Re: [Classic Mustang] 78 302 GHIA Which heads would work best?.... Stock engine

What kind of shape is the bottom end in?  I have seen a few occurrences where the increase in sealing pressure from renewing the heads created problems with the rings.  Check your compression, if good, the you should be good to go for the upgrade.

 

Have you considered aftermarket heads?  There are some very good ones out there at a reasonable price. 

 

I am running the Ford GT-40P heads.  Good up to .5 lift.  Will also require a special header, but overall one of the best cast iron heads Ford made for the small block. Next time, will probably go with an aftermarket head (or a new ford Boss 302).

 

 

Mahalo!!

 

Jim Ohrt

----- Original Message -----

From: Michael D. Myjak

To: classicmustang@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 4:43 PM

Subject: Re: [Classic Mustang] 78 302 GHIA Which heads would work best?.... Stock engine

Mike,

You'll do better with the 351W heads. They breath much better than the
289/302 heads ever did. You'll need to do some fiddling with the head
bolt size change, but that's about it.

The Holley 650 DP will dump more gas than you can ever imagine - or use
appropriately - on the street. Get a 550 or 600 CFM Holley w/ vacuum
secondary. LIST-1850 will likely work right out of the box for you. The
Offie will work just fine.

A shot in the dark guesstimate is that you can probably expect about a
50HP bump. Add a set of headers (Tri-Y or full-tube) and you can gain
another ~20-25HP.

If you are really serious about increasing the ponies (upwards of 100+),
then while you have the heads off... drop a new cam shaft into the
block. I wouldn't recommend anything too radical - just keep the intake
and exhaust lift at or below .5" and you'll likely do fine. (Over .5"
lift and you'll need to modify the heads to add bolt-in rocker arm studs
and push-rod guide plates.)

Toss in a 351-C set of open chambered heads and matching intake and
you'll have the makings of boss mustang!

My thots -

Michael

stinkydogfilms@sbcglobal.net wrote:
> I want more power from my 78 Stock 302W with a C4 and 2.79 rear. I have a set of 68 302 4V heads and a set of 69 351W 4V heads.... probably gonna use a 4100 4V Autolite/Offenhauser 360.... Which heads would work best with only intake and carb modifications? 4100 carb or Holley 650 DP.... Anything to gain using 289 heads? Any estimates on HP increase?
>
> Thank you,
> Mike
>
>

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