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Author
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Topic: Installing 351 heads
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streetstang67
Gearhead Posts: 397
From: SC, USA
Registered: Nov 2002
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posted 01-22-2003 05:12 PM
 
I was thinking about getting 351w heads from an old engine. First off, what all needs to be done to these heads before installation on a 289 4bbl? I know I will need 351 pushrods(right?) and some kind of reducers on the bolts. Is there anything else? And would this installation be strictly bolt up...unbolt the 289 heads, drop in pushrods and bolt up the 351w heads w/same valve cover?
Is there anything else that would be worth doing to the heads for additional hp before installation...besides porting and polishing? Thanks[This message has been edited by streetstang67 (edited 01-22-2003).]
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steve'66
Gearhead Posts: 9835
From: Sonoma,CA,USA
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 01-22-2003 08:53 PM
I've done this swap before and even milled .040 off the heads to reach 10-1 compression. No porting or polishing and didn't see much gain. You'll also need adjustable rocker studs and might have to drill water/steam holes in the heads to match up with your head gaskets.Just buy a pair of Windsor Jr heads (World Products) and then you will notice a gain.  SteveW
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streetstang67
Gearhead Posts: 397
From: SC, USA
Registered: Nov 2002
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posted 01-22-2003 09:13 PM
I thought that the 351 heads would be worth around 20 hp, mabye even 30 with them milled, ported and polished. Is this not true? I was looking for a easy, not too expensive way to gain about that much hp.
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steve'66
Gearhead Posts: 9835
From: Sonoma,CA,USA
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 01-22-2003 09:35 PM
Yeah probably if the rest of your combo is up to it. It's easy enough to do and cheap enough too. BTW I think your pushrods will be fine, but you will need adjustable studs because the 351w heads are not.
I'm assuming your getting early '69/'70 351w heads. The mid 70's heads are real dogs! Big combustion chambers and small valves too.  SteveW
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Mpcoluv
Gearhead Posts: 1421
From: Charlotte NC usa
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 01-23-2003 06:18 AM
quote:
Originally posted by streetstang67:
I thought that the 351 heads would be worth around 20 hp, mabye even 30 with them milled, ported and polished. Is this not true? I was looking for a easy, not too expensive way to gain about that much hp.
By the time you pay to have them milled, ported and polished, install screw in studs and guideplates, and good valves and springs, you have spent the same money as a set of World products heads would cost.....
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streetstang67
Gearhead Posts: 397
From: SC, USA
Registered: Nov 2002
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posted 01-23-2003 07:46 PM
I thought that 351w heads would be good for 20hp straight off another engine. If milled, ported, and polished, I thought 30hp. Am I wrong? Many people have also suggested windsor jr. heads. I just thought that if I was going to get new heads, I may as well go all out and get aluminum trick flow heads. the truth is, I dont want to spend that much money. So, how much hp are the 351w heads really worth? And how much are the windsor jr. heads worth? Do they both bolt straight up, and how much would be to gain with milling, porting, and polishing? Thanks a lot.'67 with 289: 4bbl holley, edelbrock performer intake, hooker headers
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smblk t-bolt
Gearhead Posts: 102
From: port alberni BC Canada
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 01-24-2003 03:08 AM
"You'll also need adjustable rocker studs and might have to drill water/steam holes in the heads to match up with your head gaskets."you dont nessesarily need new studs etc to make it adjustable...there are some spacers you can get that fit between your rocker nut and pivot (its lasted on mine for 8+ years)the steam holes...i dont know if you have to have them as ive never run without drilling the new holes but its just a few 3/16 holes above and between each cylinder bank.just use the new gasket as a template...they all have the holes in them now.cant hurt to try it if youve got the heads already...a few bucks for gaskets and a weekend... ps:the head bolt sizes are different between 289/302 and 351.you can either use your old bolts but you have to put a hardend washer on them(works, but not the best way)or buy fords stepped bolts...they have a larger shank under the head and integral washers.you can get them off any marine 302 as they came with 351 heads (late model, you dont want the heads) using these bolts.hope that helps!
[This message has been edited by smblk t-bolt (edited 01-24-2003).]
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 29200
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 01-26-2003 03:32 PM
These days the only way you can come out financially on this swap over the World Products heads is if you get the 351 heads for free and can do your own match porting job. By the time you buy parts and have the rest of the machining done you will be close to the cost of WP heads. Now if you use the Badger pop up pistons, you will definatly see your 20-30 HP with the 351W heads.  ------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator NHRA/IHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
MCA member# 53321
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA National Record Holder '00,'01,'02,&'03
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28
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The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
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