GT40 heads

[sbhenry82]

I'm in the planning phase of putting new heads and intake on (probably start around christmas). I'm sort of planning on trying to find a 96 explorer to pull the gt40 heads and intake off of. My question is this: is there any/alot of maintanance that needs to be done on the heads before I put them on my car? I've decided on the gt40 heads because i figure i can get them from a junk yard, and therefore not break my budget too bad. This is going to be my first big project, so i'm doing a lot of reading right now trying to learn as much as possible before i start in. I expect the only way I'll really learn is by doing it, but i want to eliminate as much surprise/difficulty as possible. These message boards have been a big help. Thanks in advance.

 

[final5-0]

You need to check them for cracks or other obvious defects

The thing about those OEM iron heads is they very well could have
tired springs

Of course you will need to ensure the valves, guides, and seals are
in good shape as well.

Just don't get all caught up in gasket matching, porting, or anything
else that will make your total investment in them to turn out as being
so large you could have got some better flowing Aluminum heads for
a small amount more

Grady

 

[94-302-vert]

I have a chance to buy some gt40's that have recent springs (good for a 0.510 cam), valves and some mild porting done at that time... How much HP are these worth with and without a cam?

 

[final5-0]

It would have to be a guess at best

My concern here would be the wording ... Mild Porting

I've seen some use the word ... Port ... when in reality ... nothing was done
but knocking down the thermactor ports, gasket matching, or using a sanding
wheel to shine up the ports a bit.

You could look at other GT40 based combos and expect the same
then
If the porting added more ... thats all the better

Here is that oem iron head combo chart for you to get an idea

Grady