Hi, im new here, but ive been searching for info on 302 parts that are interchangable. I have a 71 302 in my truck, and got some e7te heads for free. I was wondering if they would bolt on, or if there were problems with intake angles, or head gasket mis-alignments. thanks in advance!

 

No problems with the intake fitting. But you need the correct intake gaskets to match the heads. Ford engine rebuild kits come with 2 different sets, I believe when I used the late model heads I had to use the late model intake gaskets on the older 4bbl intake I used.

Ford had 3 different major valvetrain setups, and then there are aftermarket valvetrain setups. If I remember correctly, "e7te" means those are late 80's heads correct? If so, and they have not been modified by someone, they will take the "sled" type rocker arms with bolts that hold them on the head.

Your 71 302 if it's original will have the "rail" style rockers with pressed in studs and nuts.

These different types are not interchangeable. If your later heads are original Ford, you will need all the hardware and rockers, AND the sled type pushrods. Your older rail type pushrods are the wrong length.

You also need to check out the smog holes if you use them. Some heads had them, some didn't. If you need them, and it has them in the heads, make sure you put the correct head on the correct side of the engine. The heads will fit either side, but the smog hole will end up in on the front of the engine if you put them on the wrong side.

 

This was the info i was looking for, thanks! The newer heads are 87s. Im not using the smog holes curently on the 71 engine, which is original. I did have another question tho, should i get a certain set of head gaskets such as the newer style? thanks.

 

I didn't know there was a newer style, but what I would do is look up the head gaskets for a 71, and then a 87. See if they do have a different part number.

 

I looked up the gaskets, and they are different, but not by much. So do i use the 87 gaskets, or 71? or is this a project I cant complete? thanks for the info.

 

I don't know what the difference is. You will have to do some research and see exactly what is different.

 

You might ask in the smallblock forum:
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

Thanks for the suggestion ctubutis, Ill try that.

 

Anther question, when changing the heads, do I get new springs, use the 71 set, or use the 87 set?

 

The engine shop has tests they can do to the springs to test for tension and height to see if they are still good. I would definitely use the springs that came with the later head, or buy new springs for the later head.

Again, I don't know if there is a difference between the new springs and the older style springs, but the only reason you would use the old springs is if you wanted to save money, and again, I would look them up and see if there was a different part number between the two.

Are you sure it's worth the trouble to do this? Most all Ford heads are not worth messing with, none of them flow very well. There may be some later type heads(I believe they come on V8 Explorers?) that are worth messing with, but everything else is nothing to write home about.

 

See, what im doing is a low budget rebuild on my engine, and it would cost about $300 for both heads rebuilt at the local shop. So a buddy of mine gave me his heads for free, as he got aluminum ones. I figured it would be easier/cheaper to put the newer heads on.

 

Are you sure they are good? I agree, the later heads would probably be better to use(hardened seats for the crappy fuel we have now) but they probably need a once over if they have any miles on them. You can take them apart(keep everything in order so it can be put back in the same place) and take them to a shop and let them check the valve guides. They have enough experience where they can put the valve in the head and wiggle it around and tell you if they need re-done.

Also, if you are going to do a budget rebuild on the rest of the motor, the same thing applies, keep everything in order. Make sure everything is marked(rod caps, mains) so it can all be put back in the same orientation and same location. If you get the book "how to rebuild your small block Ford" you can't go wrong.