302 heads-Is it worth putting them on a stock 318

RustyRatRod said
Chrysler did it to millions. I guess they didn't think it was worth it.

There's a difference between putting the heads on versus swapping the old heads for new. Ford also changed the bellhousing bolt pattern in the backs of 4.6s, that doesn't mean it's practical to do yourself.

RustyRatRod said
Probably so, yeah. Of course, then WOULD be the time to upgrade to a 4 barrel intake and a small 4 barrel carburetor, but you will still be adding power regardless.

66fs said
By themselves I doubt you would feel any difference. If you were to add a 4 barrel and intake and cam, lifters, and valve springs then it adds up. Always have 302 heads magnefluxed by a good machine shop before putting a lot of money into them.

I wouldn't. Bout the same flow, bout the same chamber size, probably lower the compression about when you change the gaskets putting them on.

All unleaded valve heads are fairly prone to cracking, from early 318 heads to TBI 360 and Magnum.

lee g said
thanks for the comments/feedback. I am just contemplating whether I should invest a little bit of money into the 318 and drive it for a while or just go ahead with a 5.9 magnum swap

Just put a better motor in it. A 5.2 Magnum will be leaps and bounds ahead even.

273 said
I think 302 are a waste, if you look at the stock hp number between non 302 headed 318's and ones with there no power difference. In general I think 318 heads are a waste unless your gonna port them but why not do a set of magnums instead. Or

Why don't you do things that will work with your future 5.9/360 swap like rear end and gears, maybe 904 with deeper first gear, exhaust and headers, ignition, electric fan and better rad, EQ heads, and air gap intake etc...

Now this guy's got it. I'd take or leave any 318 head as soon as the next. If it has something that runs good on it I wouldn't invest an hour of my time doing anything to them that's not a necessity or simple. If they need seals, fix your good heads- don't pay good money for bad heads. 360s flow better and use the same rockers, Magnum (replacements) flow better and won't decrease the compression but are a better value once you're already committed to doing roller rockers and an intake anyway.

Especially when I see "driver, no track time"- I'm more curious of how the motor runs and acts now. I'd invest the money in making it a better driver than adding maybe 8hp you won't notice, possibly another 20-30 more that'll still be a good deal shy of your modest stock Magnum swap.