my heads have casting #'s C7-AE-A i figure these are stock truck heads for 67 because i don't think the engine has been rebuilt. I'm just gonna put on new manifold and 4bbl for now but would like to eventually rebuild it. Edel heads are way too expensive for me so i'd like to port some stock fe heads for better flow/possibly bigger valves. are these heads a good base to start from? if not what casting #'s types of heads are good. And where can i find them, what cars can i look in for them at junkyards (if any)

Thanks
Nate

 

Look for C8OE-N heads. These are 428CJ heads and are probably the best off the shelf head for any FE.

Stryder
:-X11

 

That isn't really true.......falling into the "bigger isn't always better" standby. Due to the much larger combustion chambers on the 428CJ heads, they yield lousily low compression on standard 360/390 blocks with their flatop pistons. If you want to swap out your pistons, yea, these heads kick booty. But strapping on 428CJ heads onto a standard 360/390 will create a dog.

 

I run the C8ae-h heads in stock form with really good results. They have 67 - 71 cc chambers. Well a pic is worth a 1000 words.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Jul-02 AT 04:10 AM (EST)]YOu are right that those heads are the typical '67 heads. From what i have heard from some of the old timers is that those heads aren't worth the hassel to get power out of them. The C8AE heads and the D2TE-aa heads are both good heads to start with for a cheap performance possible head. Both are fairly available in some form or another. If you are really serious about making some power check out this site. [link:www.fordfe.com|Fordfe.com] . This site and the Ford fe site has taught me alot about the FE engine. They can you also if you really want to learn.

One of the mods for the above listed heads would be 2.09" intake & 1.66" exhuast valving (aka CJ valves). That and a little port work and you can have a great flowing set of heads. But, Like I said before the '67 heads weren't the best. They were the first year of the "emission" heads so they were lacking a little. The later years were definitly better.


I hope this helps more than confuses.


Scotty

 

Nate, your C7AE-A heads would be fine for a buildup. The port size and shape are almost exactly the same as the C8AE-H and D2TE-AA heads. The bigger issue is the valve seats. All of the FE heads were made with the intention of running leaded fuel (excepting 75+76 D2s). So at some point in time you will have to add hard seats under your exhaust. You can do that to your C7s, or you can get some other heads and keep driving while the machine work is being done. When you have whatever set of heads done, look at the condition of the exhaust valves. Nevermind the exhaust seats, you will be replacing them anyway. If your exhaust valves need to be replaced, consider going with the 428CJ sized valves (1.65). Have your machinist order whatever ever size seat you need to fit the valve you are going to run. I put the 1.65 valve in all of my FEs, but your budget may not allow for new valves just because they are bigger. When you are checking your heads for cracks, consider getting another head if cracks are found. Yes cracks can be fixed, but it might cost more than it is worth. A few months ago I bought a complete running 360 for 20$. Cheap parts are out ther if you look. We are fortunate to be building engines most people throw away as junk, it helps keep our core proces down. If you need suggestions on valves or manifolds or anything, keep posting, we are here. DF