Rebuild question (heads)
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Ozarks Arkansas
Rebuild question (heads)
I am looking to rebuild my 351w in my 92 f350 4x4 it is leaking out the rear main and it has quite a few miles on it so I figured its time for a rebuild. 1 of the heads needs to be replaced (long story with broke bolts from previous owner). I am curious what heads should I run? Stock heads or maybe aluminum heads??? Im not looking to build a racing engine or anything fancy but would like to get better fuel millage and maybe a little more power. I don't do much heavy pulling with it, I don't go mudding in it (I do pull people out of the mud and snow). Its not a daily driver ether but when I need to use it I NEED TO USE IT you know lol. I dont want to spend a butt load of $ on it ether. I just lost my @## on a mustang build that got smashed during the ice storm and that turned me away from working on cars and trucks. But I love my truck and its making me wanna start working on stuff again.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Ozarks Arkansas
So what else did the GT40 heads come on other then the v8 explores? and what years so I can do some junk yard hoppin lol?
Trending Topics
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
GT40 heads were found on '96 to '97.5 Explorers, '93-'95 Mustang Cobra, and all Gen1 Lightnings. The '97.5+ Explorer got the GTP head which actually performs a little better but has a radical spark plug angle(almost straight out) that makes fitting headers more interesting.... not impossible but not a simple bolt-on either.. some clearancing necessary.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
Your best bet is sourcing GT40s or conventional plug location aftermarket heads like AFR, Edelbrock, etc. Those GT40Ps can be a bear to find headers for.
Personally I think the GT40s are over-rated and tend to draw too much money. I would use AFR, TFS, Canfield or other quality aftermarket heads before ponying up the bucks for a set of GT40s that may require rework to bring them up to snuff.
I understand you have a budget to work with but do not be swayed by the "GT40" moniker. They are a much better design than the awful E7 factory head but there have been 20 plus years of improvement in head design since the GT40s hit the market.
Personally I think the GT40s are over-rated and tend to draw too much money. I would use AFR, TFS, Canfield or other quality aftermarket heads before ponying up the bucks for a set of GT40s that may require rework to bring them up to snuff.
I understand you have a budget to work with but do not be swayed by the "GT40" moniker. They are a much better design than the awful E7 factory head but there have been 20 plus years of improvement in head design since the GT40s hit the market.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, NY
^+1 Absolutely!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Davis, CA
Actually the stock E7 heads are not bad if you grind down the smog bumps. Remember you will have to match you intake with the heads. The Al heads will give you about 10% better HP due to cooling. The GT40 heads have round intake so you will definitely need to match the intake. If you go the GT40 you need to look for the heads with 3 casting stripes, the GT40P's have 4.
Take a close look at total cost for rebuilding a set of heads -springs, valve guides, keepers, machine work vs the cost of a complete set of after market heads. Price is not too far off on a new set. Food for thought.
Take a close look at total cost for rebuilding a set of heads -springs, valve guides, keepers, machine work vs the cost of a complete set of after market heads. Price is not too far off on a new set. Food for thought.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Redneck1465
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Jan 19, 2009 01:03 PM
Snowking
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
1
Sep 3, 2007 06:23 AM
dieingford
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
6
Jun 26, 2004 04:46 AM