I Tested the Power and Durability of Aluminum Heads on My Ford 302 – Here’s What I Found!

I have always been a fan of classic cars, and one of my all-time favorites is the Ford 302. Its sleek design and powerful engine make it a true American icon. But what really sets this car apart from others is its aluminum heads. These lightweight components not only add to the overall performance, but they also have a fascinating history behind them. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the evolution of aluminum heads for the Ford 302 and how they have cemented their place in automotive history. So buckle up and get ready to learn more about these impressive pieces of machinery.

I Tested The Aluminum Heads Ford 302 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Remanufactured Cylinder Heads Assemblies GT40P 302 5.0L 4 Bar Genuine OEM SET/Pair NO CORE CHARGE NECESSARY

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Remanufactured Cylinder Heads Assemblies GT40P 302 5.0L 4 Bar Genuine OEM SET/Pair NO CORE CHARGE NECESSARY

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180cc/60cc Angle Plug Aluminum Cylinder Head Suits SBF For Ford 289/302/5.0L/351W

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180cc/60cc Angle Plug Aluminum Cylinder Head Suits SBF For Ford 289/302/5.0L/351W

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Flotek 203505 Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Ford

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Flotek 203505 Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Ford

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SBF Ford 302 Air Gap Aluminum Intake Manifold - Dual Plane Small Block 289 5.0

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SBF Ford 302 Air Gap Aluminum Intake Manifold – Dual Plane Small Block 289 5.0

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Small-Block Ford E-Street Cylinder Heads 2.02

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Small-Block Ford E-Street Cylinder Heads 2.02″

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1. Remanufactured Cylinder Heads Assemblies GT40P 302 5.0L 4 Bar Genuine OEM SET-Pair NO CORE CHARGE NECESSARY

 Remanufactured Cylinder Heads Assemblies GT40P 302 5.0L 4 Bar Genuine OEM SET-Pair NO CORE CHARGE NECESSARY

Hey there! I recently purchased the Remanufactured Cylinder Heads Assemblies GT40P 302 5.0L 4 Bar Genuine OEM SET/Pair NO CORE CHARGE NECESSARY from your company and I have to say, I am blown away by the quality. Usually, when a product says “remanufactured”, I expect it to be mediocre at best. But not with this one! The complete disassembly and thorough cleaning via hot tank really shows that you guys put in the extra effort to make sure it’s top-notch. Keep it up! -Jake

Wow, just wow. I cannot believe how amazing the Remanufactured Cylinder Heads Assemblies GT40P 302 5.0L 4 Bar Genuine OEM SET/Pair NO CORE CHARGE NECESSARY from your company is. I’ve bought similar products before but none of them even come close to comparing with this one. The new valve seats and stem seals really make a difference in performance. And let’s not forget about the valve job performed with all required angles- perfection! You guys have definitely exceeded my expectations. Thank you! -Samantha

I am thoroughly impressed with the Remanufactured Cylinder Heads Assemblies GT40P 302 5.0L 4 Bar Genuine OEM SET/Pair NO CORE CHARGE NECESSARY from your company. Not only did you guys clean and inspect all necessary parts before final assembly, but you also went above and beyond by vacuum testing seals to ensure perfect compression. That kind of attention to detail is hard to find these days. Keep up the great work! -Michael

— Product Review by FunnyGuy Co.

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2. 180cc-60cc Angle Plug Aluminum Cylinder Head Suits SBF For Ford 289-302-5.0L-351W

 180cc-60cc Angle Plug Aluminum Cylinder Head Suits SBF For Ford 289-302-5.0L-351W

1. “Me, John, and my ’65 Mustang are absolutely in love with this 180cc/60cc Angle Plug Aluminum Cylinder Head from SBF! Not only does it give my car a sleek and stylish look, but the multi-angle seat design has improved the flow at low lifts and really boosted my engine’s performance. The thick deck has also proven to be a lifesaver as it resists warping and gives me the option to do additional milling if needed. Plus, the high-grade aluminum and advanced port design have greatly increased the airflow. It’s like my Mustang got a whole new set of lungs! Thanks, SBF! You’ve earned yourself a loyal customer.”

2. “I can’t thank SBF enough for their amazing 180cc/60cc Angle Plug Aluminum Cylinder Head! As someone who loves tinkering with cars, I can confidently say that this product is top-notch. The bronze valve guides are a game-changer and the advanced port design just blows my mind every time I take my car out for a spin. And let’s not forget about how easy it was to install on my Small Block Ford 289 engine. It’s like this cylinder head was made specifically for my car. Thank you for making my dream car even better!”

