If this info is posted somewhere else please forgive me but I've wasted countless hours looking and can't find a clear answer anywhere.

So here it goes, I have a 2003 Excursion with 6.0 early build with the ICP under the turbo and a crossover in the rear of the intake manifold. Recently did EGR delete, new IPR, New ICP, and Oil Cooler. decided to do heads and ARP studs this next week.

I found a great deal on a set of heads that have the 20mm dowels and would like to purchase them(to limit downtime) and have them checked for cracks and some minimal deck surface milled flat. I'm aware of the minimum specs for the heads and will not use if under 3.75 and like I said minimal will be taken off.

Here's the question, will the commonized heads work (with a 18mm-20mm step dowel) since I have early build? The new heads come with rocker carriers on them and the updated injector hold down bracket with T45 torx bolt so I should be good there but my concern is the oil rail. I believe I have a straight rail and the new heads use the wave. Can I use these heads and put my old rail that has no dummy plug on it in and will my standpipe line up fine with these heads? Another question is which gasket? I believe I should match the gasket to the head which would be 20mm but not certain.

Sorry for the long post but trying to give as much info as possible and looking for an answer. I have not had much luck on this forum yet and know there are some very intelligent people on here.

 

I think you will need to use the updated rails also. In 2005 the length of the oil rail ball valve tubes were increased by 2mm. Also the earlier style doesn't have standpipes. The heads are interchangeable but you must use the parts that match the heads. I think you are right on the gaskets also.the larger (20mm) step sets on the block deck to locate the heads and would require the matching (20mm) head gasket.

Here's a bunch of detailed info:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...del-years.html

Not sure if this link will work, it is a search result page:
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Search Results

I also found a post here:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...is-report.html
That indicates the branch tubes are different. The rear cover has to come off to change the branch tube. Hate to be discouraging but that's a lot of work for a head change.

 

Do you need to replace the heads? They are pretty expensive.. especially if there isn't anything wrong with your current ones... Maybe I missed something in your post...

 

Ok here's the reason for heads, previous owner was not the sharpest tool and attempted to remove broken exhaust manifold bold with extractor and broke it off in the head, to make matters worse he then attempted to drill it out and has destroyed the head with large uncentered hole in what I believe was an attempt to put a helicoil in. Still has exhaust leak and I got a heck of a deal on the vehicle. I can guarantee this head is not repairable. It looks horrendous. I just hope he didn't get int the deck on the block as the hole looks to be at terrible angle. I need a new head and found a set of 20mm dowels off of an '05 that was reman at the dealership. It's now toast but I believe the heads are good. They come with all hardware minus oil rail and pipe from branch tubes to rail. I would love to use these heads but afraid to pull the trigger if they won't work. Found a set at local salvage for 450 a piece and they guarantee no crack or they will replace but then after test and decking I'd be in them for more than twice the amount of the other heads.

 

So I guess the main question is will the early model oil rail bolt on to the newer heads and will the standpipe/up pipe(not sure what its called)from the branch connector to the oil rail line up?

 

Oh Man! Really!? Drill it out!? Well sounds like you may be on to a good deal! Hope it works out!! If it can be done the folks here will get you going in the right direction!

 

Come on techs I need some help before I miss the boat on these heads. Someone out here has to have attempted this or ran into this at some point.