LOW-BUCK 302 FORD HEAD UPGRADE 

I could watch 302-based videos all day. Love the little 5L.

Richard- there is no need to apologize, we're getting information here that would literally cost thousands to obtain on our own. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Keep the FORD stuff coming Rich! Us Ford guys know who to come to for the right info!!

Damn dude, don't ever apologize. What you do and present is WAY more than expected. Thank you!

Even without the pictures you are still saving people thousands on what works and what does not.

Who cares about the pictures? Your testing and knowledge are why I am here. Cheers!

Being a small block chevy guy, Im always amazed and pleased with the power potential of the sbf.

Getting to see the graphs is really fascinating. It's neat to see just how a head swap can change power and how a cam swap changes where the power is. Excellent work

You, Sir, are a BEAST!!!!!! I can file rings, but would not have the patience to do all the testing you do. Great info.

Video is perfectly fine, it helped me quite a bit. Richard, I remember reading your stuff in MM&FF with Jim, Evan & Bernie articles. I will always read everything you post and take it all in.

Just bought a obs ford f150 5.0 Starting to look at videos to add some power. Just as a project. And now I’m here. Great videos. Love the information. I’m sure by now the video production value has gotten a lot better. Thank you 🙌🏼

I like these tests. Gets rid of the guess work and makes choosing parts easy 🍺👍👍

I believe everyone has gotten what they came for without the pictures fella

I definitely don’t care about the photos!!!!! Your knowledge is the most valuable part of this channel!!!!

Recently found this guys vids over here in the UK and good straight to the point information , with no brand pushing

Good stuff Richard! I can't tell you how many times I have watched your videos. Can't get enough of the 302 and 347. I also love the FE, but not many people have one of those. I have a 302, BP 347 and a 390 from Team C. Keep up the good work.

Great video! You had all the pertinent information and visual aids needed, and presented it without taking all day.

Awesome data Richard, we would never be able to source the information you can supply in a 15 min video

Don't go knocking yourself down Richard, It's very good information you give out, No one else on here gives more information then you do, Keep up the good work 👍

Love seeing how well a great engineered head works! Great info, as usual!

This is an awesome test because you did all the engineering log work to get great outcome. Thanks Richard

Awesome video!! Finally a good video and info on a 5.0/306. I'm just glad to see this combo made close to 400hp and torque.

Richard, pics or not, a great, informative video.

I am a Test Engineer and your scientific approach to testing and data analysis is 2nd to none. I am building a low-buck 5.0 and your evaluations keep me from making costly mistakes. Thanks for doing these excellent videos on the 5.0.

For me it didn't matter that you were missing photos. You always provide great info. My regret with my Ford 306 putting on the afr 165 instead of the 185. After hearing you say the 185 does not kill tq down low. Keep up the great content.

I had AFR 165 heads with an E303 cam. Huge seat of the pants difference. The rockers were always really noisy at high rpms. This might explain that. I also broke 2 ARP rocker studs on the same rocker. Got tired of studs breaking so I sold the heads. I bought the knock off 190 heads and sent them to get ported and stronger springs. Never had the problem again. Thank you for all the time you put into this work. I really enjoy watching your videos. I love the aahhaa moments like this that explain some of the problems I've had.

Richard, you have to be the hardest working guy on RU-vid! Thanks for the great content!

I made a comment on this on one of your other videos a few days ago, I guess it just so happened that you came up with this now so my questions are answered. Glad to know my truck is making quite a bit more power and it's not the placebo effect lying to me.

I appreciate that you did all the legg work for us to help make a decision 👍

Man I just love the little 302.. always have. Solid presentation.. we got great info.

You only think you did wrong it was excellent as always. Tons of suggestions, knowledge and ideas. Thanks Richard

Thanks so much for doing this! I'm an avid foxbody Mustang fan and have attempted a couple different engine combinations, so this was super informative!

