2v 4v history
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2v 4v history
Excuse the "newbie" question but i haven't been a ford owner for long. Can some-one please give me an explanation on 2v and 4v heads, what they were put in, what was the most common, performance differences, what is the difference compared to other heads. Information would be greatly appreciated.
Chris
Chris
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From: Ocala, Florida
I will try to answer this question as best as I can. 2V and 4V refers to the carburetor, meaning if it is a 2bbl or a 4bbl. The 351C 2V and 4V heads. The 2V heads were better for the street because they had higher port velocity. The 4V heads were for race applications. An engine with the 4V heads did not perform well until the engine hit higher rpm's.
What some people would do was to put 2V heads on their 4bbl engine for better street performance.
I hope this helps clear things up a bit.
What some people would do was to put 2V heads on their 4bbl engine for better street performance.
I hope this helps clear things up a bit.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Southern New Hampshire
Since trucks have been using the 302 & 351W for decades now I dont understand the 351C reference?
4v 351W's are used in trucks and that aint no racing application.
So who can detail what factory heads work best in working truck applications? Im also curious and I dont care about cars and racing; just need more power on the hills.
85 351W 4v/C6/E350 dually
4v 351W's are used in trucks and that aint no racing application.
So who can detail what factory heads work best in working truck applications? Im also curious and I dont care about cars and racing; just need more power on the hills.
85 351W 4v/C6/E350 dually
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From: midwest
the best heads for something like your application would be something that flows well at low rpms so you can build torque. the pre 1974 351w heads have a little bit bigger valves and would raise compression to around 9.5-1. they still would make good low end torque and give you some more hp. the heads you have are problably the same as anything after 1974, they are about like the 302 heads, they do make decent torque but hurt compression. if you could find pre 1974 heads they would work best with a good intake, carb and headers.
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From: Ocala, Florida
Port velocity is the key for making low end torque utilized for every day driving. That is you want a pair of heads that the valves are not too big. I would not go with anything larger than 1.90 intake/1.60 exhaust.
Didn't the 302 and 351W share the same heads. There was no 2V and 4V heads that I know of (for the Windsor). I could be wrong.
286 Merc if you want more power for hills you want heads where the valves are not too big. Port velocity is the key. Probably the best thing for you is to have your heads ported in the exhaust ports too have those smog bumps removed. That in itself will give you more power even with the stock cam.
I bet your stock 351W heads are the same as the heads on my 351W that came from the factory with a 2bbl.
I am not sure but I believe the only engine that had the 2V and 4V heads was the 351Cleveland. I believe that the 302 Boss was a 302 with Cleveland heads. That engine lived in the upper rpm band.
Didn't the 302 and 351W share the same heads. There was no 2V and 4V heads that I know of (for the Windsor). I could be wrong.
286 Merc if you want more power for hills you want heads where the valves are not too big. Port velocity is the key. Probably the best thing for you is to have your heads ported in the exhaust ports too have those smog bumps removed. That in itself will give you more power even with the stock cam.
I bet your stock 351W heads are the same as the heads on my 351W that came from the factory with a 2bbl.
I am not sure but I believe the only engine that had the 2V and 4V heads was the 351Cleveland. I believe that the 302 Boss was a 302 with Cleveland heads. That engine lived in the upper rpm band.
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From: Close to Mr. Anderson
there were 2vand 4v windsor heads back in '69/70. the 2v were standard 289/302 heads,the 4v came out on 351w they had larger valves.stock ford heads after '72/'73 were all the same,later they enlarged the combustion chambers to reduce compression.the stock heads are really sorry they really dont flow good enough for the 351, they barely fulfil the needs of a 302. if you really want any decent performance out of a 351 toss the stock heads. you can pick up a set of good aftermarket heads for about $500 the FORD GT40 heads are a vast improvement !
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From: Ocala, Florida
Ok, I'll buy that in 69 to 73 they may have had them, but they weren't used for decades. Yes, stock heads stink to a certain degree. GT-40 heads are better, even better than that the World products Roush 180 heads, better still Edelbrock Performers. I would not go larger than 1.90 intake / 1.60 exhaust valves. Too big and you start losing port velocity.
The GT-40 heads, and the Roush 180 heads are a little better for low end grunt than the other heads. However, when you do head swaps, watch the compression.
This is a little bit off of the topic.
The GT-40 heads, and the Roush 180 heads are a little better for low end grunt than the other heads. However, when you do head swaps, watch the compression.
This is a little bit off of the topic.
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Elder User
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From: Close to Mr. Anderson
286 merc , i have a 427 stroker which works very well! if you have the funds that is the way to go. i have the PAW kit ,they do not make the 427 anymore just 418/408 strokers. at $2900 for the shortblock that is not a bad deal it comes with a forged steel crank too! don't even think about using the stock heads!
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