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Porting 289 heads

13K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  iwantmore 
#1 ·
I am thinking about trying to port a set of 289 heads that came of a early 302. I was just wondering if they are worth the job or if i should just use something else? thanks for any ideas!

Ryan
 
#2 ·
There is no doubt that you can improve the stock heads and gain power . we did this for years before the after market picked up on the demand and cast up some nice looking heads .You just don't want to pay some one else to do it as you can buy heads for cheep that will flow a lot better than a ported stock-er.
 
#6 ·
in 1968 they started to run out of 289 blocks and 302 blocks were used in place of the 289's. I have one of those blocks that came out of a cougar. They had 289 heads, intake, and the guts of a 289. but were put in and on a 302 block.
True enough. I've seen and heard of a few and they're not that uncommon. I've also seen the reverse - a 302 built on a 289 block, complete with the original factory serial number stamped on the rear of the block. Ford had intermittent supplies of both blocks during transition and used whatever was available. Although basically interchangeable, I've heard some stroker builders prefer the 289 blocks due to the slightly different length of the cylinder bores at the bottom.

David
 
#7 ·
On the 289 heads just remove the hump in the exhaust port, and gasket match the intake and exhaust. I did this to mine and works pretty good. If your pretty handy with tools then go for it. this website has a great write up on it and a good learing experience in the process!!!
 
#9 ·
Regarding what head is on what block any thing could happen these engines are more than 40 years old . Most of the old engine have been rebuilt more than once .The old exchange parts thing was common and heads got switched around . As for doing your own porting go for it you can improve them a lot but do it your self .
 
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