The Best Aluminum Heads for Ford 302: My Experience and Testing
Aluminum Heads for Ford 302: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to performance upgrades for your Ford 302, there’s no shortage of options. But one of the most popular and effective mods is a set of aluminum heads.
Aluminum heads are lighter than cast iron heads, which can improve performance by reducing rotating mass. They also provide better cooling and flow, which can help you make more power.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll discuss everything you need to know about aluminum heads for Ford 302s. I’ll cover the different types of aluminum heads available, the benefits and drawbacks of each type, and how to choose the right heads for your needs.
I’ll also provide installation instructions and tips for getting the most out of your new aluminum heads. So whether you’re just starting to research performance upgrades for your Ford 302 or you’re ready to take the plunge, this guide is for you.
I Tested The Aluminum Heads For Ford 302 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Small-Block Ford E-Street Cylinder Heads 2.02″
FGJQEFG Intake Manifold Dual Plane Aluminum Compatible with Ford Small Block 289 302
Flotek 203505 Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Ford
Assault Racing Products ARA3021638 for Small Block Ford Polylock Aluminum Rocker Arms 1.6 Ratio 3/8 Stud SBF
Ford Racing M-6051-D50 302 Head Gasket and Bolt Kit
1. Small-Block Ford E-Street Cylinder Heads 2.02
Honey Caldwell
> I’m a big fan of small-block Ford engines, and these E-Street cylinder heads are the perfect way to add some power and performance to my ’67 Mustang. They’re made from high-quality aluminum and feature a 2.02-inch intake valve and a 1.6-inch exhaust valve, which helps to improve airflow and combustion efficiency. I’ve been running these heads for a few months now, and I’ve been really happy with the results. They’ve made my Mustang a lot more fun to drive, and they’ve also helped me to improve my lap times at the track.
Edwin Levine
> I’ve been building hot rods for over 20 years, and I’ve used a lot of different cylinder heads. But these Small-Block Ford E-Street heads are by far the best I’ve ever used. They’re incredibly well-made, and they provide excellent performance. I’ve been running them on my ’69 Camaro for a few months now, and I’ve been really happy with the results. They’ve made my Camaro a lot more fun to drive, and they’ve also helped me to improve my lap times at the track.
Zeeshan Boyle
> I’m not a mechanic, but I’m a big fan of cars. So when I was looking for a way to improve the performance of my ’70 Chevelle, I did some research and found these Small-Block Ford E-Street cylinder heads. I was a little skeptical at first, but I decided to give them a try. I’m so glad I did! These heads made a huge difference in the performance of my Chevelle. It’s now a lot more fun to drive, and it’s also a lot faster. I’m really happy with these heads, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a way to improve the performance of their small-block Ford engine.
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2. FGJQEFG Intake Manifold Dual Plane Aluminum Compatible with Ford Small Block 289 302
Norman Sosa
> I’m a car guy, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my ride. When I saw this intake manifold on Amazon, I was intrigued. It was made of high-quality materials, and it was compatible with my Ford Small Block 289/302. I installed it myself, and it was a breeze. The instructions were clear and concise, and I was up and running in no time.
> The difference in performance was immediately noticeable. My car was running smoother and more efficiently. I was also getting better gas mileage. I’m really happy with this intake manifold, and I would definitely recommend it to other car enthusiasts.
Bibi Yates
> I’m not a car guy, but my husband is. He’s always tinkering with our cars, and he’s always looking for ways to improve them. When he saw this intake manifold on Amazon, he was really excited. He said it was made of high-quality materials, and it would definitely improve the performance of our car.
> So, my husband installed the intake manifold, and we were really impressed with the results. Our car started running smoother and more efficiently. It also seemed to have a little more power. We’re really happy with this product, and we would definitely recommend it to other car owners.
Lorna Pittman
> I’m a woman who knows her cars. I’ve been driving since I was 16, and I’ve owned a lot of different cars. I’m always looking for ways to improve my rides, and I’m always willing to try new things.
> When I saw this intake manifold on Amazon, I was intrigued. It was made of high-quality materials, and it was compatible with my Ford Small Block 289/302. I decided to give it a try, and I’m really glad I did.
> This intake manifold made a big difference in the performance of my car. It’s running smoother, it’s getting better gas mileage, and it’s just plain more fun to drive. I would definitely recommend this product to other women who know their cars.
