Everyone, Have a set of 1969 351W heads and want to know if they'll work on an 88 or 91 302 block and is there any advantage to using them? Thanks.
They will bolt on a 302 block but 351w have larger head bolts than a 302. you will have to buy head bolt sleeves from summit. 69 351w heads have a smaller combustion chamber and they will raise your compression ratio. In my opinion this is the best bang for your buck bolt on for newer 302.
The 69-70 heads have bigger valves and bigger intake ports. The exhaust ports are still poor. I would have to double check the combustion chamber size, but I know the 69-70 351w are pretty small, so you may get a bump in compression. As I remember, you need a special set of head bolts, but they're not hard to find. The combustion chamber shape is not as good as the newer 5.0 heads. I am doing something similar, I have the same heads and plan to put them on a '90 351w.
I did the opposite by drilling out the head bolt holes on a set of 302/5.0L pedestal mount Trick-Flow heads with a .531" dia. drill and bolting those heads on a 351W. Worked out perfect!
ARP has the stepped head bolts and I think Ford Racing might also. this used to be the trick upgrade before all the GT-40 and aftermarket heads came out.
You also need a set of .100 longer pushrods,Ford sells them as do other brands.Edelbrock and ARP also sell adaptor sleeves for the 7/16" bolts to fit the 1/2" holes.The 69 heads also don't have hardened valve seats. ROY
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