Are you an enthusiastic car owner? Have you thought about rebuilding your Ford Mustang? Then at first, the best thing you should do is to upgrade your vehicle with the best cylinder heads for ford 302.
In spite of the stock heads being pretty well, they can’t, in fact, come closer to the modernized cylinder heads.
Well, The other name of the Ford 302 engine is Ford Windsor which is basically a V8 type engine manufactured by the Ford Motor Company.
Actually, there are a varied amount of aftermarket cylinder heads available for your car to be replaced.
Here is a list of the best aluminum heads for Ford 302 compiled by us which can be the ultimate choices for you and can help you to decide what to select.
Read More: Best Headers for 5.7 Hemi Rams 2022
Quick Navigation
- 1 Reasons Behind Upgrading the Heads
- 2 TOP 10 Best Cylinder Heads for Ford 302
- 3 1. Edelbrock E-Series Street (Editor’s Choice)
- 4 Pros
- 5 Cons
- 6 2. Ford Racing GT-40X
- 7 Pros
- 8 Cons
- 9 3. Edelbrock Performer RPM 190cc
- 10 Pros
- 11 Cons
- 12 4. Victor Junior
- 13 Pros
- 14 Cons
- 15 5. Trick Flow Twisted Wedge 11R
- 16 Pros
- 17 Cons
- 18 6. AFR 220cc SBF
- 19 Pros
- 20 Cons
- 21 7. Brodix Cylinder Heads
- 22 Pros
- 23 Cons
- 24 8. Tri-State Cylinder Heads
- 25 Pros
- 26 Cons
- 27 9. Dart Cylinder Heads
- 28 Pros
- 29 Cons
- 30 10. FRPP Z2 Cylinder Heads
- 31 Pros
- 32 Cons
- 33 Small Block Ford Cylinder Heads Comparison
- 34 FAQ About Cylinder Heads for Ford 302
- 35 Concluding Thoughts
- 36 Share this:
- 37 Related
Reasons Behind Upgrading the Heads
Ford 302 muscle cars had a bit of crappy cylinder heads. Even they were not designed properly compared to the heads remaining presently.
Moreover, an engine acts as an air pump in your car. So, you need the heads to flow air as far as possible.
This is the case where you have to think about installing the best sbf aluminum heads for your Ford Windsor.
Earlier, people used to polish the stock E7 Fox body mustang. It may enhance some horsepower, but eventually, it can’t go as well as a perfectly designed aftermarket cylinder head.
By installing the latest aftermarket cylinder heads as well as a very good camshaft, your vehicle can attain about 80 horsepower at a time.
Recommended!
TOP 10 Best Cylinder Heads for Ford 302
1. Edelbrock E-Series Street (Editor’s Choice)
With a view to getting excellent performance, you are suggested to use the Edelbrock E-Series cylinder heads with an E303 cam. I personally equipped this for my Fox Mustang.
Basically, these heads provide you with the uppermost service you can afford at this price.
Besides, The Edelbrock E-Series Heads consists of 60 cc combustion chambers, 1.900” intake valves, 1.600” exhaust valves. These valves assure you of an exclusive performance.
Significant Features
- Intake runner 1700 cc.
- Exhaust runner 60cc.
- Intake valve: 1.900″/2020
- Exhaust valve: 1.600″
- Intake CFM at. 500″ lift 242 cfm
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Affordable price of $800
Cons
- Only compatible for flat tappet cams
2. Ford Racing GT-40X
Next comes the Ford Racing GT-40X. Formerly, American Muscle’s Fox body build used these heads.
In fact, these heads are most importantly much more expensive than those of Edelbrock’s heads.
But logically, Ford Racing GT-40X can produce more horsepower than Edelbrock’s heads.
Mainly, The GT-40X heads feature a 64cc combustion chamber, 1.940” intake valves, and 1.540” exhaust valves.
Significant Features
- Intake runner 178cc.
- Exhaust runner 62cc.
