which heads are better?

I've got '69 302 heads, and '66 289 heads... which ones are the better heads to use? Sorry no casting numbers as of yet, but I'm going down to the shop tonight to check. They're gonna go on a .040 over 302 with flat tops with 4 valve reliefs.

Only real diff is the combustion chamber on the 289 heads are a few cc's smaller 54 vs 58

I think the -66 heads have cast in pushrod guides.

Gresse

Went down to the shop last night, and took a look at both heads. The 289 heads have a large bump right in the center of the exhaust port, so they must be later 289 heads. They do have obviously smaller chambers. The 302 heads have slightly larger chambers and there is a small hump in the upper right corner of each exhaust port. The valve sizes appear to be the same, and the port sizes also appear to be the same.
I realise that pretty much all stock small block ford heads are crap, but which of these would be better to modify? Or should I look for 5.0 mustang heads?
They are going on a .040 over flat top 302. ANY advice is and will be GREATLY appreciated.

Not all sbf heads
Get some Cleveland 4v heads & have a Boss 302

Originally Posted by MATTBLACK

I've got '69 302 heads, and '66 289 heads... which ones are the better heads to use? Sorry no casting numbers as of yet, but I'm going down to the shop tonight to check. They're gonna go on a .040 over 302 with flat tops with 4 valve reliefs.

ok, the 289 heads are #C6AE and the 302 heads are # C90E.
I think I'm gonna go with the 302 heads because they seem to have bigger ports. Can I grind out the little nub in the upper corner of the exhaust port?

Not much difference between the heads performance wise..The 289 heads will give you more compression...You can easily grind the bumps out of either heads ports with a die grinder and some patience.. The flow will be about the same once you are done...I would figure out what your compression ratio will be with either head and go from there....289 heads should be about 54CCs and the 302s about 58...

I had a set of '69 heads that I ported and polished. Ground out the bump which was a pain and installed 1.94/1.60 valves in them. Cleaned up the combustion chambers so there would be little detonation and opened up the intake and exhaust ports. Had them on a 302 with a Lunati Bracket Master II cam and the car was pretty quick. Used a set of Tri-Ys and a mild converter. Great little street/strip motor in a light car.

So the seats on my heads are totally wasted. Would it be more desirable to go with a set of E7TE's, or would I totally screw my compression? The engine has .040 flat tops with 4 valve reliefs.

Have some 1.94 and 1.60 chevy replacement valves installed and do some bowl blending, it a worth while upgrade on stock heads