Heads

[MrBB]

I was recently told that it is possible to install Windsor heads on a 289 or 302 engine using two gaskets in between the heads and intake manifold. Is this possible? I was told this will give significant power gains. I was thinking of attempting this because I have a 289 that I would like to put a 4 barrel carb and intake on for a little more power. Any comments appreciated!!

[Wolf]

Never use multiple head gaskets. That's just asking for leaks. You don't need to replace the heads in order to install a 4bbl, you just have to replace the intake manifold.

[MrBB]

I was planning on getting a new intake and carb so I thought that I would do the heads at the same time...

[351wStang]

Windsor style heads will fit a 351w, 302w, and a 289 which is also a windsor block. The only difference is the intake width.

[StangNut86]

he was saying, double up on the intake manifold gaskets, not the head gaskets. as far as this whole thing goes, i don't see why not. i'm not sure how much difference a pair of stock windsor heads will make. i know you need special washers to make it work due to the increased head bolt size.

hell, i have a pair of heads off my 351W that i'm building. they need to be baked and need valve jobs, but they'll work. pretty heavy tho, so it depends on whether or not you want 'em shipped from Michigan.

[redhorseV6]

go for GT40 heads! they fit too, and hey, GT40 heads! how can you get cooler?

[boosted331]

Originally Posted by redhorseV6

go for GT40 heads! they fit too, and hey, GT40 heads! how can you get cooler?

You're right, how can you get any cooler. Heavy, overpriced iron heads that flow marginally better than E7's. Awesome.

[speedfreak]

Originally Posted by StangNut86

he was saying, double up on the intake manifold gaskets, not the head gaskets.

Which makes about as much sense as using doubled-up head gaskets.

351W heads can in fact be installed on a 289/302, but you'll have to mill them if they have large chambers or you wil lose alot of compression and you'll need either stepped head bolts or washers for the bolt holes. 351W heads have a 1/2" bolt hole while 221/260/289/302 has 7/16".

[rerun]

ug...

for 351W heads to fit in 289/302 engines, all you need is new bolts, or you can machine the old heads if you have the cash. there is no change is gaskets, and you do not need to double anything. the power increase is major over the STOCK 289/302 heads - worst heads ford ever made on one of the best engines they ever made.

although, there will be a drop in compress by about .5:1, which really could just kill the preformance and make it slugish if your current compression is any lower than 9.5:1.

[SVTcobra306]

With the amount of aftermarket head choices out there the 351W head swap isn't that common anymore. However, all that is required is a nifty set of head bolts that ARP makes, they have the thick 7/16 shaft but a 3/8 thread. You can also use spacers that make up the size difference and use the 3/8 bolts. You don't need to double any gaskets.

You can mill the heads to bring your compression up, but you also need to mill the intake accordingly if you do this. Flattop or domed pistons are a better way to increase compression, or use aftermarket heads with 58cc chambers.

The only reason a 351 intake is wider is because of the taller deck height of the 351 block, this moves the heads farther apart.

I hope this helps a little...

[speedfreak]

Originally Posted by SVTcobra306

However, all that is required is a nifty set of head bolts that ARP makes, they have the thick 7/16 shaft but a 3/8 thread. You can also use spacers that make up the size difference and use the 3/8 bolts. You don't need to double any gaskets.

Eh, 302s take 7/16 bolts already and 351s need 1/2 inch.

Now that I think about it, hipo 289 or 302 heads would be better since they would have small chambers and about the same stock for stock and ported vs. ported flow. They will need bigger valves, though, so its either pay for milling and special head bolts for 351 heads or get new valves and seats for the 302s.