hello all, got an important question(to me it is). O.k.- i am going to put some gt-40's on my 302. problem is finding them. i know the explorer's have96-00 (97-up "P" heads). i also know the 93 lighting and cobras come equipped. but i have heard of expeditions, mountaineers being equipped to. does any one know this to be true, if so do you know what years? also- any other vehicles that would have them? i am sure i will find them in one of the local junkyards, just don't know exactly what model i will run across that will have them i.e.-explorer,cobra, lightning, etc.,etc. i am very familiar with how to i.d. the heads, but as far as saving some time it would be helpful to know exactly what vehicles i need to look for in the yard. thanks all.

 

I know Expeditions are out as they never came with a 5.0L they go the modular motors, and Mountaineer should be the same as an Explorer. I think the explorer and the mountaineer would be you best bet because they are every where and parts should be a lot cheaper than Cobra and Lightning stuff. I am pretty sure all explores and mountaineers that came with 5.0L got the good stuff but I am not positive on this.
-Johnboy

 

yeah i figured something was up when i heard that expeditions had those heads....not sure,but don't they have like a 5.8 or something? anyway, anbout the mountaineers- will those be the same years as the explorer? thanks

 

The early Explorers had GT40 heads, prior to the release of the GT40P heads. I'm not sure what year they changed to the P heads. You can tell the difference by looking at the "verticle bars", stamped on the end of the heads. The GT40 will have 3 bars, and the GT40P will have 4 bars. The GT40P head is actually a better flowing head in stock form, so don't rule out the P head. The only negetive thing about the P head, is a stock 302 manifold will not work because the spark plugs location is different. You can use the P head, but it would require an aftermarket header. Mac makes a P specific header, but I've read that Ford Racing and BBK shorty headers will work, but you have to use a 90 degree plug boot on 2 plugs (#2 & 7 I believe, but I could be wrong). I have P heads on my Son's 351W (see link to gallery), with Mac shorty headers, and they work great.


https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...?albumid=27538

 

i saw you had a 270h comp cam.... i going with the 268h, think i'll run into any problems with the gt heads?

 

No you shouldn't have any problem with that cam and those heads. When you get over .500 lift, then it's time to be concerned about piston to valve clearance (others, don't beat me up on that statement, I know lift has nothing to do with piston to valve clearance, it all depends on valve timing events. Generally, anything under .500 and I don't check PTV clearance). I also forgot to mention that the P heads have smaller combustion chambers, and will bump the compression a little if you use them. The GT40s have a slightly larger exhaust valve than the P heads, but the Ps still flow better. Either head is an upgrade.