Stock engine, want new heads. What should I choose?

[_jb_]

My friend just got a 97 GT Convertible and I want to make sure I stay ahead of her lol. Anyways, I've heard that the heads are what really bog down the 302. So, I still have speed density and I don't really want to convert over to mass air, looks like to much trouble.
So, I want to get a set of assembled heads, and I'm thinking about getting a pair of GT-40P. I know the GT-40X flows better, but how much better? What about other aftermarket heads? Which ones should I go with for a stock engine? I did have the issues of MM&FF where they did the "Ultimate Cylinder Head Test" but I can't find them.

 

[SmockDoiley]

Well a lot of things keep the 5.0 from really running but since you asked about heads, I'll stick to that. There are a lot of heads out there but half of them are race heads and will do more harm than good for your engine. It really depends on what you want out of your heads. I personally dont believe in factory iron heads unless you are on a budget because for a few bucks more and a lot less weight you can get aluminum heads. For a street car running a stock 302, I would recommend staying at or under 170cc intake runners and 1.94 intake valves due to piston clearance unless you have trickflows. Pretty much all aftermarket heads are a direct bolt on so you shouldnt have to worry about that. It all boils down to budget and purpose. So heres a little breakdown. AFR 165s(165cc intake runners and 1.94 intake valves), from what I hear are the best for power and purpose and run around $1300 with free shipping from pretty much anywhere. TrickFlow Twisted Wedge(170/2.02), a great head that has been in the market for a long time and you cant really go wrong. Its the only head in the market that allows for 2.02 valves on stock pistons due to the angle of the valves but this requires different length pushrods but you should be changing those anyways. And for around $1000-1100 you cant go wrong. Edelbrock Performer/5.0(1.94 valves and I believe 170 intake also), these heads are great too and Edelbrock makes good stuff. Same price as TrickFlow and probably the same power. Iron GT40's, around $500 but they are very heavy. They have the smallest valves, I think in the 1.8X range, and the smallest runners, but they will make fair amount of power over stock. There are other heads but they are very similar to the Edelbrock design. Again, its up to you, but those are some quick notes and tips for ya.

 

[mustang88GT]

just one note on mass air conversion... finished mine in bout 1hr and 30 min.. have not finished but i got the 4 main wires runin from teh MAF to the computer and all wires moed to the designated positions... only costed me 70 bucks too... and is runin strong

 

[_jb_]

I was thinking about turning the 302 into a 331 stroker this winter. If I buy the TrickFlow heads for the 302, will I be able to still use them on the 331? Or will the clearence not be great enough?

 

[85GTlover]

I would vote...........Yes you could.........there should be no logical reason as to why there would be any issues, regarding the stroking of the engine.

 

[SmockDoiley]

cubes play no part in clearance issues with heads. If anything you'll gain clearance in piston to valve sense because the aftermarket pistons you get will be notched for larger valves.

 

[_jb_]

Sweet, so I wouldn't be wasting my money. Do you guys know of a good place to buy a 331 kit?

 

[ECU5.0]

Sweet, so I wouldn't be wasting my money. Do you guys know of a good place to buy a 331 kit?

www.dssracing.com

 

[_jb_]

Alright thanks!

So if I was to get a stroket kit today, would my stock intake, cam, heads, and exhaust be alright? So when I get the money for say, some new heads I could just bold them on and go?

 

[85GTlover]

The stock short block can make lots of power.....do not rush to stroke it. You should upgrade your intake, T/B's, injectors, x pipe, subframes, UCA's, LCA'S, or you are just gonna be spinning the tires and they all can do that. You will get more out of the heads if you improve other areas first. The stock cam is supposed to be good for a while....unless you want different idle sound and need a higher lift. I would not rush even for heads but they are one of the biggest power mods you can do. The straight pipes (no connector are SUPPOSED to lose power. The pulses of the engine are different and flow is effected, or maybe just sound differs but tht is only what I heard. A nice cat back with nice tips you cannot go wrong. My car came with long tubes catted H and flowmaster catback with LX tips.

 

[_jb_]

The stock short block can make lots of power.....do not rush to stroke it. You should upgrade your intake, T/B's, injectors, x pipe, subframes, UCA's, LCA'S, or you are just gonna be spinning the tires and they all can do that. You will get more out of the heads if you improve other areas first. The stock cam is supposed to be good for a while....unless you want different idle sound and need a higher lift. I would not rush even for heads but they are one of the biggest power mods you can do.

What good will it do to upgrade my TB and intake? You can only put so much air into the engine with the stock heads. And if I spend at least $300 for new intake, that's $300 I could have been closer to new heads and more power. I've heard tmoss say I could gain about 15 HP (if I remember right) if I port my upper and lower intake.
I also just bought 19# injectors about two-three weeks ago because my stock ones were cracked. So after spending about $230, I think I'll stick with 19# for a while. And since I have speed density I couldn't go any bigger.

Since I don't have an H or X pipe, do you really think I should get one? Do you think it will increase my performance?