So I have a 78 351m with 100,900 miles on it. I wanted to freshen it up a bit, but not pull the motor. I installed a mild cam, new timing chain and have aluminum intake and 4 barrel carb. I pulled the heads to have them checked out, turns out I need all new exhaust valve guides, 2 new valves, and the head surface is warped enough to need resurfacing on both heads, to the total of about 332$. My question is would you guys put that much money into 2 barrel 1978 heads?

 

I would have found a set of early 351C heads. They had a little better exhaust port before the later smog castings came along.

 

I only have the 40$ cleaning and checking into these heads at this point. How much do Cleveland heads run?

 

I'm plenty happy with my mildly ported stock heads. I would port them before machining.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...the-cheap.html

 

The stock heads flow pretty well, compared to Windsor heads, but a mild port job won't hurt. I think for what you are doing that will be more than enough, so I suggest you follow palmrose2's lead.

 

Youngblood,

Yes - follow what palmrose2 did and you'll be in great shape. The "M" head isn't really all that bad. The intake port is actually pretty good and the work palmrose2 did is just what the doctor ordered for the exhaust. I'm pretty sure the intake is better than at least some of the 351C 2V heads and flow about 206 CFM. The exhaust needs help though, but with the work palmrose2 did, they will flow as well or better than a stock 351C 2V.

Good luck with you freshen up! What cam did you choose?