I have the chance to get a pair of C9VE-A heads and would like to get the info on them. Also what would the compression ratio be if I put them on a box stock 1985 460 block. Thanks for any help.

 

Early model closed chambered heads, same as C8SE, DOVE-C 75-76 cc chambers, rail rockers, screw in rocker pedestals, non-emissions head (YEA !!) 2.06 intake & 1.65 exhaust. Good heads if prepped right: take out exhaust hump (mountain) install hardened seats, three angle valve job & etc. I would say you should gain 1 to 1 1/2 points of compression over the '85 heads. I hope this helps.

Todd
BB79RANCH

 

not quite.....C9VE-A heads are 73.5 cc chamber, and 2.24/1.725 valves....and i don't think they have the exhaust humps....

 

Hey rwjr, you got ahold of Tom Monroe's book on rebuilding a 460 didn't you, cause I'm 99.99% sure these heads have the smaller valves and 75-76 cc chambers as well as 18mm plugs. If these heads have the bigger valves from the factory then you can check two things to help you identify them as CJ type heads (bigger valves and smaller combustion chambers) before removal from engine is needed. These heads have the smaller 14mm spark plugs(because Ford didn't put in larger valves in a 429-460 cylinder head that had the larger size spark plug, even though it can be done) the second thing is the upper valve cover bolt holes on each end of the are tapped all the way through to the intake port, if these bolts are removed a serious vacuum leak will occur. I hope this helps in any way.

Todd
BB79RANCH

 

i don't have the tom monroe book, but yes i hear it's very inaccurate...maybe my source's sources came from there....

 

I use a 1980 edition of Monroe's book and find it very accurate, with a few exceptions in part casting numbers and part number/description ommissions. His text describing CJ/SCJ heads, as related by bb79ranch, is correct. SCJ/CJ and PI heads were identical castings through 1971 and the only passenger vehicle heads with big valves. Beancounters allowing two or three different casting numbers for the same head? Sure... He got the SCJ connecting rod casting number right with DOOE.

 

Thanks for the info guys. It sounds like these are early small chamber heads so I am going to get them regardless. I'll be picking them up tommorow and I'll let you know what they turn out to be for future reference.

1963 F-100 292 Y-block
1985 F-250 460(trying to make it run as good as the Y-block)

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 06-Sep-01 AT 09:03 PM (EST)[/font][p] I hope I didn't come across as a "know-it-all" or as being arogant, I just try to give an accurate description or answer to anyone using this forum. I hope I didn't offend anyone, I just know there is alot of inaccurate info out there for our beloved big block. One thing is for sure when dealing with a Ford product, you can never say never or always.

Todd
BB7RANCH

 

The great thing about these forums is being able to exchange info on our hobby. There's a ton of bad info out there on most subjects and nothing gets to the bottom of anything better than multiple minds and different experiences. No person should ever be cautious about speaking his/her mind on a favored subject.

 

After my original post a friend gave me the Tom Monroe book 1980 version ehich shows the C9VE-A heads as CJ. This is not true. I got the heads today and they are stock early heads( big spark plugs, rail rockers, standard valves). They will suit my needs just fine. Thanks for all feedback.
Lance

 

The early 429CJ motors with C9VE-A heads had the large spark plugs and Hydraulic Valves,it is determined by Actual Date.
I have one.
That book isn't the only source of that info.

Dennis

 

I don't believe a "Real" 429 Cobra Jet engine, regardless of what year it is, uses cylinder heads designed for a Lincoln.

Todd
BB79RANCH

 

I've had 2 sets of CJ/SCJ heads. Both were DOOE castings and that's the only 385 Series casting I've ever seen or heard of with 2.25/1.73 valves and intake ports that will hold a tennis ball.

I'm not saying Ford couldn't have put a Lincoln head on the CJ, they did many strange combos at the end of '71, but I wasn't aware Lincoln had one with big valves/ports. C9VE is a Lincoln head and there was no 460 CJ/SCJ.

I forgot to mention that when you use C9VE heads, install a set of Crane Kool Nuts. That'll allow you adjust lifter preload. Makes a big difference in performance.

 

Now that you mention it, what's the best way to set up the valve train? As my bottom end is solid I am going to stay with the stock cam at straight up timing. It looks like guide plates, hardened pushrods (stock length?), stamped rockers, and Kool Nuts is the set-up. Will this work OK with the rail type valves as they are a bit taller? How much pre-load on the Kool Nuts? Thanks in advance.
Lance

 

Spec is 3/4 turn. I've always used 1/4-1/2 turn, depending on my mood. Racers in classes limited to hydraulic lifters use as low as just touching to 1/8 turn.