94ford5liter

So I bought my car at the front of January and after installing corsa exhaust I noticed a ton of rust always sitting in my tailpipes. Since i bought the car it has felt like it isn't as fast as it should be, and the throttle seems kind of shaky. I did a compression check on it, among other things, and everything seemed fine so couldn't figure it out so on Friday I finally took it to a ford repair place that I have been to quite a few times.

It didn't pull any codes, and they couldn't really find anything confirming a blown head gasket till they did a block test on it. It blatantly failed the block test, and they showed me the fluid from the test lol. So apparently the previous owner overheated it at one point, and the head gasket is messed up somewhere a minimal amount because the compression in the cylinders reads normal.

Pretty lame but I have a few questions. I will be taking the heads off at my house in the next week or so and my eventual plans are for a procharger so I figured I should get studs for the heads while I'm at it. I figured ARP are the best way to go, but I was wondering if the studs are the same for the gt40 heads compared to E7s/aftermarket. Also does anyone know how much more a competition valve job costs over a regular one, and what kind of gains it accomplishes. Any input would be appreciated, thanks.

FivePointOhh

sure your block isnt cracked? and what do you mean "block test" did they just pressurize your cooling system to find your leak? where was the fluid coming from?

anytime you wanna recondition some heads a valve job is standard. just get a standard 3 angle valve job and call it good. not worth the extra money for anything else.

yes the studs will be the same. its 302 heads studs no matter what head used.

Portmaster

Have the heads checked for cracks. Go with three angle valve job. The GT-40 heads aren't worth the five angle.skip the studs until you build a better bottom end.

Timspony

...I think it would be wish to grt the studs with a SC application (bolts if you stay NA)...ARP studs excellent!

94ford5liter

Stock bottom end can hold up for quite a while in my opinion from seeing my old car and many other cars on here. Run it till it breaks is how I feel, might as well lol.

94ford5liter

I am not sure how the test works exactly, but they run some kind of fluid through the block that is supposed to come back blue, and it came back completely green. I highly doubt the block is cracked.

Timspony

I agree with the ^^^^!

Timspony

Not true at all!! ...302 Fords use a 7/16" stud/bolt....Most aftermarket Aluminum heads are 351 base, 1/2"....So, with studs you need to get the kit with the spacers! ...ARP also makes a bolt 1/2" of the top (head) and 7/16" for the block!

Portmaster

We need to call the thread "Department of corrections" lol 351 and aftermarket heads are 1/2 head bolt base. We'll get it right eventually, hahaha!!!

FivePointOhh

my bad. guess i was referring to the bolt kits for a 302 will always fit cause they'll all be 7/16 for the block.