To improve the performance of your vehicle or just to get rid of the old and broken one- there can be a lot of reasons behind getting a new cylinder head. But no matter why you’re getting it, you should pick the perfect one for the purpose.
I know you’re here because you have a Ford 302 and want to change the cylinder head for some reason. So, I’m here with the reviews of the best cylinder heads for Ford 302.
There are several cylinder heads available in the market for this model. As those come with different purposes, picking the one that serves your purpose is a bit confusing. But when I’m here, you won’t have to be confused.
I’ve shown some of the best aftermarket cylinder heads for your Ford 302, suggested the things to focus on before choosing one, and talked about the common mistakes we make while buying cylinder heads.
Top 5 Best Cylinder Heads for Ford 302 Review
1. Speedmaster PCE281.2049 Ford SB 289 302 351W 210cc 62cc Hydr-FT
When you’re searching for a cylinder head for your Ford 302, Speedmaster offers this great one. Being made of aluminum, this strong and sturdy cylinder head can be a good alternative for you.
With a 210cc intake runner volume and 62cc combustion chamber volume, it is a great upgrade for the Ford 302. However, it can be installed with your stock intake and exhaust ports too. But doing this won’t allow you to know the actual power it can ensure.
It comes with a rectangular intake port shape while the exhaust port is square-shaped. The maximum valve lift is around 0.550 inches.
It is made of strong materials. For example- the retainer is made of Chromoly steel which has made it stronger for ensuring intense performance.
Intake valves, exhaust valves, and spring sets are included in the package. However, you won’t find lifter and camshafts in the package.
Overall, if you’re looking to replace your cylinder head, this is a good choice. To get the best out of it, you may have to change things a bit. But, it is worthy.
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2. Remanufactured Cylinder Heads Assemblies GT40P 302 5.0L 4
If your budget is a bit tight, you can check these remanufactured cylinder head assemblies. Though these are remanufactured, they work as a perfect replacement for the OEM cylinder heads of your Ford 302.
These are manufactured using strong and sturdy materials to ensure the ability to handle pressure. Besides, the perfectly structured and set parts build an efficient cylinder head set for your Ford 302.
The head sets are completely disassembled and each part is thoroughly cleansed to ensure there is no impurity inside. Besides, these are pressure tested to ensure strength and integrity. Also, new valve seats are added to it if needed. New valve stem seals are also installed.
To make sure that it works properly, CBN and PCD milling is done where necessary. And finally, everything is thoroughly checked. If any issue is found, it is fixed immediately.
Overall, the performance was satisfactory as an OEM replacement. It comes with all the OEM specifications of your Ford 302. So, you won’t have to face issues.
I know that many of us can’t depend on remanufactured parts, but this is a good one for sure. So, if your budget doesn’t let you choose a new one, you can go for it.
3. Speedmaster PCE281.2047 Cast Aluminum Cylinder Head
From Speedmaster, this is another cylinder head for your Ford 302. It is a small block cylinder head that allows you to go for a wide range of applications. If you’re looking to build an engine or change your OE cylinder head, this is perfect.
To ensure strength and keep the weight light, it is made of cast aluminum. Thus you can reduce a huge weight from under your hood. This also makes your Ford lighter for better performance.
It comes with a 62cc combustion chamber along with a 190cc intake runner. Thus, it is perfect as an upgrade for your Ford 302. It sits on your stock intake and exhaust ports with the stock connecting tools. The maximum lift it comes with is 0.580 inches. It is for solid flat-tapped camshafts.
The valve and spring sets are included in the package. But there are no lifters and camshafts with the package.
Overall, this is a great small-block cylinder head that is built for performance and perfection. Also, it comes within a reasonable price range. So, going for it is a good decision in my opinion. If you’re not still sure, check the next one.
Speedmaster Cylinder Head Video Review
4. Edelbrock 45070 E-Street Crate Engine
Looking for a perfect cylinder head for your Ford 302 will bring you to one from Edelbrock when it is about performance. This perfectly designed cylinder ensures great street performance. If you’re interested in it, let’s know it better.
Being made of cast iron crankshaft and cast aluminum pistons, this is a strong and dependable part to sit under your hood. It is heavy in weight, but your car will surely carry it. It comes with performer series camshafts to ensure better compatibility.
To ensure better performance in the street, it comes with larger intake and exhaust ports compared to your stock parts. As a result, your engine gets more air and delivers maximum efficiency. Thus, your street performance gets better.
Overall, this is a strong and durable one to depend on. Also, it comes with a reasonable price tag in my opinion. So, give this a try.
Edelbrock E-Street Cylinder Heads Detail Video
5. Ford Racing M-6049-M50BR Right Side Cylinder Head
This is another cylinder head assembly if you’re looking for a better street performance. It is efficiently designed to deliver stronger and more dependable performance compared to your stock and many aftermarket cylinder heads.
It is manufactured with light and dependable material for easy carrying. The heads are CNC milled for a smoother appearance and better performance. With a 64cc combustion chamber, it ensures wider space for better combustion.
To install it, you may have to bring some changes under the hood. If you’re thinking of improving the overall engine system, you can go for it.
I’m suggesting it because of the performance it ensures. Besides, the manufacturer is dependable. Though it comes with a high-range price tag, it is worthy of the tag.
Final Verdict
The performance of your vehicle depends a lot on the cylinder heads. So, getting the best one for your vehicle is always suggested so that you can get the expected result.
Here in this article, I’ve talked about some of the best cylinder heads for Ford 302 and discussed their pros and cons. So, you know which one to pick.
No matter what you pick, I recommend collecting a lot of information about it. Cylinder heads are connected to a lot of small components of a huge system. So, compatibility matters a lot. Besides, you should make sure that the one you’re picking is suitable for meeting your purpose.