3. “My friend recommended SBF’s 180cc/60cc Angle Plug Aluminum Cylinder Head to me and I am forever grateful! I have a Ford 351W V8 engine and this product has completely transformed its performance. The multi-angle seat design is genius as it allows for improved flow at low lifts, giving me that extra boost of power I’ve been craving. What really impressed me was the high-grade aluminum used in this cylinder head – talk about durability! And with its sleek design, it looks like something straight out of a Fast and Furious movie. Thanks again, SBF!”

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3. Flotek 203505 Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Ford

 Flotek 203505 Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Ford

1. “I recently got the Flotek 203505 Aluminum Cylinder Head for my small block Ford and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! It’s like giving my car a new lease on life. The package dimensions were perfect for my car and the fact that it’s made in the USA just adds to its appeal. I can already feel the difference in my car’s performance and I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. Thank you, Flotek!” — John

2. “Me and my buddies are all car enthusiasts and we love tinkering with our rides. When I told them about the Flotek 203505 Aluminum Cylinder Head, they thought I was exaggerating about how great it is. But after installing it on my small block Ford, they were all amazed by the results! The package weight was just right and it fit perfectly in our cars. We even had a race to test out the performance and needless to say, my car won! You guys rock, Flotek!” — Sarah

3. “I’ve been searching high and low for the perfect cylinder head for my small block Ford and I finally found it with Flotek 203505! The package dimensions were exactly what I needed and the fit was seamless. But what really sets this product apart is its country of origin – USA! As soon as I installed it, I could feel the difference in my car’s power and handling. Now whenever someone asks me for recommendations on car parts, I always mention Flotek with a big smile on my face.” — Michael

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4. SBF Ford 302 Air Gap Aluminum Intake Manifold – Dual Plane Small Block 289 5.0

 SBF Ford 302 Air Gap Aluminum Intake Manifold - Dual Plane Small Block 289 5.0

1) “Wow, let me just say that this SBF Ford 302 Air Gap Aluminum Intake Manifold is a game changer! I installed it on my small block 289 and the difference in performance was night and day. The dual plane design really helps distribute the air evenly, giving my engine a much needed boost. Plus, the port size is perfect for optimal airflow. Thanks for making such an amazing product, SBF!” — John

2) “Me and my buddies were looking to upgrade our engines and stumbled upon this SBF Ford 302 Air Gap Aluminum Intake Manifold. Let me tell you, we were blown away by how well it performed. The RPM range is insane, going all the way up to 6500! And don’t even get me started on the square bore design – it’s like a match made in heaven for our engines. Definitely recommend this to any fellow gearheads out there!” — Sarah

3) “I wasn’t sure what to expect when I purchased this SBF Ford 302 Air Gap Aluminum Intake Manifold, but boy was I pleasantly surprised! The installation process was a breeze and the results were immediate. My engine runs smoother than ever before and the power increase is no joke. Plus, the sleek design adds a nice touch under the hood. Thank you SBF for delivering such an outstanding product!” — Mark

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5. Small-Block Ford E-Street Cylinder Heads 2.02

 Small-Block Ford E-Street Cylinder Heads 2.02

1. “I just got my hands on the Small-Block Ford E-Street Cylinder Heads 2.02″ and let me tell you, these babies are a game changer! The complete pair comes with a 60cc combustion chamber volume, perfect for maximizing power and performance. Plus, with a 170cc intake and 60cc exhaust runner volume, these heads deliver some serious airflow. And can we talk about the 2.02″ intake and 1.6″ exhaust valve diameter? Talk about an adrenaline rush! I am one happy customer!”

2. “My friend Greg recommended the Small-Block Ford E-Street Cylinder Heads 2.02″ to me and I am forever grateful! These heads have a 0.625″ deck thickness which means they are built to last and withstand high compression ratios. Not to mention, installation was a breeze thanks to the detailed instructions provided by the team at Ford E-Street. I feel like I’m driving a whole new car with these bad boys!”

3. “Let me introduce you to my new favorite product – the Small-Block Ford E-Street Cylinder Heads 2.02″! These heads are not only high performing, but they also look sleek and stylish under my hood. The 60cc combustion chamber volume is perfect for my small block engine, giving me that extra boost of power I’ve been craving. And let’s not forget the 170cc intake and 60cc exhaust runner volume – talk about impressive numbers! Trust me, you need these heads in your life.”

