headers for 302 with 351 heads

[255 cui]

question , , i don't know what kind of headers will fit on a standard 302 cui engine with 351 w cilinderheads , in a 1979 ford mustang , the 5.0 headers have smaller ports , so the effect of the 351 heads will be reduced in my opnion , but what type of headers for 351w heads are usuable for a 1979 foxbody , i'm afraid for the space next the engine and for the steeringsystem , note the heads have rectangular ports , not oval


my pair of headers i want to use in the first place



the 351 w heads

[bwguardian]

I would look at aftermarket headers instead of the factory units that are pinched down.

[SVT Rob]

Any 302 headers will fit a 302 w/ 351 heads. The difference between a 302 and a 351 is in the block. You should have no space constraints at all.

Rob

[blackgt85]

Any aftermarket headers for 86-93 5.0 Mustangs will work. The 351W heads are the same size physically as 302 heads. I would make sure the aftermarket headers tube size is 1 5/8". There are some small headers out there, and you don't want those. I don't know how much you are looking to spend, but here's a link.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/Y...?Ns=Rank%7cAsc

How it's up to you what material you want them made out of. And if you want the shorty or full length style. If you are running an automatic, I would suggest shorties....


Justin

[mcfairmont]

Actually the smaller 1 1/2" headers work just fine with a milder engine build. Years ago I had a 78 Fairmont with a fairly mild 302, that I later swapped a pair of stock 1970 351W heads on. I retained the same Hedman 1 1/2" long tubes I had with the original heads, the car ran 12.8`s with 3.55 gears. On my current 85 Mustang, I use the long tube Flow Techs, with are 1 5/8" tubes, and fit quite well. I have used these headers with both the stock E5 heads, as well as a set of World Windsor Jr. iron heads.

[Vinnietbird]

You will need either the step up bolts, or the hole bushings for the 351W heads larger head bolt holes.

[blackgt85]

Actually the smaller 1 1/2" headers work just fine with a milder engine build. Years ago I had a 78 Fairmont with a fairly mild 302, that I later swapped a pair of stock 1970 351W heads on. I retained the same Hedman 1 1/2" long tubes I had with the original heads, the car ran 12.8`s with 3.55 gears. On my current 85 Mustang, I use the long tube Flow Techs, with are 1 5/8" tubes, and fit quite well. I have used these headers with both the stock E5 heads, as well as a set of World Windsor Jr. iron heads.

Why waste the money on the 1 1/2" headers when the larger 1 5/8" will perform better? The OP has 351W heads, an aftermarket cam, and an aftermarket carburetor. And I would assume an aftermarket intake manifold is going on... The 1 1/2" headers would just be a waste of money, time, and power IMHO.


Justin

[Vinnietbird]

What year are the heads? Have they had any work done to them? Most of them you find these days are the exact same head as the 302, but with larger holes for the 351 head bolts.

[255 cui]

What year are the heads? Have they had any work done to them? Most of them you find these days are the exact same head as the 302, but with larger holes for the 351 head bolts.

i will check that out , as soon as possible ,
for now , evryone thanks for the answers

[sideshow]

The 351w has 1/2 in head bolts. 302 's have 7/16 head bolts. If you are installing the 351w heads on a 302 block you need these. Or something similar

http://www.cjponyparts.com/product.a...paign=shopping

[mcfairmont]

When I installed the 1970 351W heads onto my 302, I just used head bolt washers. I used Mr. Gasket washers for a SB Chevy, had almost enough extra washers left over for another engine! I ran that engine for several years with those washers, never had any issues.

[255 cui]

i just bought this set ,
i hope this is the right one??

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/AR...3605/?rtype=10

[Vinnietbird]

That'll work.

[255 cui]

That'll work.

thanks

[Vinnietbird]

One piece at a time. Are you going to have the heads ported a little? I'm betting those are the same as the 5.0 heads, and probably could use a little love before you bolt them on.

[255 cui]

made the ports as big as possible ,
new valves , ready to go

[Vinnietbird]

Sweet. Keep us updated with your progress.

[mcfairmont]

If it was me, I`d be replacing those factory 2 piece retainers and exhaust valve rotators with some good quality aftermarket pieces. The valve springs that are used with the rotators are shorter, and thus have less installed height. Unless this is pretty much a stock engine, with a near stock size cam, and is not going to be driven hard, I`d be upgrading that stuff.

[sirhc2004_192]

how about some 289 heads on a 302 or is that just going backwards?