New or rework?

statehedgehog · 03-18-2006, 01:30 AM

What would be better? Rework my 302 heads or buy aftermarket heads(like World Roush heads). If I rework my stock heads what should I do? Port & polish, bigger valves? I really need some info, I am trying to have work done buy May 19. I plan to go to O.C. cruise and drive my 65 mustang.

Gearhead999 · 03-18-2006, 05:47 AM

I've done it both ways. I think you get more bang for the buck when you purchase new or slightly new aluminum heads. AFR, Elderbrock, Canfield, etc. These heads usually already have larger valves and bigger ports.

Rev · 03-18-2006, 07:28 PM

I used 351W heads pocket ported and gasket matched for a while. They worked well on my 306 for several years and made around 300 hp. I did finally upgrade to TrickFlow TW heads and now run 350+ hp. You will get more by going with the aftermarket Al. heads, but $$$ will be a little more.

Rev

Phillyfanfrombirth · 03-18-2006, 11:32 PM

Whatever you do, don't go too big if your pistons aren't cut and you have a high lift cam... and be sure to have hardened valve seats that don't require leaded gas.

I have a set of Windsor Jr. heads that did a good job, but they were really a pain to get a set of headers (this was on a Maverick) on without busting up the plugs, I had to use a set of shorty plugs, and couldn't change the plugs without unbolting the headers... I also ended up burning through the plug wires more than a couple times.

I didn't have the same problems with the stock heads, so I'm sure something was angled differently. That was about 10 years ago, so they may have changed something... and headers made for a Mustang may not have the same problem that I had.

bigblockgirl · 03-19-2006, 12:39 AM

If you can afford them I would highly recommend some AFR heads, I love em!

69fastback · 03-19-2006, 03:46 PM

I had the heads worked over on my 428 and it cost me 900 bucks. That didn't include any porting. If i would have know it was going to cost me that much i would have bought the alum. Edlebrock heads.

bmxmon · 03-20-2006, 08:19 PM

I also spent alot of money on my heads, machine shops arent cheap! I would reccommend aftermarket heads. Good luck!

03-18-2006, 01:30 AM	#1
statehedgehog Registered Member 65 Mustang Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 11	New or rework? What would be better? Rework my 302 heads or buy aftermarket heads(like World Roush heads). If I rework my stock heads what should I do? Port & polish, bigger valves? I really need some info, I am trying to have work done buy May 19. I plan to go to O.C. cruise and drive my 65 mustang.

03-18-2006, 05:47 AM	#2
Gearhead999 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Oviedo, FL Posts: 992	Re: New or rework? I've done it both ways. I think you get more bang for the buck when you purchase new or slightly new aluminum heads. AFR, Elderbrock, Canfield, etc. These heads usually already have larger valves and bigger ports. __________________ "Support our Troops" Dave 1968 Cougar 2004 Thunderbird 2007 F150 Harley-Davidson, SuperCrew 1986 LTD 1997 Ranger 1992 Honda Civic

03-18-2006, 07:28 PM	#3
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	Re: New or rework? I used 351W heads pocket ported and gasket matched for a while. They worked well on my 306 for several years and made around 300 hp. I did finally upgrade to TrickFlow TW heads and now run 350+ hp. You will get more by going with the aftermarket Al. heads, but $$$ will be a little more. Rev __________________ '66 Coupe, 306, 350-375 HP, C-4, 13.07 e.t., 104.8 mph, 1/4 mi. O.B.C. #2 '66 coupe Last edited by Rev; 03-19-2006 at 03:48 PM..

03-18-2006, 11:32 PM	#4
Phillyfanfrombirth Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: South Central PA Posts: 358	Re: New or rework? Whatever you do, don't go too big if your pistons aren't cut and you have a high lift cam... and be sure to have hardened valve seats that don't require leaded gas. I have a set of Windsor Jr. heads that did a good job, but they were really a pain to get a set of headers (this was on a Maverick) on without busting up the plugs, I had to use a set of shorty plugs, and couldn't change the plugs without unbolting the headers... I also ended up burning through the plug wires more than a couple times. I didn't have the same problems with the stock heads, so I'm sure something was angled differently. That was about 10 years ago, so they may have changed something... and headers made for a Mustang may not have the same problem that I had.

03-19-2006, 12:39 AM	#5
bigblockgirl Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Joplin, Missouri Posts: 6	Re: New or rework? If you can afford them I would highly recommend some AFR heads, I love em! __________________ Yes I am a girl.... Yes I like to race..... Yes I DO work on my own car!!!

03-19-2006, 03:46 PM	#6
69fastback IRAQ VET Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: high desert California Posts: 1,480	Re: New or rework? I had the heads worked over on my 428 and it cost me 900 bucks. That didn't include any porting. If i would have know it was going to cost me that much i would have bought the alum. Edlebrock heads. __________________ 428 Cobra Jet SOHC 5.4 3V F-150 96 mystic cobra 91 GT

03-20-2006, 08:19 PM	#7
bmxmon Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 950	Re: New or rework? I also spent alot of money on my heads, machine shops arent cheap! I would reccommend aftermarket heads. Good luck! __________________ Alex

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