I remember those mm&ff articles when I was building my engine in my 84 gt I had a set of 69 Windsor heads home ported a duel plane stealth intake with a XE274 cam and a 650 dp and a recurved dist. Had a lot of fun on the street and surprised a lot of people. 3.73 gears and sticky tires I miss those days 😕

You are doing a great job and yo don t have to apologize.We got all the info we need.

Thanks for the info it really helps picking out components great work you do Richard.

Thanks Richard! Just what I was looking for! That is, until I saw your 351 video, lol. Made it hard to decide between the two.

Thanks so much for the data bro I think u did very well. I love these fords keep up the good work.

Thank you Richard! I have been deliberating on dropping a 5.0 in a Dodge Ram 50 or into a Mazda RX-7. Both of these vehicles have bad engines. Either way, your well done video will help me to make some decent horsepower in whatever platform I decide to go with. Now the hard part will be to make up my mind as to which one gets the V-8! LOL! Who needs pictures when you explain all your research and methods so thoroughly!

Thank you for the great information, no one has great data on the gt40p head upgrade and this really helped. I'm building an f100, and will probably copy this to some extent, but with a weiand intake and a normal holley 650

Great video I like seeing what the different parts will do in H.P. and Torque.

Hey Richard, great comparison, shows dual planes and factory heads best for mild to medium street motors with up to 230@ 0.050” duration cams. Single plain for bigger heads and cams… it’s a no brainer really!! Always interesting stuff.. keep it coming! Jon from down under

You and Matt Happel put out the best hot rod info on the internet

This is one of those things that even happens occasionally to the top dogs in the business. I don’t mean to suggest that you’re a dog Sir Richard, but you are definitely the best at what you do. The test results clearly illustrates the performance advantages that are easily available without getting too radical with the combination. Nicely done AGAIN ! And by the way, you did something that most guys would rather die before doing...you publicly accepted full responsibility for the minor mistake that you made. It’s a sign of impeccable integrity and that’s a trait that is in short supply nowadays.

Your the man Richard! This is the one I’ve been wanting to see! The good ol Gt40s 👍🏻. This kinda lets me know my HP 🤓

Thank you for your work. It’s helped a lot with my 93 fox and my 95 impala

Great videos Richard. I'm learning a ton of info

I appreciate all your. Work and love your videos. I watch all your. Stuff

Thanks for all the hard WORK.

I am personally more concerned with the hard numbers and dyno results. We all know what the different heads and intakes look like. You don't need to apologize for leaving out in what I consider insignificant details. Great content btw.

Dude, your data is the gold... don't apologize over a few photos... if we really need to see what it looks like, there are thousand of pictures to look up... independent dyno testing results are what's rare and hard to find....

MMFF Ultimate Guide to Cylinder Heads - tested so many tests it had to be done in several issues. I remember it well, and probably still have the issues in my archives. That was an epic effort! I struggled with data overload for months before deciding on the AFR185's. Then got hung up on whether I should go ahead and build a 392 from one of the articles in one of the issues. I'm not sure if you saved me money or cost me a ton!!! LOL!

Great little engines, amazing what they’re capable of with 300 cubes. 👍🏻

Good show! Keep the Ford stuff coming!

Super information, Keep up the good work Richard,

I've been looking for a mild gt40p dyno graph for awhile now, Thank you

I am building a 302 as we speak , so now I know exactly what to do . Thanks for the video. Brilliant

Can't wait for the sbf cylinder head compare video. Getting ready to buy a set.

Love the low buck videos. Keep up the good work!

I love a photo of a tight timing chain.

Your videos show us so much. It’s crazy. When I have the $$ I’m definitely going to an AFR with the 274cam. Currently running comp210s and the xe270 cam. Some day haha

Thank you Thank You Thank You much appreciated being a 5.0 owner great real world info that can be applied!

Thanks for what you do have, and am willing to share. Most people that have knowledge forget to pass it along. Awesome test like always. I have actually had that same set up with gt40p heads with that cam but ran an edelbrock 1406 for years in a bronco and loved it. Always wanted to know what power it was at. Thanks again.

I love all of your videos. Thank you for this one.

