352 interceptor special
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 94
From: Stanton, Michigan, USA
A couple of things come to mind:
What is the difference in combustion chamber volume size between the TBird heads and your heads?
Do the TB engine pistons have the same type of flat top, dish, eyebrows, as what you've got now?
What are you using for a camshaft - if the TB heads move your valves closer to your pistons at TDC, and you use a higher duration/lift cam, it may allow your valves to 'kiss' the pistons!
What do you figure your resulting compression will be - will you still be able to run pump gas in it or will it pre-detonate / spark knock?
Are the exhaust manifold bolt patterns the same? If not, will the TBird manifolds work in your truck?
BarnieTrk
What is the difference in combustion chamber volume size between the TBird heads and your heads?
Do the TB engine pistons have the same type of flat top, dish, eyebrows, as what you've got now?
What are you using for a camshaft - if the TB heads move your valves closer to your pistons at TDC, and you use a higher duration/lift cam, it may allow your valves to 'kiss' the pistons!
What do you figure your resulting compression will be - will you still be able to run pump gas in it or will it pre-detonate / spark knock?
Are the exhaust manifold bolt patterns the same? If not, will the TBird manifolds work in your truck?
BarnieTrk
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 2
From: Chino Hills
I think TB had higher compression pistons not high compression heads.
If you want interceptor performance start from the begining and build one up proper. Even if you use a 360 or 390 the externals are 99% the same so you can build what you want. Then tell people its a 352 interceptor.
If you want interceptor performance start from the begining and build one up proper. Even if you use a 360 or 390 the externals are 99% the same so you can build what you want. Then tell people its a 352 interceptor.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 0
From: Rossmoor at Seal Beach
I used ported and polished Mustang GT heads on my 352,and bored and stroked it... Compression is bit higher than stock but they breath a lot easier. As it is, running regular pump gas is iffy at best! You are better served to get better breathing heads and a bigger cam. For street use, more compression on todays gas is not so Bueno! Anything over 9.3:1 is no good on pump gas with the 352. Yes you can make it work, but just build a strong bottom end, and give it more cam.... it is much more streetable that way!
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
352 Interceptor Special
These engines were only installed (as an option) in 1960 Ford Fairlanes/Galaxies. 1958/60 Thunderbird's came w/a 352 2V as standard equipment, the 430 4V was optional 1959/60.
Some people go ga-ga over nothing, because Ford called myriad 1960's engines Interceptor's/Interceptor Specials, but most were not HiPo's.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
If you're rebuilding the engine, just take the heads you have to a shop and have them worked to specs that will give you the performance you need.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2011
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Bill, you forgot to tell them about the difference in engine mounts on those early blocks.
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From: Rossmoor at Seal Beach
Agreed, just port and polish, and you will get all you need!
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