- Intake valve: 1.940″
- Exhaust valve: 1.540″
- CFM at. 500″ lift 240 cfm
Pros
- Producing high horsepower
- Compatible with roller camshafts
Cons
- Low performance
- High price of about $1,400
3. Edelbrock Performer RPM 190cc
The third one of our list is the Edelbrock Performer RPM. Those who require more performance can surely purchase these sets of heads.
Though you can equip the head with 170cc intake runners, we are recommending you purchase those with the 190cc intake valves.
Basically, the main function of the RPM heads with 190cc intake valves is that about a large 2.022” intake valves along with 1.600” exhaust valves can be featured by the heads associated with 190cc intake valves.
The Performer aluminum heads are highly suitable for non-emission implementation and the performer series are made off stainless steel swirl-polished valves, hardened plates as well as springs of the valves.
Significant Features
- Intake runner: 170cc/190cc.
- Exhaust runner: 60cc.
- Intake valve: 1.900″/ 2.022″
- Exhaust valve: 1.600″
- CFM at. 500″ lift 245/251 cfm
Pros
- Better performance
- Compatible with stock pistons
Cons
- Most expensive, costing $1,400
4. Victor Junior
The Victor Junior heads come fourth on the list. These heads have also come off the Edelbrock manufacturers, from which you can be pretty much sure of getting the best aluminum heads within your price.
However, these heads constitute 2.050” intake valves along with 1.600” exhaust valves.
In addition to that, the Victor Jr. from the Edelbrock manufacturers also feature reinforced rocker-stud bosses, significantly contoured combustion chambers with an extra thick positive surface that can ensure a positive head-gasket seal with the topmost compression ratios,
Significant Features
- Intake runner: 210cc.
- Exhaust runner: 75cc.
- Intake valve: 2.050″
- Exhaust valve: 1.600″
- CFM at .500″ lift 268 cfm
Pros
- Very elegant setup
- Performing pretty well
Cons
- Pretty pricey at around $1,600
5. Trick Flow Twisted Wedge 11R
The Trick Flow Twisted Wedge 11R stands at fifth position in our list. This is very popular among the customers for its special Fox Body scene as a huge number of racers became successful using Trick Flow heads.
Besides, these cylinder heads are built on the basis of original Twisted Wedge heads.
Therefore, Trick Flow offers you the best performance small-block Ford heads.
Also, It has special functions with a view to developing airflow. It features a heavy 2.055” intake valve and 1.600” exhaust valves.
Significant Features
- Intake runner: 190cc.
- Exhaust runner: 66cc.
- Intake valve: 2.050″
- Exhaust valve: 1.600″
- CFM at .500″ lift: Unknown
Pros
- Performing pretty well
- Presenting massive performance to the table
Cons
- Expensive price featuring $2,000
- Suitable for hydraulic roller camshafts only
6. AFR 220cc SBF
The sixth position, according to our recommendation, is the AFR 200cc SBF which is worldwide acknowledged for its high-quality production heads.
Hence, it is highly recommended for its massive intake valves, which are 2.100” and the performance is very good compared to others.
But because of its marginally little exhaust valves, people sometimes become confused while making decisions.
On the contrary, relying on your ordered springs, these stand heads can handle .700” or even a massive camshaft.
Significant Features
- Intake runner: 220cc.
- Exhaust runner: 70cc.
- Intake valve: 2.100″
- Exhaust valve: 1.570″
- CFM at .500″ lift 296 cfm
Pros
- Heavy intake valves
- Handy performance
- Handling massive camshafts
Cons
- Pretty pricey at around $1,600
- Shorter exhaust valves
7. Brodix Cylinder Heads
The Brodix Cylinder Heads come up with its ST 5.0 aluminum cylinder heads for your Ford 302 Muscle car. It is recommended especially for street engines living under 6000 RPM.
Basically, Brodix ST 5.0 heads include 171cc intake runners along with 60cc combustion chambers. These heads also have 1.94/1.60 inch valves.
