ok i have a 5.0 and i hear that i can put 5.8 heads on it is this true? It sounds plausable to me but i dont know much...:mullet:
Just get a set of E-7 heads from a 5.0 EFI truck and call it a day.That's an upgrade from what you have,and cheap.The old 351 heads are good,but it's easier to get a set of GT40 heads.The EFI 5.8 heads are the E-7 heads like on the 5.0,but the holes for the head bolts are larger and you'd have to have inserts to use them on a 5.0 to make the the holes smaller for the 5.0 head bolts.
Why does almost everyone keep yelping about the E7 heads for pre '86 engines??? The heads on a '84 are similar to the E7s, you might gain 5hp, not worth your trouble... Major issue is the asthmatic CFI(throttle body fuel injection), and soda straw exhaust system... Just changing heads only opens up the middle of the airflow, still have a cork at either end...IF you could find the parts for the HO CFI system('84 '85 Mustang, LSC, and a very few small LTDs, with a dual exhaust system you could up the HP to something like 175... Maybe if you got the parts for cheap, but A carb or SEFI conversion is about the only thing that will really help(along with the free flowing exhaust system)...
Forget E7 heads unless they are on the car when you buy them or you buy a block with them on there. Go get some GT-40P heads or really start saving up and get ready to spend about $1,200 or so unless you find a used set of some good heads for sale.
how do u know if you have E7 heads??
The E7 heads did not see production till the '87 models... Sooo, unless someone has swapped heads, you don't have them or the E6 that were used on all passenger car engines in '86 through '91 on the standard output 5.0(HO engines used these heads in '86 and on LSC Lincolns in '87)... E6 heads were only used on SEFI engines(no trucks), so again unless yours were swapped you don't have those either... Heads used in '85 back to '78 are similar to the '87 up E7... Combustion chamber size varies, with the '78 to prob '84 having larger chambers that reduce compression a little as compared to most of the heads from '85 up...
BTW ID is generally on the non-machined area that faces the lifter valley... Unless you pull the intake and use a mirror you, can't tell... As long as your engine uses short reach spark plugs(1/2"), you have a fairly decent head(referring to factory stock pieces)... ALL factory heads used in the '80s, are junk compared to GT-40 or similar that were used on some(few) engines in the '90s... Aftermarket aluminum heads are so far out in front of the factory pieces, they don't even compare...
May I add a question to this?
Is there any problems with aluminum heads on a 302 like the V6s.
or is it a V6 problem with head gaskets?
The only reason I bring up the E7 heads is because they are super cheap when you're on a budget,and most of the people are.I have the ported e-7 heads and like them.Once the new engine is built,I'll probably go with GT40 heads,or,if I can get the funds,aluminum heads.
Hey Daminc,the only problem I had with the 3.8 engine were the head gaskets.Ford made better replacement gaskets to prevent them from blowing.
I have a set of e7 heads sitting in my shed, if it wouldnt cost so much to ship id sell them to you
Mine had been done 30,000 miles ago back in 96. Never had another problem since. But now the main bearings are clunking and I got no oil pressure after it warms up. now you know why I'm collecting parts. otherwise I'd keep the 6 in it
figure shipping to 67460??? maybe?
Sigh...
I haven't tore into it yet, but my 1985 F150 has EFI, and I've thought about what those heads would do for a 74 truck 302. Along with the efi intake swap.
dont you hate that. we no one hears what your saying. and you put all that time into years and examples. how to identify and it's just blown off to a whatever type thing.
Hey,I'm listening.I think everyone should have GT40 or better heads,and a great exhaust and intake.When I get my new engine built,the E-7's won't find their way onto it.I'll probably go with GT40's or aluminum IF I can find a set that fitss my budget.I'll keep my Explorer intake simply because I polished it and did a lot of work on it and I like it.My flat tops now,with the E303 cam limit my use of heads.With the new engine,the pistons will have valve reliefs so I'll have a lot more options.I AM listening.
Glad someone is listening... :)
I thought this statement in my first post, was enough to bring out the realization it was next door to a futile effort... Plus the fact it's CFI just worsens the issue...
Don't worry I've been listening for years, and I may have found a set of GT40s for myself. I've been searching for a while, and they're a REAL good price. need to talk with the guy again, thats all
The EFI will give a large increase in low end torque(is why the trucks use the huge butt ugly intake)... The heads will give only a slight improvement with or without the intake... I'd go with the '85 heads assuming they are in good condition...
You'll also have to use the '85 rockers and maybe push rods...
One of my buddies has a '85 F-150 with a HO 5.0 and the injection is rewired to SEFI using a '87 Stang speed densety EEC... Also has a T-5 tranny, decent running old truck...
thanks, I'm looking to strip this rusty old hulk down and s it, but have more or less convinced myself to keeping the engine. trans and tcase. This helps in that decision.
hey Havi Wat gear rear is in that truck. and does it have a T lock rear. sorry about the post...
I got 40's ported heavy on the exhaust for later on with the new bottom end and I have no complaints other than the old bottom end isnt enough. need more.. does anyone remember the Power heads Cnc ported E7's they were the best on the market at one point.
3.08's w/traclok. I have a few other rear ends laying around, too. w/302 efi, AOD, 3.08's, 275 r16's, I get about 18 mpg on the highway taking it easy. NP208 tcase low really helps for moving everything around the yard, which is what it was mostly used for. rockers are gone, so no more seatbelts, lol.
oh that sucks about the 3.08's if they were 3.55's i would have made you an offer. how muck if you want to break the rear. for the tlock ? if your junking it. and just to make sure it's 31 spline rite. pretty sure all pickups of that size are.