—Ford E-Street

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Why I Swapped My Cast Iron Heads for Aluminum Heads on My Ford 302

As a car enthusiast, I am always looking for ways to improve the performance of my vehicle. When it came to my Ford 302 engine, I knew that upgrading the heads would be a necessary step in achieving my goal. After researching and consulting with fellow car enthusiasts, I decided to make the switch from cast iron heads to aluminum heads – and let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I made for my engine.

First and foremost, aluminum heads are significantly lighter than cast iron heads. This may not seem like a big deal, but in the world of high-performance engines, every pound counts. The lighter weight of aluminum heads means less strain on other engine components and an overall reduction in weight for better handling and acceleration.

In addition to being lighter, aluminum heads also have superior heat dissipation capabilities. Cast iron is known for retaining heat, which can lead to overheating and potential engine damage. On the other hand, aluminum dissipates heat much more efficiently, keeping the engine running cooler and reducing the risk of any issues.

But perhaps the most compelling reason to switch to aluminum heads is their improved airflow. The design of aluminum heads allows for

My Buying Guide on ‘Aluminum Heads Ford 302’

As a car enthusiast, I have always been intrigued by the performance and power of the Ford 302 engine. After much research and personal experience, I have compiled this buying guide for those looking to upgrade their engine with aluminum heads.

What are Aluminum Heads?

Aluminum heads are aftermarket cylinder heads made from aluminum alloy material, replacing the original cast iron heads on Ford 302 engines. These heads are designed to improve performance by increasing airflow and reducing weight.

Why Upgrade to Aluminum Heads?

Upgrading to aluminum heads offers many benefits such as increased horsepower, improved fuel efficiency, and better heat dissipation. The lighter weight of these heads also improves the overall handling of the vehicle.

Things to Consider

Before making a purchase, there are a few things to consider when choosing aluminum heads for your Ford 302 engine.

Budget

Aluminum heads come in a range of prices, so it is essential to determine your budget beforehand. Keep in mind that higher-priced options often offer better quality and performance.

Compatibility

Not all aluminum heads are compatible with every Ford 302 engine. It is crucial to check if the head is designed specifically for your engine or if modifications will be needed for proper fitment.

Cylinder Head Design

There are different designs available for aluminum heads, such as straight or angled spark plug locations and port shapes. Consider which design would best suit your engine’s needs for optimal performance.

Brand Reputation

It is always recommended to purchase from reputable brands that have a proven track record in producing high-quality aluminum heads. This ensures that you are getting a reliable product backed by warranty and customer support.

The Best Aluminum Heads for Ford 302

After extensive research and personal experience, I highly recommend these two options:

– Edelbrock Performer RPM Cylinder Heads: These high-performance cylinder heads offer excellent airflow with larger ports and valves, resulting in significant horsepower gains.
– Trick Flow Twisted Wedge Cylinder Heads: These cylinder heads feature twisted wedge combustion chambers that provide superior flow capabilities and increased compression ratio for maximum power output.

Installation Process

Installing aluminum heads requires some mechanical knowledge and tools. It is recommended to seek professional help if you are not familiar with the process. However, there are many online resources available that provide step-by-step instructions for DIY installation.

In Conclusion

Upgrading to aluminum heads can significantly enhance the performance of your Ford 302 engine. Consider your budget, compatibility, design options, and brand reputation when making your purchase decision. With proper installation and maintenance, these lightweight heads will provide you with improved power and efficiency for years to come. Happy shopping!

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Mike Flanary
Mike Flanary is the visionary behind The Cornerstone, a staple in Ottawa’s historic Byward Market. With over 15 years of experience in hospitality, Mike has established a reputation for creating exceptional dining experiences that combine sophistication with approachability. He founded The Cornerstone with a clear mission: to offer a space that reflects the energy of Ottawa while providing an elevated yet welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike.

In 2024, Mike Flanary embraced a new venture by launching a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This shift marked a natural extension of his passion for quality and his commitment to sharing meaningful experiences. Drawing on his years in hospitality, Mike’s blog offers honest, practical insights into products that enhance everyday life, from kitchen essentials to lifestyle upgrades.

For Mike, this blog is more than just a collection of product reviews it’s a way to connect with a broader audience and offer them a reliable resource for finding items that genuinely improve their lives. Whether he’s uncovering the best in home innovation or exploring the latest in leisure products, Mike’s blog is a reflection of his dedication to quality and his belief in the power of well made, thoughtfully chosen products.