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.

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.

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

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.

Re: New or rework?
 

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

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.

Re: New or rework?
 

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