PunchRacing

ok so everyone take it easy(yeah right)... first significant post. im not new to cars and not new to working on mustangs, but i am new to working on my own mustang...

found an 87 with a 351w on craigslist but it says it has a blown head gasket. i know i need to check the heads/block for cracks/warping but what else should i be looking for? with the car being new to me i figured this would be a good chance to check for other problems. also, i have searched on this and other forums and i havent found alot of info about the different types of head gaskets and prices. a quick yahoo search found "performance" head gaskets for 29.99... but i question the durability of those.

what works? what doesnt? cost? best supplier?

while im at it(dont you hate new people)... where are the stamps on the head/block so i can figure out what exact motor i have to begin with.

thanks for the help... i hope

sn95_331_GT_ yellow

Fel Pro 1011

AdderMk2

fixed

there are two differnt 1011's... the -1 had a steel fire ring, the -2 has a copper, and the compressed thickness is different

sn95_331_GT_ yellow

good call.

PunchRacing

how come when i look online everything is the same for all 351w's but when i call a parts store the prices are different by year 351? kinda weird.

PunchRacing

trying to identify the details for the 351(hate starting off with someone elses project). i read somewhere online that the casting numbers were on the driver side right under where the exhaust exits the heads. i looked but couldnt see anything. am i looking in the right place? anyone have anymore details as to where it is?

Ford Drag Team

The block number is on the passenger side, but you will have to remove the starter motor to see it.

alecracing

I used to use the Loc-wire gaskets with my old '93 that I was spraying and had good luck with it, but haven't been into the racing scene for 10 years. So I went by my friends Mustang place, Thunder Autosports and he recommended Cometic, so I got them for my latest school project.

PunchRacing

thanks drag team... local auto parts store told me it was on the driver side so i was looking around like an idiot...

so are the windsor head gaskets all the same or are they different for the different years?

also, im pulling it up in alldata tomorrow but i dont know how far back it goes. what all would i need to remove just to get the heads off? i know the valve covers and intake but do i need to take off alternator, dist etc. thanks for the help everyone.

AdderMk2

yes, you need to pull the accessories off the front of the motor to take the heads off..

you will also need to drain all of the coolant.. I recommend unscrewing the block drain plugs on the sides of the block.