"Back then" lol this man was running tests on fred flintstones whip changing shoes and seating positions hahaha.

Thanks for all the hard work you put into your videos! I’m a Ford fan and all this info is priceless !

Dyno God should never apologize. Come on , your production is better than 3/4 of Videos on tube, besides its information and knowledge we are after

Loving your videos!

Can’t wait for you to release the results of the giant head testing you did for MM & FF’s!!!!

I have many 6.9x slips with a exploder long block and a small shot. I love these heads because they are so cheap and thats all alot of us budget guys had for a long time. Its been years now so I don't remember times exactly but from just a minor bowl blend and exhaust clean up was good for a few numbers. The stock spring in the e7 head isn't horrible, but the exploder heads have really bad springs.

That was one hell of a comparison, thank you.

One thing. The average guy grabbing gt40s knows by now stock springs are weak in explorer trim.

Love the 8200 deck Fords ,I ran one back in the day forged pistons , lunati roller cam Canfield high port heads , rpm manifold , demon carb long tubes mad ignition and distributor , and a little spray . that combo i n a 2800 lb fox produced mid 10 second slips and a really fast street car .

My '79 F-150 has a 302 and I'm pulling it to rebuild. I'll be doing it myself because I want to learn about everything. I'm glad the dual plane intake is better. But it'll be a slow process to rebuild, but it'll still have a stock bottom end just with new bearings, but then I have choices of heads. I thought about an RV cam. Might still do that. But thanks for your info.

No apologies needed sir. Your AWSOME

Don't sweat the small stuff....very informative video.

Great info - as always. I would like to see a straight up comparison between the stock '87-'93 5.0 HO EFI intake & heads & swap them for the Explorer heads & intake - with a cam/spring upgrade, of course. I snagged the "P" heads, intake & 65mm TB for $150 off a Mountaineer from the local JY to put on my daily driver '89 GT. It has a valve tap & if I have to take it apart anyway, figured why not?

302's are my favorite car engines. (Chevrolet DZ's, too.) So I'm *really* interested to find out about that big, detailed MM&FF test you mentioned. This pair of tests was interesting, too. The big surprise for me was how well the RPM 289 did. In fact, that whole test series seems to have had a reasonably stout 302 running.

At almost one and a half horsepower per cubic inch, my truck hauling fruit to the farmers market would get there in time. Excellent testing and time spent.

Richard we absolutely love your dedication regardless of how the vid appears. Your enthusiasm for all types of engines is quite refreshing especially since the ls swap the world stuff is everywhere.

Great video work , I havent owned a 302 in almost 20 years but still wondering how to make them run better and seeing all my old HP mistakes. Biggest one i see is the valve springs and a commitment to my original torker 289 . it ran so good on my stock 66 289 GT back in 1971. I ran a set of 351 heads off a Mach 1 on a 302 for my last build , never broke on me in 20 years of racing and street use. except one day floated a valve and had to replace it , Biggest change in Et came from a set of flowmaster over axle 2.5 inch exhaust , picked up 5 mph in the quarter.

I'm building this same combo right now for a Ranger, liked seeing what the Explorer gt40p head did for a bit more power than stock e7's. I love the low buck, practical builds that don't break the bank. Great job.👍

The data is what's important, and you produced / showed that. Kudos. What your data tells me that unless you're one wanting to run around at 6K rpm, the P heads are fine.....and the spendy aluminum ones are not worth it for the extra 30-40 horsepower (at least to me).

richard, enjoy your vids.. really love your tshirt here!

thanks for the info Ive got a 306 with Fcam and with GT40p heads also have changed the valve springs i put the TFS spring kit on the heads have 2 choices of intakes performer RPM or summit intake also have the msd dist and 6al with mac long tubes dont have the motor in the car yet it will be carbuated

Im running a mild 327 stock bore stroked 302. Gt40p heads. I just cleaned up the intake side of the heads and a very mild touchup of the bowl area and exhaust. Upgraded the springs added a comp roller, new pushrods 1.6 rr. Trackheat intake, 70mm tb. Its not no hotrod but makes for a great little street motor. Faster than i want to go. Great torque as well. Ive never dyno'd it but im thinking somewhere between 300 and 320 horse. Still gets respectable gas mileage on the hwy with 373s

Nothing wrong with this, you still can get the point👍

Thanks for your time, Great info!!!

