mxrider426

Well im not a complete dumb *** about engines. I know a 331 would need better than an E cam. And did you read in another post that my uncle owns a cylinder head machine shop? Im just trying to get opinions from people on which would be best to go with on a budget. But anyways. . . Bottom line what should i do. Port the E7s, port some GT40s, buy the Patriots, or buy used Edelbrocks. I will throw a stock piston 302 together if i have to depending on the heads. I have plenty of them

FLcracker9

For a budget build, since you already have the E-cam, I would pick up some gt40s, and have your Uncle port them, along with a 3 angle valve job and you'll have a pretty good iron head. If you can find a set of used aluminum heads that aren't trashed, that would be even better. Unless your flat tops have valve reliefs,you'll be limited to a 1.90 intake valve. Edelbrock Performers (part 60379)&AFR 165s will work, as willthe Twisted Wedge heads (they have 2.02 intake valves, but work with stock pistons). I haven't heard of anyone trying the Patriots (2.02 intakes) with stock pistons. I would think there would be PTV clearance issues.

Texas5.0

I have the Patriots with stock pistons and have had no clearance issues.

WhiteWindsor

You are an example of real world experience and also part of the reason for my negative opinions on the patriots. IIRC you installed these heads and had to take them off and send them back for repair. Then there are the pics Ed Curtis posted on another website. I'm sure he did not buy several sets of patriots untill he found some that had problems. Untill a few people post that they have bought these heads and had no casting issue's or other problems than maybe we can say they've upped the quality of their product and have stopped sending **** out the door to customer's. Dont you still have the stock cam in your engine, that could explain why you have no clearance issue's. I've HEARD that most have problems with clearance when using OTS after market cams. As i understand to have a descent grind you must get a custom grind?

Texas5.0

I'm not following you on the "You are an example of real world experience and also part of the reason for my negative opinions on the patriots". I did have an initial issue with the heads, they were shipped back to Patriot, repaired, shipped back, put on all at no expense to me. Why would that be a bad thing? I called Patriot and spoke with a real live person and they spoke openly with me about some initial quality issues. They did not make excuses and made it right. Great customer service in my book and I got a set of heads that significantly improved the performance of my car. So why would this reinforce anyones negative opinions?

imnotmy77stang

what WAS wrong with the first set anyways? and for the record what cam are you running?

Texas5.0

The first set... several of the valve seals backed out. Patriotreplaced all of thevalve seals along with the valve guides. I am running a stock cam - I ran out of money on the last repair so the cam got scratched off the list.

w8less

some of the info of late keeps me from posting as much[&:]

WhiteWindsor

You say they were sent back to you and put on with no cost to you? So your saying that patriot payed for the labor or did you or your shop install them?

Texas5.0

Patriot paid for labor, gaskets, fluids - everything. There was nothing else I could have asked them to do.