepted.

I'll shut up in just a sec but a bit more background might be in order.....I'm not looking for the least costly option per se. I'm certainly not wealthy, I'm just looking for the best, balanced value....If the choice is to spend $500 five times or $2600 once, I'd rather spend it once, do it right and move on to the next step. I've tried doing things both ways and discovered that it's ultimately better to do it right the first time.....that's why I'm asking all of you....

Thanks for looking, I value any and all input. Questions will be answered as fully as possible so please ask!

Thanks.....Jeff