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GT40p heads on 1978 351 Commander |
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Evilsizer 
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Joined: August-29-2019 Location: Ohio Status: Offline Points: 62 |
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 Topic: GT40p heads on 1978 351 CommanderPosted: September-09-2019 at 4:43pm |
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Hey guys im new to Ford applications so I need some advice. I have a 1978 Ski Nautique that has the 351 Commander engine. I want to rebuild the 351 this winter. Can someone tell me if the GT40p heads can be used on this Commander?
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Gary S
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Joined: November-30-2006 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 14096 |
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Posted: September-09-2019 at 4:56pm |
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Yes
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MrMcD
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Joined: January-28-2014 Location: Folsom, CA Status: Offline Points: 3590 |
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Posted: September-09-2019 at 5:50pm |
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If they were originally used on a 302 the head bolt holes will be small for a 351W.
Many on here will cringe but I opened my heads up with a Large 1/2" drill, the heavy duty two hand type and a sharp bit. Drilled all holes in a few minutes and the heads were ready to be cleaned and installed. Clean first as you do not want any drill shavings to find the way into your piston rings and cylinder walls. I don't remember what exact size drill bit I used. You have to stay straight or risk hurting the heads. A sharp bit will follow the old holes straight down. A bad bit may wander and hurt the heads. |
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KENO
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Joined: June-06-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 10641 |
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Posted: September-09-2019 at 8:26pm |
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Here's an old thread with some info in the link below
If you're buying remanufactured heads, ask the place to drill the holes out for you if you're not comfortable with drilling them out. They might charge a small extra fee.....maybe It's much easier that way  link And get brass freeze/core/casting plugs or whatever you want to call them installed for marine use. The original steel ones will last for a pretty long time in fresh water, but since you're doing the heads putting brass ones in now is a good idea There are 2 per head, 1 at the front and 1 at the back. The place you're buying them from will already have them installed if they're "marine heads" |
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MrMcD
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Joined: January-28-2014 Location: Folsom, CA Status: Offline Points: 3590 |
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Posted: September-09-2019 at 8:52pm |
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Ken, I should have mentioned when I did the heads free hand I had not yet purchased a drill press. I have one now and that would allow much better control with much less risk.
I see in the old thread that 17/32" is the 351W Ford OEM drill size. Good to know. |
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