I called up my local NAPA store today, and asked for a set of head bolts for my 287 (1967). The guy at NAPA said he didn't have them, and couldn't get them. He sais that they are different than 302 head bolts, and that the two are not interchangeable. What do you guys say? Can I just get a set from an early 90s 302?

 

Your local NAPA guy may be right about the later 302's. But, the early 302's are the same as the 289.
http://www.alamomotorsports.com/arp/...fordsmallblock

 

Just find a local bone yard and get what you need. Alot cheaper and you can find them a plenty.

 

they are the same for ALL 302's and 289's. anyways, go get you some ARP's

 

or you can go to your local nut and bolt supply and get some i would recomend grade 10 or 12 but becareful with anything 12 or higher cause they are brittle

 

I don't think I would trust bolts from the hardware store, regardless of grade. Cylinder heads and Engine blocks cost too much if something goes wrong. Besides it is just too easy to get the right part to justify the risk. Any speed shop, Ford dealership, or parts house should be able to get them (assuming the person at the counter is willing to take 2 minutes of time). You can also look up the part number online and just give the salesperson that.

 

junk yard or ARP bolts. mine are custom made since a 351w has bigger holes in the head but the 302 block has the smaller threads. a bolt manufacturing company made them for my dad in like 1979 or 1980. we could have just used 302 bolts, but thats no fun

 

Don't know about their availability in 1980, but in 1989 I put 351W heads on my 302 and ARP made fasteners that necked down at the threads so that you didn't have to use spacers.

 

yeah they make em now.... but didn't at that time. just one more "one off" custom part on the car

 

Well, if it's OK to use junkyard bolts, then I'll just reuse my old ones. I wasn't sure if they are stretch bolts and need to be replaced every time.