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Author
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Topic: Head rebuild question
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65Acode
Gearhead Posts: 112
From: The Woodlands, TX
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 11-21-2005 08:41 PM
   
I am getting ready to pull the heads off of my 289. I was wondering what a ballpark rebuild cost would be. They seem to be in good shape. I plan on replacing the springs, at least, and maybe the valves also. All of this in mind my alternative is a set of World Windsor jr.'s Nick
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 46598
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-22-2005 09:26 AM
When you consider a normal quality rebuild to a stock set of heads approaches the cost of new quality heads with superior ports and combustion chambers, it's foolish to even consider stock heads, unless you were doing a 100% stock restoration.------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6
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65Acode
Gearhead Posts: 112
From: The Woodlands, TX
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 11-22-2005 03:17 PM
Thanks Steve, that pretty much concretes my decision.My engine is a '71 mexican short block that the previous owner put all of the original 289 heads, 4V manifold, exhaust, etc. on. I was thinking about shelving all of that stuff and just build off of the short block, which is in good shape. I have an Edelbrock Performer RPM cam so far. My thoughts are the Windsor Jr. heads, and some headers. I'm trying to keep a tight budget. I may just reuse the cast iron Ford 4V intake. Nick
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sigtauenus
Gearhead Posts: 3406
From: Va Beach
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 11-22-2005 03:29 PM
Steve is correct. I'm embarrassed to admit what I paid to have my 289 heads rebuilt, but I had stainless 351 valves put in, hardened exhaust seats, new valve guides, screw-in studs and some hefty Comp valve springs, some mild porting, and the total came to... $800. Not too far off what I could get a set of assembled aluminum aftermarket heads that probably have bigger valves and better flow. Unfortunately I paid more attention to all the goodies I was getting than the price I was paying for the total package. Edit: I do have some monster 289 heads though. In fact, if you want to stick to 289 heads, we can work a deal if you are interested. I'm now putting a 5.0 in my car and am tempted to keep the late model heads... [This message has been edited by sigtauenus (edited 11-22-2005).]
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mustangboy
Gearhead Posts: 1198
From: Ont, Canada
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 11-22-2005 04:32 PM
Where are you guys getting these aftermarket heads so cheap?.Here in Ontario it would cost me roughly $250-450 for a basic head rebuild..A set of edelbrock heads go for about $2000 bucks out the door  ------------------
68 J-Code,Sprint,306 4 speed,4.11s 13.69@101...............
66 coupe 289 4 speed, 3.20 cruiser http://mustangsandmore.50megs.com/MembersPics/mustangboy.html http://mustangsandmore.50megs.com/MembersPics/mustangboy2.html
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 46598
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-22-2005 05:02 PM
Here's an example from Summit:
Edelbrock Performer RPM Cylinder Heads
EDL-60259 $539.50
Estimated Ship Date: Today For $1080 US they are ready to run. You would easily approach that if you fully machined a set of old heads and installed new components, got them ported and flowed, and you still will be down a significant amount of horsepower with the old design ports and chambers. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'05 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratech V6
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