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Installing Heads Need Some Help.

  • Thread starter Thread starter 86bluecobra
  • Start date Start date Jun 29, 2012
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86bluecobra

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#1
  • Jun 29, 2012
  • #1
Hey I have a set of holley heads and I am curious about push rod issues. I am planning on installing them on my 86 t top mustang. Am I going to be able to use the factory push rods? I am not changing the cam but I do have roller tip rockers on these heads. Also I used have these on my 351w. I need some sort of special head bolts don't I? Honestly it has been so long since I did anything to a 302 I need a little bit of help. Thx in advance.
 

ID89GT

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#2
  • Jun 29, 2012
  • #2
The head bolt hole is a half inch for the 351, where as the 302 I believe its 3/8s.
 
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86bluecobra

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#3
  • Jun 29, 2012
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Ok I did a bit of research and i guess I need some bushings for this swap. But I really want to know about the pushrods. Can I use the factory ones?
 

foxna6

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#4
  • Jun 29, 2012
  • #4
No you need hardend push rods and more then likely your gonna need a deferment length push rod
 
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86bluecobra

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#5
  • Jun 29, 2012
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D'oh. I was worried about that. I don't want to measure push rods. I know there are tools and I get the theory but good gravy there has to be a simpler way. Drive me nuts. I guys I'll be buying an adjustable push rod. The worst part is you have to take the engine apart install the new heads measure then wait for the push rods before you can put it all back together. Oh well.
 

Rick 91GT

Mustang Master
Nov 29, 1999
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#6
  • Jun 30, 2012
  • #6
What Holley heads are they? What size valves? If they are 2.02" your going to have issues on the 86 shortblock.

Yes, you'll need to measure for proper pushrod length and wait till after you order, no biggie

The stock 302 is 7/16", 351 is 1/2", the TFS bushing are less expensive then others at around $39, PT# 51400419
 
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86bluecobra

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#7
  • Jun 30, 2012
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These were the 1.94 (honestly I can't remember was it 1.9 or 1.94. I know they weren't 2.02's) intake not the 2.02. I was hoping they would clear on the 86. I forgot the 86 didn't have valve reliefs notched into the pistons. I am hoping that the maps doesn't have a fit when I install these heads. I was thinking that I should get away with it if I don't play with the cam.
 

Gearbanger 101

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#8
  • Jun 30, 2012
  • #8
86bluecobra said:
I am hoping that the maps doesn't have a fit when I install these heads. I was thinking that I should get away with it if I don't play with the cam.
Click to expand...
Maybe, maybe not. The question at this point is....in the event these heads throw the ECU for a loop, have you got the extra cash available to upgrade to Mass Air?
 

88LX5.Oh

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#9
  • Jun 30, 2012
  • #9
In your sig it says "Holley 750 dp" but then you go and say something about the map sensor. So, is it fuel injected or not?

Edit: or do you have 2 fox bodies and the description in your sig is of a different one?
 
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86bluecobra

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#10
  • Jun 30, 2012
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88LX5.Oh said:
In your sig it says "Holley 750 dp" but then you go and say something about the map sensor. So, is it fuel injected or not?

Edit: or do you have 2 fox bodies and the description in your sig is of a different one?
Click to expand...
Yah I just bought another 86. I should edit my sig. Its been so long I can't remember how too. This one is a 302 with an automatic. It's a T-Top car. It's for my wife to play with. Eventually I would like to put the running gear from my other 86 into it but for now I'll leave it as is and slowly modify it with parts I have laying around. I am hoping the heads don't send it for a loop. They shouldn't mess with the vacuum signal that bad I don't think if I run the factory cam.
 
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86bluecobra

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#11
  • Jun 30, 2012
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Gearbanger 101 said:
Maybe, maybe not. The question at this point is....in the event these heads throw the ECU for a loop, have you got the extra cash available to upgrade to Mass Air?
Click to expand...
If I have to convert to a MAF I guess I can. I want to see how it runs with the heads first.
 

RangerJoe

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#12
  • Jul 1, 2012
  • #12
86bluecobra said:
If I have to convert to a MAF I guess I can. I want to see how it runs with the heads first.
Click to expand...

I met a guy at Fun Ford several years ago running an 88 with speed density, stock cam and brodix heads. Ran low 12's and had no issues.

Joe
 
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86bluecobra

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#13
  • Jul 1, 2012
  • #13
RangerJoe said:
I met a guy at Fun Ford several years ago running an 88 with speed density, stock cam and brodix heads. Ran low 12's and had no issues.

Joe
Click to expand...
that sounds promising.
 

88LX5.Oh

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#14
  • Jul 1, 2012
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I'm running a set of GT40P's on an SD 5.0 Bronco. Runs awesome with no issues. But, P heads aren't anywhere close to any of the aftermarket heads, but still better than E7's. So, you may be able to get away with it. Hope it all works out for ya
 
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86bluecobra

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#15
  • Jul 2, 2012
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Yah me too. I guess I will install the heads this winter. I bought this car for my wife to race at our local races which happen twice a year. This august she will race it stock. (except for the off road h-pipe and flowmaster cat back I have already installed. This winter I'll install the heads and pulleys and CAI. Do these cars benefit from TB upgrade? Or do you do that only if you do a head and intake swap?
 

Gearbanger 101

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#16
  • Jul 2, 2012
  • #16
86bluecobra said:
Do these cars benefit from TB upgrade? Or do you do that only if you do a head and intake swap?
Click to expand...
Save it for when you do your head and intake swap.
 
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86bluecobra

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#17
  • Jul 2, 2012
  • #17
Gearbanger 101 said:
Save it for when you do your head and intake swap.
Click to expand...

What should I be looking at to get? Since this is my wifes car I have been looking for used parts to use to upgrade it. I am not sure what size TB to be keeping my eye open for however.
 

ID89GT

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#18
  • Jul 2, 2012
  • #18
Rear end gears always help
 

88LX5.Oh

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#19
  • Jul 2, 2012
  • #19
86bluecobra said:
Yah me too. I guess I will install the heads this winter. I bought this car for my wife to race at our local races which happen twice a year. This august she will race it stock. (except for the off road h-pipe and flowmaster cat back I have already installed. This winter I'll install the heads and pulleys and CAI. Do these cars benefit from TB upgrade? Or do you do that only if you do a head and intake swap?
Click to expand...

A buddy of mine has an '88 with exhaust, cold air intake, and a BBK throttle body and EGR plate. It ran surprisingly well
 
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86bluecobra

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#20
  • Jul 2, 2012
  • #20
Yes gears will be in the future I guess. Was thinking I would do a high stall and valve body first.
 
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