should i port my heads?

[jimmyd]

so i am pretty sure i blew a head gasket, which opens up opportunities to do some engine mods. question is, am i going to see any gain in performance if i port the heads, do high performance valves, lifters, springs, etc without having anything elso done? all i have right now is intake and exhaust and this is my f250 with a 460

[johncharlesb]

If you improve flow, you will improve performance, to an extent. You can actually decrease performance if the airflow through the port does not have enough velocity and the fuel falls out of suspension. A significant improvement may require a cam change to utilize the improved flow.

I would put in a new gasket and save the port work for the full rebuild.

[jimmyd]

yeah, i am looking at a cam also. i think i am going to build up the heads, most everyone i have spoke with said i will see a definite improvement in performance somewhere around 60-70 horse power. the 1997 460 is a dog when it comes to horse power, around 270,(awesome torque though !). i got several quotes for around $1400-$1700 for a stock top end rebuild and i can do this myself for around $800 plus get the performance. Now i just need to find the time to do all this......

[BDKW1]

Cast iron heads? That's a lot of work for not very much gain. A set of Edelbrock or TFS heads will be better out of the box than ported stock heads will ever be. I did My last set of iron heads 20 years ago and will never do any more, it's just not worth it. Those heads are still running around though.........

[navynuke]

hmm considering getting my GT40P heads ported prior to building the motor, bummer to hear about the iron heads not being worth the time.

[damon1272]

There is quite a difference between stock and gt 40 heads. Even if they are iron. Although if one can afford it the aluminum heads are worth the money and weight savings.