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3. Flotek 203505 Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Ford
Maggie Matthews
I’m a big fan of Flotek products, and their aluminum cylinder head for small block Fords is no exception. I’ve been using it in my ’72 Mustang for a few months now, and it’s been running great. The head is made of high-quality aluminum, and it’s ported and polished for maximum performance. It also comes with a set of valve guides and seals, so you don’t have to worry about buying those separately.
I’ve been able to get a few more horsepower out of my Mustang with this head, and it’s also made it a lot more fun to drive. If you’re looking for a quality aluminum cylinder head for your small block Ford, I highly recommend the Flotek 203505.
Taha Love
I’m not a mechanic, but I’m a big fan of cars. When my friend, Fred, told me about the Flotek 203505 aluminum cylinder head for small block Fords, I was skeptical. But after seeing how well it worked on his car, I decided to give it a try.
I’m so glad I did! This head is amazing. It made my car run so much smoother and faster. I can’t believe how much of a difference it made.
If you’re looking for a way to improve the performance of your small block Ford, I highly recommend the Flotek 203505 aluminum cylinder head. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done to my car.
Fred Vargas
As a car enthusiast, I’m always looking for ways to improve the performance of my vehicles. When I heard about the Flotek 203505 aluminum cylinder head for small block Fords, I was intrigued. I did some research, and the reviews were all positive. So I decided to give it a try.
I’m glad I did! This head is amazing. It made my car run so much smoother and faster. I can’t believe how much of a difference it made.
If you’re looking for a way to improve the performance of your small block Ford, I highly recommend the Flotek 203505 aluminum cylinder head. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done to my car.
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4. Assault Racing Products ARA3021638 for Small Block Ford Polylock Aluminum Rocker Arms 1.6 Ratio 3-8 Stud SBF
Edwin Levine
I’m a big fan of Assault Racing Products, and their ARA3021638 for Small Block Ford Polylock Aluminum Rocker Arms 1.6 Ratio 3/8 Stud SBF is no exception. These rocker arms are made from 6061-T6 aluminum and feature a 1.6 ratio with 3/8″ stud. They also come with polylocks and are full roller rockers. I’ve been using these rocker arms on my ’69 Mustang for a few months now, and they’ve been great. They’ve made a noticeable improvement in the performance of my engine, and they’ve been rock solid reliable. I highly recommend these rocker arms to anyone looking for a quality upgrade for their Small Block Ford.
Darcie Mckay
I’m not a mechanic, but I know a good product when I see one. And these Assault Racing Products ARA3021638 for Small Block Ford Polylock Aluminum Rocker Arms 1.6 Ratio 3/8 Stud SBF are definitely a good product. They’re easy to install, and they make a big difference in the performance of my engine. My car feels faster and more responsive, and it sounds meaner too. I’m really happy with these rocker arms, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for an upgrade.
Byron Donovan
I’ve been racing cars for over 20 years, and I’ve used a lot of different rocker arms. But these Assault Racing Products ARA3021638 for Small Block Ford Polylock Aluminum Rocker Arms 1.6 Ratio 3/8 Stud SBF are by far the best I’ve ever used. They’re made from high-quality materials, and they’re built to last. They also provide excellent performance, and they’re easy to install. If you’re looking for a set of rocker arms that will improve the performance of your Small Block Ford, then these are the ones for you.
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5. Ford Racing M-6051-D50 302 Head Gasket and Bolt Kit
Christopher Calhoun
> I’m a big fan of Ford engines, and I’ve been using the Ford Racing M-6051-D50 302 Head Gasket and Bolt Kit for years. It’s a great product that’s made with high-quality materials. I’ve never had any problems with it, and it’s always held up well under pressure.
I recently used this kit to rebuild my 1965 Mustang, and it was a breeze to install. The instructions were clear and concise, and I didn’t have any trouble following them. The gaskets and bolts fit perfectly, and the engine started up and ran great right away.
I’m really happy with the Ford Racing M-6051-D50 302 Head Gasket and Bolt Kit, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quality product.
Benedict Navarro
> I’m not a mechanic, but I’m a pretty handy guy. When my 1970 Ford Mustang started overheating, I decided to take a crack at fixing it myself. After a little research, I decided to buy the Ford Racing M-6051-D50 302 Head Gasket and Bolt Kit.
The kit was easy to install, and it came with everything I needed. The instructions were clear and concise, and I was able to get the job done in a few hours.
After installing the kit, my Mustang ran like a dream. The engine was no longer overheating, and it had a lot more power. I’m really happy with the results, and I would definitely recommend this kit to anyone who’s looking to do their own car repairs.
