86/02stang

Would porting these heads be a good idea since I can't do a swap without altering the short block. What would my performance gains would I see. I am running very short of options since a swap can't be done.

P Zero

No, the 86's had the WORST head ever put on a HO motor. Youre better off finding some E7TE heads (87 or newer), they flow A LOT better. Or call a local boneyard and see if youcan find some 351W heads off of a '69 or '70 model, theyre basically the same as gt-40 heads, but they WILL require machining.
-P.

86/02stang

I have been told that I won't be able to swap any heads onto my car because of the flat top pistons. I wanted to swap on a set of GT40P's. I just can't pull the motor to get the pistons notched.

86/02stang

bump... come fellas I need some help here. What can I do for heads?

bouchermb

I'm in the same boat and am trying to find someone who could either replace or fly cut my existing pistons.

Any ideas on who might be able to do this for me in the Philly area?

jaznasy69

I would go to a salvage yard and get a set off a 95explorer there GT-40's but the will have to be milled but its cheaper that way

2 kwik

or it maybe possible in using a thicker head gasket.... you can fly cutthose pistons with a good dremel tool..

86/02stang

I would like to get the GT40's or the GT40P's but I was told that without notching the pistons I can't do any type of head swap. I also was wondering if a thicker head gasket could be used. I don't know about taking a dremel tool to the pistons of my daily driver. I can't afford the mistake. I have no idea about the Philly area. I am down in Southwest Va. Good luck though.

86 5.0L

Bah, am in the same boat as you guys [:@]

threeg502

Who said that the flat tops would be a problem for differant heads? As far as I know the port design is what is differant on many of the heads out there. The camshaft has more to do with piston to valve clearance with respect to your question. Many heads use the same geometry but have improved port layouts/flow numbers. Trickflow has a great reputation for making power.

Bottom line is call the cyl head makers. They're the experts above everyone here.