I have an 85 F150 2wd with the 300 and a T-18. I'm pretty sure the valve guides are toast with the way it burns oil and fouls the plugs...blue cloud at start up and when revved after idling, but not driving down the road. Anyway, I've looked up how to replace valve guides without removing the head and I do not have the air compressor to hold the valves in place while I remove the spring so I would have to pull the head to do them. I am open to any ideas on how to hold the valve in place using cheaper means as well.

So I started thinking, if I have to pull the head anyway, why not get it refreshed...which lead me to wonder if there are different castings of this head that might be better than my 85. Are there any pre-smog heads? Where could I find a good one and would I realize any power gains? Not trying to make a dragster, just looking for a little more oomph.

Thanks!

 

I suggest asking in the 6-banger forum.