Dont be sorry, i love this info. Its hard to find reliabale info on this stuff

Have had 7 Mustangs with 302’s....love the V8 and compact size (compared to the new DOHC 302’s). Best 302, I have is Balanced, Blueprinted, Forged Pistons, Ported GT40p heads, Explorer GT40 intake, bigger throttle body, GT40p shorty headers. Has a E303 cam...a little lopey for the AOD (not enough LSA for Fuel Injection)....really strong above idle speed. Love it, will never sell it.

Not a problem for me. If you hadn't mentioned lacking the photos, I wouldn't have complained. The most important thing is the dyno graphs.

Richard recommended an xe274 cam for my 302 (ofc lol) however I decided to go another direction for now. I bought a running and driving 00 explorer for 450 bucks, and I’m rebuilding the motor for a ranger swap. I’m trying to stay on the cheap for now until I can get back to work after this corona crap, then I’ll go for the gold. For now though, I just want it to run and drive while keeping my 5 speed 4x4. With the explorer motor, I can do a valve spring upgrade, HO cam swap, and 1.7 roller rockers. That combo will let me safely rev higher (approximately 6500), hold power throughout the rpm range, and give me a total valve lift of .472. Couple that with a bit of a port job, I’ll be able to flow an approximate 215 cfm intake, and 147 cfm exhaust. Math tells me that will net 305hp at the flywheel, not bad for under 1k. Later on when I have the money, My parts list includes upgrading to trick flow 11r 190cc heads, and a custom grind cam allowing for .550 lift intake, .575 lift exhaust with a 112 lsa netting a very healthy 470hp at the crank (if my math serves me right) and a very streetable rpm range (keep in mind this is for a 4x4 truck) of 2700-6300. My biggest question really is if I should buy those heads bare when the time comes or if they actually ship with quality valves and springs? Does anyone have experience with 11r heads?

Hello Richard that's some good information. A little guy like me can make a little horsepower on my home garage and still have a few dollars to net that I could beat anybody who try me. Peace

Let me know what you think it’ll do!! Thanks for this valuable info!!

Great information. Those GT40P heads are better than I thought, but the weight savings with aluminum is a real thing. I’m not spending any money until I see the rest of your head tests, though. Please hurry, this money is going to burn a hole in my pocket!😉

Goes to show we were leaving a lot on the table back in the 70,s but didn't know it with these Windsor motors,

This is the video we needed!!!

Great info Sir. Thank you so much.

Awesome content, one of my favorite videos you've done so far.

Nice job lotta work just to educate us who can't afford all the peices let alone the dyno and the time I built an engine blueprint for a customer with a street 71 f100 302 auto before I found your video of coarse xe274 was my pic for its range and torque production summit stage 2 intake with some trick trimming and well ported 79 pick up heads but thinking about going with gt40 heads I've done them before and they respond well to a bowl blend and casting mark removal and dash of short turn radius reshaping at about 9.25 cr it gets all over 400hp and is a real street option safe for a little shot with a 600cfm QF and a hei dist and tada its reliable too lol i had this combo in a 84 ranger 11 years ago daily driven till I broke the right rear wheel off launching it but it was a slightly smaller roller cam thanks for the confidence in the peices I've ordered

When I was younger, it was all about the cam, Want more power? get a bigger cam. Always flat lifters btw. When the aluminum heads came on the market, it was hard to believe how much power difference a head could make. They were quite expensive though. But its hard to believe that a head swap was worth nearly 100 horsepower given everything else was equal. Now a days, for a mid RPM truck engine, it can make GOOD power AND have a smooth idle with aftermarket heads and a roller cam