heads

[chris_russell11_13]

hey, im pretty much redoing the air flow system of my 85 vic. i was wondering what heads would be better than stock. and i would need part numbers too.

[Tiggie]

Many people use E7TE's from '87-'96 F-Series trucks and 1987-1995 Mustangs, 1987-1992 HO Mark VII's, and 1991-1993 5.0 T-Birds and Cougars. There are many places that modify these to flow better as well.

Other factory alternatives include the GT-40, used on 1993-1995 Cobras and Lightnings.

Probably one of the most common and best bang for the buck is the GT40P, used on 1996-2001 5.0 Explorers and Mountaineers.

There are tons of early model heads (think 1960's to early 70's) that flow better than stockers, most notable the '69-'74 351W head.

And there are more tons of aftermarket offerings.

[chris_russell11_13]

can i just fint the gt 40 heads on fordracing.com?

[chris_russell11_13]

with the gt 40 heads it looks like ill have to get a special intake manifold and other stuff. i already know what one i want, will i have to get a special ford racing one?

[gadget73]

You don't need a special intake with a production GT40 head. There are some special Ford Racing GT40 heads, usually with extra letters or numbers, that *might* need special stuff. I know nothing of these, but the GT40 iron head that came on the Explorer does not need anything special in the intake department. The GT40p head on later Explorers does need a specific exhaust header though.

Also, if you're not planning to swap the intake manifold, don't bother with the heads. The intake is probably as much or more of a restriction than even the stock heads.

[cld783]

in order to increase the airflow for a benefit you must have have a perfect harmony of parts.

its just like putting a huge tip on the end of your exhaust pipe, it looks bigger but does it really flow more?

[Mercracer]

in order to increase the airflow for a benefit you must have have a perfect harmony of parts.

It is not necessary to apply Feng Shui to your 302 to get improved performance..... Although it is a valid point that mismatching parts will be less than ideal and that a single restrictive component can hold back an otherwise good combo, you need to know actual airflow numbers for specific components before you make blanket statements......
All you have to do to increase the airflow potential for a benefit is to increase airflow potential for a benefit (change the most restrictive component)..... A big tip does flow more, but if it is not the most restrictive component it will not benefit you....
There is no better illustration of this whole point than the dyno test where they made 400HP with a HO cam and AFR heads..... On paper, the HO cam is not the "perfect" cam for those heads but it sure got the job done.....

[p71towny]

It is not necessary to apply Feng Shui to your 302 to get improved performance.....

bwhaahaa!!

[chris_russell11_13]

im planning on doing duel exhaust, headers, 4 bbl carb, new intake manifold, and a better cam. will the gt 40 heads fit into a 351w?

[gadget73]

If they're off an Explorer, they should. If they're not, then you may need to have the head bolt holes drilled. A 302 uses a 7/16 bolt where a 351 uses 1/2". Same otherwise.

[cld783]

It is not necessary to apply Feng Shui to your 302 to get improved performance..... Although it is a valid point that mismatching parts will be less than ideal and that a single restrictive component can hold back an otherwise good combo, you need to know actual airflow numbers for specific components before you make blanket statements......
All you have to do to increase the airflow potential for a benefit is to increase airflow potential for a benefit (change the most restrictive component)..... A big tip does flow more, but if it is not the most restrictive component it will not benefit you....
There is no better illustration of this whole point than the dyno test where they made 400HP with a HO cam and AFR heads..... On paper, the HO cam is not the "perfect" cam for those heads but it sure got the job done.....

hehehe touche..

[85crownHPP]

we should make an ideal order-of-partswap guide for those that can only upgrade one part at a time... Id like to go by such a guide

[Mercracer]

im planning on doing duel exhaust, headers, 4 bbl carb, new intake manifold, and a better cam. will the gt 40 heads fit into a 351w?

If they're off an Explorer, they should. If they're not, then you may need to have the head bolt holes drilled. A 302 uses a 7/16 bolt where a 351 uses 1/2". Same otherwise.

ALL GT40 heads come with 1/2" bolt holes drilled as they were originally intended for the 351W application..... The GT40 heads found on 302 Explorer motors used no step washers or special bolts. Ford just bolted them on 302s with 7/16 bolts... I have never taken a Cobra 302 apart so I don't know what they used for bolts/washers.
ALL GT40P heads came drilled with 7/16 holes.....

[chris_russell11_13]

so would you guys recommend the gt 40 heads over the other ones?

[Mercracer]

For bolt on performance with highest efficiency (mileage), GT40P heads will get you there. None of the heads take special intakes and the FRPP standard stainless headers which fit the P heads are reasonably priced new. FRPP used to offer a set that did not fit the P heads but they made the P compatible set standard and eliminated the other set from their catalog. The added benefit of their headers is that the header bolts are much easier to access than on the original standard set. The advantage of the standard GT40 heads on a 351 is that they are already drilled for the 1/2" bolts and you can use any old nasty set of used headers on them.... If you are looking to use a Mustang H pipe that isn't adjustable (only 1 or 2 are), and you are building a 351W, you may want to stick to the GT40 heads and use a Fox body shorty 351W swap header.