302 cylinder heads

terrylim · 05-26-2012, 11:13 PM

I have a 1978 302 with stock heads. I would like to boost the hp by putting on heads with smaller chambers. Does anyone know if all the valves, rockers, etc on my 1978 heads would work with 1968 heads? I found 1968 heads for sale, but they are bare. I'd love to put on brand new aftermarket aluminum heads, but they are expensive...

Shifter · 05-27-2012, 07:50 AM

You want mid '60's 289 heads
Get them converted to screw in studs
Do a little home porting.

terrylim · 05-27-2012, 08:34 AM

I think that would give me a compression ratio of around 10.1. Would this work for street? I am only putting in a mild cam and when I bought it, Summit recommended a compression in the range of 9.1-9.5. I think the '68 head would give me around 9.1. The stock head gives me 8.4.

skip · 05-27-2012, 07:48 PM

I have to see if I still have my old 289 heads.

pat_tm · 05-28-2012, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrylim

I think that would give me a compression ratio of around 10.1. Would this work for street? I am only putting in a mild cam and when I bought it, Summit recommended a compression in the range of 9.1-9.5. I think the '68 head would give me around 9.1. The stock head gives me 8.4.

10:1 is just fine for the street. The engine in my '65 right now has 10.5:1. Runs just fine. Set the timing right.. run good gas and no issues.

terrylim · 05-29-2012, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pat_tm

10:1 is just fine for the street. The engine in my '65 right now has 10.5:1. Runs just fine. Set the timing right.. run good gas and no issues.

OK, thanks. I wonder why they recommended only going to 9.5. Does it depend on what camshaft is used?

Would I be able to use my existing rockers and valves?

---------- Post added at 07:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:20 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by skip

I have to see if I still have my old 289 heads.

Are you looking to sell them?

pat_tm · 05-29-2012, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrylim

OK, thanks. I wonder why they recommended only going to 9.5. Does it depend on what camshaft is used?

Would I be able to use my existing rockers and valves?

---------- Post added at 07:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:20 PM ----------

Are you looking to sell them?

Mine has the stock sized valves.. just new ones at the time I built the engine along with edelbrock valve springs to help with higher RPM. That's it.. The rest of the heads were stock.
I wouldn't want to hit any nitrous in my engine with the comp I'm running. But for NA it's fine.

skip · 06-05-2012, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrylim

OK, thanks. I wonder why they recommended only going to 9.5. Does it depend on what camshaft is used?

Would I be able to use my existing rockers and valves?

---------- Post added at 07:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:20 PM ----------

Are you looking to sell them?

Yes I will have to see. Didn't have time to check the garage yet.

terrylim · 06-05-2012, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skip

Yes I will have to see. Didn't have time to check the garage yet.

I just picked up a set of 1969 heads... Thanks anyway.

05-26-2012, 11:13 PM	#1
terrylim Junior Member Name: Terry Lim Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Emmaus Posts: 16 '78 FORD Mustang II Credits: 221	302 cylinder heads I have a 1978 302 with stock heads. I would like to boost the hp by putting on heads with smaller chambers. Does anyone know if all the valves, rockers, etc on my 1978 heads would work with 1968 heads? I found 1968 heads for sale, but they are bare. I'd love to put on brand new aftermarket aluminum heads, but they are expensive...

05-27-2012, 07:50 AM	#2
Shifter Senior Member Name: Lou Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pocono's Posts: 3,345 '84 FORD MUSTANG - GT Total Awards: 2 Total Points: 0 Credits: 36,907	You want mid '60's 289 heads Get them converted to screw in studs Do a little home porting. __________________ 1984 GT - 363/c4, street legal-pump gas 1996 Mystic Cobra

05-27-2012, 07:48 PM	#4
skip Name: I like to be called Skip Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chambersburg PA Posts: 4,547 '88 FORD MUSTANG - GT Total Awards: 2 Total Points: 0 Credits: 14,671	I have to see if I still have my old 289 heads. __________________ If you are what you eat I'm fast, cheap, and easy !!! Ladies if you want to make your man happy shake your butt like it has the hiccups Wasting my time going 11's at 127 MPH.

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05-27-2012, 08:34 AM	#3
terrylim Junior Member Name: Terry Lim Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Emmaus Posts: 16 '78 FORD Mustang II Credits: 221	I think that would give me a compression ratio of around 10.1. Would this work for street? I am only putting in a mild cam and when I bought it, Summit recommended a compression in the range of 9.1-9.5. I think the '68 head would give me around 9.1. The stock head gives me 8.4.