Aftermarket Heads For Newbs!!

[Cutter1024]

Say you just bought a 5.0 with stock heads, basic bolt ons. Which set of heads will be the best bang for the buck as far as a street car/daily driver goes? Is it worth it to get the GT40 heads? Or save up and get something better? What else should be done when swapping heads? Are all heads for a 302 bolt on without modding the pistons? What kind of power can be expected with GT40/GT40p heads? Also if I buy a set of GT40 heads can they be ported and polished to perform like the more expensive heads like trick flow, or AFR's?

Thanks guys

 

[Mustang5L5]

With gt40/40ps, you can expect 275-300 rwhp depending on supporting mods and skill.

Aluminum heads can go beyond that depending on power,



If I could go back, I'd buy the 2500 dollar trick flow kit and call it a day

 

[Cutter1024]

Right now my money is limited as im trying to pay off bills. Im aiming for tax return, and should be around $1200. So thats what i will have to work with unless i need to spend some of that money for something else. Then I may only have $600 or so to play with depending if i decide to put some of that money towards loans.

 

[Mustang5L5]

In that case, pick upma set of gt40 heads (or 40p) and an explorer intake, choose cam and slap together a fun street setup.

 

[Cutter1024]

I already have a GT40 upper and lower, so thats already on. Is the cam from the explorer the same as the stock cam from a mustang? Will the GT40 cam work?

Also whats the difference between the GT40 and GT40p? I also seen a GT40x?

 

[347HO]

If you're going to buy a "stock" style head, I suggest you get the aluminum set (gt40x).
Just dropping the weight is worth the price you pay, and gaining some extra power is icing.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I already have a GT40 upper and lower, so thats already on. Is the cam from the explorer the same as the stock cam from a mustang? Will the GT40 cam work?

Also whats the difference between the GT40 and GT40p? I also seen a GT40x?

You don't want the explorer cam. Either stick with the stock ho cam with 1.7 rr's or go aftermarket.


The p heads are updated versions of the gt40 with revised spark plug location. They require special attention paid to the header but offer more performance. 96-early 97 explorers have the gt40. While late 97-later have the 40p. Should be able to get a stock off the truck set for 200-250. Plan on upgrading the springs.

The x heads are aluminum and cost more.

Highly recommend searching for topics on the gt40p head...,there are tons.

 

[NIKwoaC]

Also whats the difference between the GT40 and GT40p? I also seen a GT40x?

Hell, I thought there was even a GT-40Y and GT-40Z head at some point offered by Ford Racing. I could be mistaken, though.

 

[2000xp8]

There was y's, i had a set.
Paid $699 for them brand new complete.
Good price for aluminum heads.
Originally they were like $999.
I've also seen x's as low as $899 a set, and they used to be like $1150.

One thing to remember with P's, while i've grown to not hate them as much anymore, the headers are at least $200, and ported they max at a place that newer aluminum heads start off for power.

X and Y heads are aluminum, both with different size combustion chambers.
Personally i like the x heads alot.

 

[Cutter1024]

A buddy of mine at work has a complete 351 long block he said he would sell me cheap. Of cource it needs rebuilt.... but what about the heads off this motor? I might be able to get the whole motor for $100. Maybe even less....

 

[2000xp8]

Depends on what they are.
But odds are for $100, they too are worthless.

 

[wv109323]

Thumper of Orange Park Heads

Has anyone use a set of this guys heads? Are they equal to say a GT40x heads?