do I need to do anything to swap a set of late model e7 heads onto an early 302? the block is date stamped as a 74.
e7 heads on an early 302
- Thread starter hungrymonkey
- Start date
jeffnoel
Founding Member
Before bolting them on, lay the head gaskets on both the head and block to make sure there's no blocked passages ( 
other the the front one) As for pushrods, you'll need ones for a 78-84 302 ( pedestal rockers and flat tappet cam) I'd also do a clean up on them with a die grinder before using them, grind the thermactor bumps down flush in the exhaust ports and remove any other sharp edges in the chambers and ports. If you're gonna have them reworked, I'd also blend the bowls too, under the valves.
other the the front one) As for pushrods, you'll need ones for a 78-84 302 ( pedestal rockers and flat tappet cam) I'd also do a clean up on them with a die grinder before using them, grind the thermactor bumps down flush in the exhaust ports and remove any other sharp edges in the chambers and ports. If you're gonna have them reworked, I'd also blend the bowls too, under the valves.
I was going to do a gasket match today and smooth out the, sticking any rotating metal grinding thing inside the bowls scares me. be my luck I will hit something that should not be ground on.
I will give it a try though
I will give it a try though
I got faith in ya, Monkey
I did the exhaust ports on one head today. My lord thats a lot of grinding. the thermactors were the easy part. Now I am trying to get it all level and smooth.
I did not find much under the valves. a few raised spots that I ground down.
I will use the valve trick to protect the seats.
I did not find much under the valves. a few raised spots that I ground down.
I will use the valve trick to protect the seats.
Yea, there is a lot of grinding, and the results can't be measured, unless you dynoed it before the work, but the piece of mind that all that restriction is gone is worth the trouble. I also raised the port roofs on the set I did and opened the sides by a good 1/4" to match the headers better. I did nothing to the port floor, other than polishing.
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