Twisted

So I'm considering a set of Thumper heads for my 88. I know a lot of you will say to skip the Thumpers and save up another $600 for aluminum heads, but for now, I won't be doing that. The one thing keeping me from feeling great about upgrading the heads is that my car uses a quart of oil every 1200-1500 miles. As a note, I've heard some people say that their 5.0s have used this amount of oil since brand new. The car runs awesome, and all spark plugs look the same...clean. Let's say my cranking compression is around 165 on all cylinders. Can I feel good about upgrading my heads?

mustnglvr

I always feel good about upgrading heads, what about a cam?

Twisted

I don't think I want to go to the trouble. If I were gonna do the cam too, I'd be tempted to have the work done instead of doing it myself. I'd love a cam, but really don't want to commit that kind of time to swapping one in. So you'd do the heads if you were in my situation?

w8less

i think it will make a fine upgrade

Twisted

Thanks Jasper. My apprehension stems from having heard people say that if you put new heads on an old bottom end, it will make the bottom end worse. I can barely see the logic in that, but wanted to get some other opinions. It's a hard question because I don't know if mymotor uses oil because it's worn, or because it came from the factory that way. I guess there's only one way to find out for sure whether putting heads on will be a good idea...try it and see. Anyone have any direct experience with this?

w8less

does it leak oil or actually use it?

my friend just put a supercharger on his gt with over 300k on it

Twisted

My car actually uses that much oil. There are no real leaks.

OnyxCobra

I'd say if it runs good then go for it. I would think about doing a cam at the same time though, it really isnt much more work especially if you want one.

JBradley500

forged pistons will tend to burn a little more oil when cold than cast or hypereutectic but couldnt say whats an acceptable amount.

Joel5.0

You can't see it b/c there isn't any....that is like saying that a xxx,000 mile engine cannot have a head gasket failure fixed b/c it will make the bottom end worse....+ your oil consumption problem could be fixed once you have new valve seals, guides checked and repaired as required, etc. Send Thumper an e-mail, and if you do, tell him to remember that the GT40p's he's doing for Project S.O.S, should be painted in Ford gray......