I just picked up a 86 GT 5spd with 136k on it, it runs great but my question is with the flat top pistons what cam/heads combo can I run with out have any piston to valve clearance problems?
Many times when people get the 86s the first thing they do is upgrade to an 87-93 intake and throttle body. In your case though I would also get an aftermarket intake because the stock ones will just hold your heads and cam back.
AFR 165cc SBF Street Cylinder Head
The Small Port, High Velocity, Emission Legal Torque Monster
For the ultimate small block Ford street car, you’ve got to use AFR’s all new 165cc emissions legal cylinder heads. Unlike some aftermarket heads, AFR’s Ford head (CARB EO #250-3) fits all your stock components; no special parts are required! With 1.900 intake valves, 1.600” exhaust valve, and combustion chamber volumes of 58cc or 61cc, and 69cc exhaust ports, AFR’s new 165cc Ford head is perfect for 289 and 302 engines operating from idle to 6000 rpm. A 3/4” thick head deck makes the AFR head ideal for nitrous or blower applications. Will not accept rail rocker arms. Hardened push rods required with part numbers 1400 and 1402. Note: 1986 5.0L must have piston notched for clearance
nm i should do research before i post sometimes. they need to be notched
Hey Bill is that you?! from SSC? Its me Scott. I have a heap load of parts from an 88 motor, so let me know if you need anything. ie the pistons or efi stuff.
Twisted Wedge Aluminum Cylinder Heads for Small Block Ford
Trick Flow Twisted Wedge heads are 50-state emissions-legal for 1996 and earlier 289, 302, and 351W Fords! (CARB E.O. number D-369-1).
Twisted Wedge heads feature an exclusive combustion chamber design.The patented 61cc chambers feature rotated intake and exhaust valves moved over the center of the cylinder bores. As a result of optimizing the valve locations, valve angles, and combustion chamber shape, the Twisted Wedge heads use stock height exhaust ports without power loss.
The heads are machined for 2.02" intake/1.60" exhaust valves to build top-end power without sacrificing bottom-end torque. They don’t require flycut pistons for use with cams up to the specifications listed—no other 2.02"-valved head for small block Ford offers these features!
The Twisted Wedge heads are built for heavy-duty use, too. They have .560" thick combustion chamber walls and fire deck for strength without compromising cooling capacity. Additional support risers are strategically located in the water jacket for additional rigidity and head gasket integrity.
Twisted Wedge heads have stock height intake and exhaust ports that allow the use of most OEM and aftermarket intake and exhaust manifolds. Fully assembled heads come with stainless steel valves (intakes are back-cut for improved flow), valve springs, locks, retainers, rocker studs, and guideplates. The heads are also available as bare castings. Heads are sold in pairs. Heads are patented.
Trick Flow Twisted Wedge heads are designed as an emissions-legal, high performance replacement for OEM cylinder heads. Modification of street heads for racing will void their warranty.
can you change the cam in an 86 with out problems like in the 88(cali cars)+ MAF cars. and since this is on topic, if i were to change the cam in my 87, what would i need to do to make it run right? i want to do a good HCI swap on my motor, but i'm kinda worried about the "cam" part.