Here's where I really display my ignorance to the whole MMB community. The 302 that I have built for my car has 351 four barrel heads on it (I can't get at the engine at the moment, but I believe they are DOOE heads). Does this mean that I'm going to run into the same clearance problems that come with putting a 351 in a Maverick? Am I going to have to notch my shock towers? Thanks. John B
nope 351 heads are deminsionally the same....I have the Roush 200 heads which are 351w castings(more ir less) What makes the notch necassary is the wider 351 block...... good luck
If you're like me, you'll just want to notch the towers to make the access to the plugs and header bolts easier. It wasn't something I had to do, but wanted to do. I don't regret it one bit.
I've got 351w D00E heads on mine right now. No problems. They are exactly like the 302 heads in size. I just put a plug socket on that you can turn with an open end wrench. Works pretty easy.
The 302 and 351W used the exact same heads for a while. I think it was from 1977 until semi performance Fords came back. They had huge combustion chambers compared to the early 59cc 351W heads and the smaller 302 valves. The only difference is the heads for the 302's had bolt holes for 7/17" bolts and the 351W heads were drilled out for 1/2 inch bolts. These are the worst heads for the small block unless you want to use a blower on a very low compression engine to get maximum power out of it. If you wanted to do that you would have to have the valves refitted for 2" intakes and 1.6 exhausts.
The 351 C or M heads will bolt up, but thet is all you get for convience. Water passages need attention, gaskets used, valve train need changes and 302/351w intakes don't bolt up besides the exhaust angle is different plus you gain a gang of weight. Not worth all the hassle and expense for little gain on a street motor..
The only difference in heads between the 351C 2 bbls and the 351M heads is the "M" heads have a Thermactor passage cast into the heads. Same ports and valves, except the 79-82 heads had better valves and rocker fulcrums. There is a definate gain in performance, but the cost involved isn't worth the effort, compared to using aftermarket Windsor style heads. If someone here wants a completed "Clevor" 351, there's a guy on the FTE website has one for sale--$3000 he's in Connecticut I think. His screen name there is "Hemieater"