On the other hand, A CNC-ported ST 5.0R is also offered by the Brodix manufacturers, which consist of 2.02” intake valves and 185cc intake runners with 66 cc combustion.
In fact, the Brodix cylinder heads offer you to do suitable modifications if necessary. These are available from several suppliers, including Summit Racing and Roush & Yates Racing Engines.
Significant Features
- Intake runner: 171cc.
- Exhaust runner: 60cc.
- Intake valve: 2.08″
- Exhaust valve: 1.600″
- CFM at .500″ lift 270 cfm
Pros
- Suitable for street engines
- Specially drilled to accept accessories
- Offering Track One heads for racing application
- Compatible with flat-tappet and hydraulic roller rocker
Cons
- High price at around $2,600
- Larger valves
8. Tri-State Cylinder Heads
Flo-Tek aluminum Ford small-block heads are produced by the Tri-State manufacturers, perfectly suited for late-model Mustang and Ford 5.0 liter passionates.
In addition, these performance cylinder heads have 180cc intake heads as well as 58cc combustion chambers.
Moreover, these heads were built from A356 aluminum and offered. 550” lift with roller lifters. These cylinder heads are also standard as part of a top-notch re-constructing project for the Fox-body 5.0-liter engines.
Tri-State cylinder heads are fully equipped for 1.94” intake valves and 1.54” exhaust valves. Also, these exhaust valves are heavily swirl-polished.
Even the 62cc exhaust runners develop the purge flow properly. Usually, Speedway Motors and the mother brand Tri-State manufactures these cylinder heads.
Significant Features
- Intake runner: 180cc.
- Exhaust runner: 58cc.
- Intake valve: 1.94″
- Exhaust valve: 1.540″
- CFM at .500″ lift: Unknown
Pros
- Developing purge flow
- Massively swirl-polished valves
- Compatible with flat-tappet and hydraulic roller rocker
Cons
- High price at around $2,600
- Larger valves
9. Dart Cylinder Heads
Another well-recognized cylinder head manufacturing company is Dart Machinery Ltd. providing high-performing cylinder heads for your 302 Ford Body Mustang.
Are you looking for some sort of cylinder heads at a reasonable price, ensuring a good street performance as well as torque improvement? Then the CNC-machined cast-iron cylinder heads from Dart Machinery ltd. are famous bolt-on aftermarket replacements for your Ford Mustang.
It consists of 180cc intake runners, which are bigger than the stock. The 58cc combustion chambers can contain 1.94 intake valves in each.
Sometimes, your ordered heads can be unassembled. For this, you can purchase the compact package of assemblies of 1.25 or 1.4437 dual-diameter valve springs according to your choice.
Besides, Dart Machinery also offers you the Pro-1 Aluminum conducting small-block heads for your Ford’s body. It can ensure fabulous airflow and fuel atomization for your vehicle. Dart’s wet-flow technology designed the Pro 1 line optimizing the cast from 355-T61 aerospace alloy. Both 170cc or 195cc intake-port volumes constitute 62cc combustion chambers.
Thus, choosing these heads will give you the best evaluation of your money. Through Jegs Performance and other retailers, Dart’s heads are usually delivered to you.
Significant Features
- Intake runner: 180cc.
- Exhaust runner: 58cc.
- Intake valve: 1.94″
- Exhaust valve: 1.436″
Pros
- Direct bolt-on
- Standard valve angles
- Efficiently maintained spacing
- Aluminum performance head
- Superior airflow system
- CNC machined iron eagle
- Price friendly horsepower & torque improvement
Cons
- Smaller displacement engine
- Lower combustion chambers
10. FRPP Z2 Cylinder Heads
For those who are looking for highly performed cylinder heads capable of accepting more than 500 horsepower, the latest FRPP Z2 cylinder heads are best suited for you.
These cylinder heads perfectly suit the small-block engine bays. The package of these cylinder heads is well assembled with top-notch components.
