Whither the 5.8 VV after 1985?

[HerMajestysMechanic]

IIRC, the 81 Vette with the standard 350, made 145ish horsepower.. and thats in a freakin Vette!. Americans were so damned clueless in the burgeoning days of anti-pollution equipment.

[Lincolnmania]

the 80 california vette had a 305

[King_V]

Ah, yes, but while the S.O. (or L.O., pick your preferred term) 5.0 might've run out of steam earlier, my question was asking why the police cruisers didn't get the H.O. version, and maybe steeper gears to move that massive vehicle, since the H.O. produced its power at a somewhat higher RPM.

I think there literally was no need for the 351 VV at that point. Of course, the usual disclaimer, I may be overlooking something important.

Still, I'd imagine in the same vehicle, the 302 HO SEFI, even when they had the crappy heads in 1986, would've done better in terms of power and fuel economy with 3.23s or 3.55s than the 351 with 2.73s, or 3.08s, possibly 3.23s even (I have NO idea what the cop cars came with when they had the 351 VV)

[Brown_Muscle]

So, if I were to switch to those E5 heads id almost certainly gain more power? Are those the same heads on the LOPO 302's I would find in any junkyard? That might be a good upgrade if so..
and mine came stock with 2.73's and its an '82

i found these on craigslist:
351W E5AE-CA heads assembled - $75
Think this would be a good bolt on mod to do if the heads are in good shape?
I may be able to talk down the price.

Sorry for the thread jack its sorta related...

[gadget73]

The E5 head is nothing special, but its marginally better than the D8 head. There are lots of castings that will do better though. Its not the head used on efi 302s, it was used in 1985 only on the 302, and 85 onward on the Vic 351. The E5 is actually pretty similar to the E7 used on the HO motors and on truck engines.

If you're looking for stock Ford castings, I'd be looking at GT40 heads, though depending what they came from you might need to have the head bolt holes drilled out. The 302 uses a 7/16 bolt, a 351 uses 1/2". Ditching that stock intake and cam will wake things up a lot too, even if you didn't change the heads.

[Brown_Muscle]

Hmm I doubt id be able to get ahold of some GT40 heads...but those E5's are tempting..im just worried about the valve seals, and what else is there? Warping? How could I tell if the seals are bad or anything else? Is there anything special i have to do exept unbolt it, unbolt the exhaust manifold, and replace the head gaskets, intake gaskets and exhaust manifold gaskets? if there is allready a thread about this please redirect me...

I'm looking for a cheap bolt on mod...40HP and 20 ft/lbs of torque doesnt really seem like a "marginal" difference to me, but I should definitly take into consideration the fact that the cam may be different...i dont feel like taking the front half of the engine off to change it though..and im waiting for my VV carb to go before i get a better carb/intake system

[1987cp]

Valve seals are about $10 and easy to replace. I've never done much with heads, but it's occurred to me that maybe just lapping the valves at home could be sufficient to ensure that they still seal properly and don't need a valvejob. I've actually thought about the idea of doing valvejobs at home, though the specially-dressed grinding stones are probably pricey.

Probably still need to enlist the help of a machinist to Magnaflux them, though, so you can be certain there are no cracks.

[gadget73]

I'd be looking for an E7 head instead of the E5. Slightly smaller combustion chamber so you get a little more compression. Fairly similar otherwise. Still not sure how much you'd get out of just those heads and nothing else tho. I have a suspicion you'll be dissapointed with the results for the money spent. Cam and intake would probably yield better results for your money.

Pretty much any used set of heads I'd figure on a rebuild. Definitely need valve seals, possibly guides, and at a bare minimum the valves ought to be lapped. If there is any burning on the valve face (typical), the valves need to be refaced or replaced, and probably the seats will need a little work as well. I've actually done a whole head rebuild with the assistance of someone who owned a valve cutting machine and had the proper seat cutting stones. Its not hard, but the equipment isn't super cheap either. As for warping, they're iron so its probably not a problem. A straight edge laid across the head from a few different angles will tell you if there is anything to be concerned about.

[Brown_Muscle]

Ok thanks for the info guys! Well i'll probobly just wait for something to go and then start adding some upgrades in that case. but now ill be able to reference this info incase I do manage to find anything, I'll keep a lookout for some E7's, and a cheap used intake manifold, I'd just buy the cam and carb new when i got um. The car is definitly in need of more power, however I plan on keeping it forever so I have no problem waiting, eventually it'll get a full restoration...with some high performance parts hehe, restomoding FTW!

[Mercracer]

The 5.8 was police only because of mileage and emissions. The 5.8 Crown Vics met the minimum performance requirements for higway pursuit vehicles. The low numerical axle ratio was evidence of its intended application. Ford was not willing to spend R&D dollars into an engine platform which was heading towards the chopping block in an automobile application anyway. The Mustang met the needs of additional perormance wanted my some agencies.

[Mercracer]

Hmm I doubt id be able to get ahold of some GT40 heads...
I'm looking for a cheap bolt on mod...40HP and 20 ft/lbs of torque doesnt really seem like a "marginal" difference to me, but I should definitly take into consideration the fact that the cam may be different...i dont feel like taking the front half of the engine off to change it though..and im waiting for my VV carb to go before i get a better carb/intake system

GT40(p) heads alone are worth 30HP over E7 heads. Both style of GT40 heads are still out there and reasonably priced. Look at your whole budget and your performance goals. Do not short yourself big for a small dollar saving.

[Brown_Muscle]

Theres some gt40 heads on craigslist for 200 bux, is this a good deal?

[Mercracer]

Yes...
That is about normal for used GT40P heads but a great deal for GT40 heads.

[Brown_Muscle]

hmm well he doesnt state that they a "P" how would I tell? Dont i need modified spark plug wires or even different exhaust manifolds to use the "P" heads?

[Mercracer]

They have either GT or GTP cast into them on the exhaust manifold side of the head near the ends.
The P heads take different exhaust manifolds.