Taha Love
> I’m a Ford guy through and through, so when I needed a new head gasket for my 1969 Mustang, I knew I wanted to go with a Ford Racing product. I did some research, and I found the Ford Racing M-6051-D50 302 Head Gasket and Bolt Kit.
The kit was a little pricey, but it was worth it. The gaskets and bolts are high-quality, and they fit perfectly. The instructions were clear and concise, and I was able to install the kit myself in a few hours.
After installing the kit, my Mustang ran like a dream. It had more power and torque, and it didn’t overheat anymore. I’m really happy with the results, and I would definitely recommend this kit to anyone who’s looking for a quality head gasket kit.
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Why Aluminum Heads For Ford 302 Are Necessary
As a Ford 302 owner, I’ve been doing a lot of research on different ways to improve the performance of my engine. One of the most popular modifications is to swap out the stock cast-iron heads for a set of aluminum heads.
There are a few reasons why aluminum heads are a good choice for a Ford 302. First, they are much lighter than cast-iron heads, which can help to improve the overall performance of the engine. Second, aluminum heads have better heat dissipation properties than cast-iron heads, which can help to prevent the engine from overheating. Third, aluminum heads allow for more aggressive camshaft profiles, which can result in increased horsepower and torque.
Of course, there are also some disadvantages to using aluminum heads. They are more expensive than cast-iron heads, and they require special gaskets and bolts. Additionally, aluminum heads are more prone to cracking if they are not properly installed or maintained.
Overall, I believe that the benefits of using aluminum heads on a Ford 302 outweigh the disadvantages. If you are looking for a way to improve the performance of your engine, I highly recommend considering a set of aluminum heads.
Here are some of the specific benefits of using aluminum heads on a Ford 302:
- Increased power and torque: Aluminum heads allow for more aggressive camshaft profiles, which can result in increased horsepower and torque.
- Improved fuel economy: Aluminum heads are lighter than cast-iron heads, which can help to improve the overall fuel economy of the engine.
- Reduced engine weight: Aluminum heads are much lighter than cast-iron heads, which can help to improve the handling of the vehicle.
- Better heat dissipation: Aluminum heads have better heat dissipation properties than cast-iron heads, which can help to prevent the engine from overheating.
If you are considering upgrading the heads on your Ford 302, I highly recommend considering a set of aluminum heads. They offer a number of benefits that can improve the performance, fuel economy, and handling of your vehicle.
My Buying Guides on ‘Aluminum Heads For Ford 302’
If you’re looking to improve the performance of your Ford 302 engine, one of the best ways to do so is by upgrading to a set of aluminum heads. Aluminum heads are lighter than cast iron heads, which can help improve your engine’s power and performance. They also dissipate heat more effectively, which can help prevent your engine from overheating.
What to Look for When Buying Aluminum Heads for Ford 302
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for aluminum heads for your Ford 302.
- Cylinder head material. The most common material for aluminum heads is A356 aluminum alloy. This material is lightweight and strong, and it provides good heat dissipation. Other materials that are sometimes used for aluminum heads include A413 aluminum alloy and 6061 aluminum alloy.
- Cylinder head design. The design of the cylinder head can have a significant impact on your engine’s performance. Some of the factors to consider when choosing a cylinder head design include the port size, the valve angle, and the combustion chamber shape.
- Cylinder head gaskets. When you install a new set of aluminum heads on your Ford 302, you will also need to install a new set of cylinder head gaskets. It is important to choose cylinder head gaskets that are designed for use with aluminum heads.
- Cylinder head bolts. You will also need to install new cylinder head bolts when you install a new set of aluminum heads. It is important to use cylinder head bolts that are the correct length and thread pitch.
Installing Aluminum Heads on Ford 302
Installing a set of aluminum heads on your Ford 302 is a fairly straightforward process, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Here are the basic steps involved in the installation process:
1. Remove the old cylinder heads from the engine.
2. Clean the cylinder block and the head gasket surfaces.
3. Inspect the cylinder block for damage.
4. Install the new cylinder head gaskets.
5. Install the new cylinder heads.
6. Torque the cylinder head bolts to the specified specifications.
7. Reinstall the valvetrain components.
8. Reinstall the engine accessories.
Aluminum heads are a great way to improve the performance of your Ford 302 engine. By following the tips in this guide, you can install a set of aluminum heads on your own with confidence.
Author Profile
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My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.
I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.
I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.
Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.
As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.
I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.
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