\'94 GT40 Heads on \'68 302

**greggieatthebat** · 02-21-2006, 02:17 PM

I have a set of GT40 heads off of a '94 Cobra waiting to go on my mildly built '68 302. Stock valves (1.84/1.54) and valve springs, and I'm waiting for my Crane 1.7 rollers to come in the mail (stock replacement; the guy I bought the heads from kept those).

My questions are:
1) Will I be able to use my stock pushrods? I'm currently using a Crane 130052 (Energy 272) cam w/ hydraulic-flat lifters.

2) What's the best way to measure valve-piston clearance? I replaced the pistons previously, but I'm not sure what I have in there right now [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_frown.gif[/img]

3) The intake port on these heads seems smaller (comparing gaskets)... I currently have an Edelbrock Performer manifold and no money to spend on something new; should I gasket-match the intake port on the head or epoxy the manifold port down?

Thanks for any help! I did some searches, it seems like you guys really know your stuff!

**fastEd** · 02-21-2006, 04:14 PM

You need to get the pushrods intended for a 1977 - 1985 302 with bolt-down rockers, and flat tappet lifters.

I'll let better qualified people answer the other questions. [img]/forums/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

cheers
Ed N.

_________________
95 T-Bird SC 3.8 V6 5-speed, 1 of 574
68 Cougar 289 EFI restomod
87 Lincoln Mark VII LSC 5.0 HO -- SOLD

[ This Message was edited by: fastEd on 2/22/06 7:15am ]

**greggieatthebat** · 02-22-2006, 10:18 AM

So, looking at a couple of parts house web sites, it looks like my '68 stock length is somewhere around 6.81" and 1980 2v 302 non-roller w/ pedestal bolt-down heads (I used F-150) is around 6.880".

Is this "close enough"? I guess it's close enough to at least assemble one cylinder and check rocker tip travel on the valve?

Or, where can I get one of those adjustable-length pushrods to figure out the perfect length?

Also, what is the proper procedure for setting valve lash (for lack of better word) on hydraulic lifters? I was recently informed that "tighten until snug, then rotate 1/2 turn" is incorrect, even though that's what my cam install instructions said...
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**dfree383** · 02-22-2006, 10:38 AM

Figure the length with the adjstable checker and but the right set.
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**greggieatthebat** · 02-22-2006, 10:57 AM

Yeah, that's gonna be the best...
Anyone know where to get one other than online order? (I'd like to hold it in my hand before I buy it...)
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**dfree383** · 02-22-2006, 11:47 AM

Local Engine Shop?
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**greggieatthebat** · 02-27-2006, 01:00 PM

Thanks for all the info, guys!

New question, same combo:
Head gasket? Should I use a '94 Cobra head gasket (i.e. match the head) or a '68 302 gasket (i.e. match the block)? This is not high compression (9.5 or 9.0 I think), hoping to spin to 5,500 maybe (is that optimistic?)... and where can I get those plugs/inserts to use my existing accessories (alt/ps) and plug the EGR ports?

Thanks, you guys rock!
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**dfree383** · 02-27-2006, 01:44 PM

I would thing the 94 head gaskets would be fine, the 9:1 is about right and 5500 should not be an issue. Check at you local machine shop or auto parts store for plugs. Hang loose !!
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**greggieatthebat** · 02-27-2006, 03:35 PM

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD>Quote:<HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><BLOCKQUOTE>
On 2006-02-27 13:44, dfree383 wrote:
Hang loose !!
</BLOCKQUOTE></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>

Hopefully, the car will be tight and I'll be loose!
(Shaka bruddah, eh?!)

**ckelly** · 02-28-2006, 08:29 AM

1) not unless you cut the heads for screw in studs.
2) assembled: set the engine to the intake centerline, put a dial indicator on the intake valve and compress with a fabricated lever. Note reading when valve contacts piston. Other - install clay on piston top, install head w/o gasket, use two solid lifters, cycle engine. Cut clay and measure clearance. On a stock motor up to about .512 lift you should not have ny problems.
3) heads flow better than the old stockers, I wouldn't waste my time porting to a Performer intake.
4) head gasket - use the stock 68 gasket (FepPro 1011-1 IIRC) and drill the four missing steam holes in the head to match the block - use the gasket as a template.
5) plug the EGR passage using 1/2" rod from the home store and some threaded plugs. The inserts are available from a local auto machine shop.

_________________

1967 Falcon 4 door w/351C - Owner built, owner abused.
70 Mustang 302 / 02 Mustang V6 rag top, 04 SuperCrew parts hauler
http://raceabilene.com/kelly/hotrod

[ This Message was edited by: ckelly on 2/28/06 11:29pm ]



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