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Old Mar 31, 2012 | 06:25 PM
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GT40 heads

I have a 1978 F250 4X4 with a 1984 351W in it. Engine runs fine (I replaced the timing chain last summer and put on a Typhoon intake with an Edelbrock carb). I'd like to make a bit more power and it seems like a set of GT40 heads and a 260 duration cam would wake things up at a relatively low cost. I see some GT40s available locally, but none of them have rocker arms. Could I use the rockers off my heads, or just buy a new set, and what ratio works best. Truck is 4 speed (NP435) with 3.54 gears.

Thanks
Frank

PS - what is a good number to pay for a set of GT40 heads that have not been freshened up?
 
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Old Mar 31, 2012 | 09:20 PM
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Yes the rockers you have will fit the GT40s, and those will be 1.6 rockers. For a cam I'd suggest something like the Comp 35-234-3 or 35-238-3. The heads should bump CR up from 8.3 to 8.8:1 and also increase potential airflow by a good 30%, and either one of those cams will provide substantial gains across the board over the stock bumpstick. Combine these parts with headers and a free flowing exhaust and you should have close to double stock HP and 50% more Tq.
 
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Old Mar 31, 2012 | 09:25 PM
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Thanks! There is already a set of headers on the motor with a full dual exhaust. I noticed that the headers have seen better days, but none of the header manufacturers list headers for a 351W in a '78. I realize that these trucks never came with that motor, but was wondering what headers would fit? Would ones for a 302 work?

Thanks!
 
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Old Mar 31, 2012 | 10:11 PM
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ones for a 302 i believe will not work, maybe they will but from what ive heard no
 
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Old Apr 1, 2012 | 09:06 AM
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Originally Posted by BossFan
Thanks! There is already a set of headers on the motor with a full dual exhaust. I noticed that the headers have seen better days, but none of the header manufacturers list headers for a 351W in a '78. I realize that these trucks never came with that motor, but was wondering what headers would fit? Would ones for a 302 work?

Thanks!
Figure out what brand headers are on it now and buy a new set. They're obviously 302 headers, so you've got a better than average chance others will fit. The higher deck height of the Windsor is the only thing that changes the fitment, moving the headers upward and outward slightly.
 
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Old Apr 1, 2012 | 06:54 PM
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How used are they?

I have purchased them for as little as $50, $100 is the average asking price used and it goes up depending on freshness and modifications.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 12:07 PM
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What I paid -

Originally Posted by BossFan
PS - what is a good number to pay for a set of GT40 heads that have not been freshened up?
Hi Frank, Though it's been mentioned they're cheap - I've never seen any for sale out my way that inexpensive.

I paid $175.00/pair that were taken off a Pick-N-Pull vehicle. Pick-N-Pull (a local junk yard where you pull your own parts) wants around $100 for a set if you can find them and then pull yourself.

Joe
 
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Old Apr 2, 2012 | 01:21 PM
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Boss Fan be careful of which headers you buy.The truck headers listed for '80s 4x4's passenger side fit,but the drivers side will probably hit the rear of the front diff/driveshaft area.I've tried two different sets,one was hedman,the other was flowtech.The tubes come down and bend at a 90 degree angle and contact either the diff or driveshaft.I have an '83 E150 with a '78-79 bronco front suspension with a dana 44.I think the 3/4 ton front diff is similar to the half ton.I run shorty unequal length stainless on a 351W.I would love to get some longtubes but I can't keep buying headers that don't fit.It looks like a set from an earlier Mustang ('65-69) might fit,but until I can find a used set locally,it'll have to wait.The drivers side tubes have to come down at more of an angle(about 35-45 degrees) to clear the diff.
 
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Old Apr 8, 2012 | 10:23 AM
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Thanks everybody! And I am correct that it is the GT40 heads that are a direct bolt on (once you bore out the head bolt holes to 1/2") and that the GT40P heads have figment issues?

Thanks
Frank
 
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Old Apr 8, 2012 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by BossFan
Thanks everybody! And I am correct that it is the GT40 heads that are a direct bolt on (once you bore out the head bolt holes to 1/2") and that the GT40P heads have figment issues?

Thanks
Frank
It's FITMENT And yes, you're otherwise correct
 
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Old Apr 8, 2012 | 10:28 AM
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I also see aluminum GT40 heads for sale on eBay. They are generally a bit more expensive, but are they worth it?

Thanks
Frank
 
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Old Apr 8, 2012 | 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted by BossFan
I also see aluminum GT40 heads for sale on eBay. They are generally a bit more expensive, but are they worth it?

Thanks
Frank
Yes, the aluminum GT40 heads generally produce more power than the iron heads.
 
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