Cleveland heads
 

Are a set of Cleveland heads too big for a 289 engine with mods? I have a chance to get a free set of Cleveland heads, but those were meant for an engine that is considerably bigger than mine. Are they even compatible? If so, what problems should I forsee happening if I try to bolt them on? I also have a chance to get a pair 302 heads, would those be better for my car? I was thinking about just taking the 302 heads and have them bored out and port polished. I'm in the process of putting in a toploader or T5 tranny, after that I'm going to get a new differential, 8.8 with 3.55 or 3.73.

Given this configuration, what would you do?

Thanks alot,
Jason

In My opinion it is not worth it. You would need special intake
and special headers in order to fit. You may even have to do some maching on the block not quite sure. In the olden days when SBF heads were scarce and expensive they used them.
The boss 302 is actually a 302 block with 351C heads. With all
the heads available today you can reach higher horsepower levels
with the newer better designed heads, be it aluminum or cast iron
your choice.

Your 289 heads are probably the best for you. What are the casting numbers and date codes on the 302 heads?

Take care,
-Chris

Chris,

I don't know what the cast numbers or the date codes are because I don't have them yet, but i could find out...if that makes a difference.

Jason

Some heads are better than others, and the only way to ID them is by their casting numbers and their date codes. Post them when you get them.

Take care,
-Chris

in my opinion the 289 is too small for cleveland heads the power band won't start till you are way up in the rpms. but if you must,I have a 302 clevor it has 1971 351 2v heads and clevor type pistons runs around 9.0 compression it also runs a Boss 302 intake, yes it fits,the intake ports had to be ground(flaired)to match the intake and boss intake gaskets were used. the head gaskets are 351c and the block(deck surface)needs 3 holes drilled for cooling. the cam isn't really radical, dosen't have to be. the power doesen't come on till around36or 3800 then goes a little nutty. I found this engine not a lot of fun to drive, and tricky to build and for the cost you could invest in a good set of aftermarket heads that would be more user friednly or try some 69 to 72 351W heads, just open up the exhausts a bit and cut 030 off the surface for some more compression(stock for 289) you'll need new head bolts to do this, I'm doing one now... Boss 302s are cleveland engines not windsors