In addition to that, the head is set up with stainless steel measuring 2.050” intake valves as well as 1.600” 23-8N exhaust valves.
Significant Features
- Intake runner: 208cc.
- Exhaust runner: 63cc.
- Intake valve: 2.05”
- Exhaust valve: 1.600”
- Inline valve angle: 20 degree
- CFM at .500″ lift: Unknown
- Laser-cut guide plates
- Manganese-bronze valve guide
Pros
- Valves made of stainless steel
- Usable for most hydraulic cams
- Standard roller rocker is used
- Heads retaining Ford OEM
- Ability to support more than 500hp
Cons
- Possibility of corrosion while cooling water
- Elasticity modules are lower
Small Block Ford Cylinder Heads Comparison
Conducting with the cam profile and intake manifold, the cylinder heads contribute not only to peak power numbers but the ultimate horsepower curving shape.
Besides, the larger CNC heads may offer much more power than that of the smaller 170cc heads.
Due to the pressure of the deadline, Dart Pro comp Electronics also offers small-block Ford heads.
Though the products from these manufacturers are very much budget-friendly for us, most of the time they didn’t make any tests. The Dart castings are the Iron Eagle versions, while others are in aluminum.
FAQ About Cylinder Heads for Ford 302
- Are 351 heads and 302 heads the same?
Well, 351 heads and 302 heads are almost the same in size, but 351 heads have larger valves and bigger combustion chambers.
- How can one get more power out of 302?
Among many engines available in the market, the ford 302 is mostly known for increasing its average horsepower.
Power can be increased by the following steps:
a. By installing cool air intakes performance aftermarket and replacing it with the existing air intake of ford 302, the cold air helps enhance the horsepower.
b. By installing an exhaust system, aftermarket performance, and replacing it with the company-manufactured exhaust system can increase the horsepower (hp) of the engine.
c. By installing force initiation, which is a supercharger attached to the apex of the engine, acts as a booster to the horsepower of the engine. - Can cylinder heads enhance horsepower?
Yes, they can. Generally relying on your cam, you can attain anywhere of about 40-70 horsepower.
Most of the time, your cylinder heads can enhance as much horsepower as about 100 horsepower or even more than that. - How can I build up a Ford 302 Mustang high performance?
First, install a set of GT-40X from the latest Ford Mustang. Then, buy any type of aftermarket manifold for the 302, which is highly functioned in the 3500-6500 powerband. In this aspect, Edelbrock Performer RPM is a very good option. Set up a used set of 5.0L headers. Now add a distributor fit for your 302 and finally establish a wet nitrous plate system, and you are all set now to have a well-performing Ford Mustang.
- Which one is better in between open or closed chamber heads?
The difference between open chamber heads and closed chamber heads of a cylinder is made on the basis of combustion chamber proficiency. Though the open chamber head cylinder proposes a convenient flow, the close chamber head cylinder is superior in performance. It is good to choose closed chamber heads for your vehicle.
- How to choose heads for your small-block Ford rebuild?
One of the best ways of choosing heads for small-block Ford is to bolt them up and do some dyno pulls. Basically, the top-end part of the engine moves air and fuel to the combustion chamber and enhances power as much as possible in the performance application.
In the market, there are a variety of aftermarket cylinders available. Choosing the right combination perfectly suited for your small-block head can enhance the biggest flow numbers.
Concluding Thoughts
For better performance of your Ford Mustangs as well as to ensure the longevity of your classic 302 Ford Windsor, you must choose the heads which are best compatible with your vehicle considering its engine, conditions, and comforts.
Moreover, you have to select those which must fit your car in accordance with the torque potential of the engine, horsepower enhancement without overdoing it, of course.
Therefore, for all the products which are mentioned above here in our Best Cylinder Heads for Ford 302 Review, we have specific technical guidelines through which you can take help anytime when necessary and take the decision considering valve size, combustion chambers, etc. that can offer you the best value for the money you are investing.
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