Author Topic: 289 and 302 heads, are they similar or more different than you think  (Read 171 times)

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mummert

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« Last Edit: March 27, 2026, 12:15:16 AM by mummert »

pbf777

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Re: 289 and 302 heads, are they similar or more different than you think
« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2026, 11:21:51 AM »
         Yes, very informative video, particularly to aid those not so familiar. 

         But I do feel that the generalization that the inlet port on "all 302 ("base") heads are the same" isn't really correct.  For the most part "very similar", yes, and I suppose as in any form of communication perspective and relativity is crucial, but if you've ported enough of them you'll realize the "same" might not be the best representation.   :)

         Scott.

mummert

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Re: 289 and 302 heads, are they similar or more different than you think
« Reply #2 on: March 27, 2026, 12:14:55 PM »
 Be more specific about 302 heads if you can.  Your response is very vague, you gave no casting numbers no specifics, nothing that could be helpful.

Example (The E5TE heads have a more layed back short turn than the E7TE).
« Last Edit: March 27, 2026, 12:26:31 PM by mummert »

pbf777

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Re: 289 and 302 heads, are they similar or more different than you think
« Reply #3 on: March 27, 2026, 12:54:27 PM »
        My intent was not to be at odds with anyone, rather perhaps to add to the discussion in the sense that there are "some" differences in the inlet ports, yes perhaps only mildly, but still "some" differences; as you apparently also understand as you presented your observation of the difference in the short-turn of the two examples you mentioned. 

         As far as being "helpful", beyond the demeanor you seem to be putting forth, I'm not sure that many care anymore of these old cast iron examples for the S.B.F. as today one can just order a new aluminum cylinder head that will out-flow anything anyone could create out of the O.E.M. cast iron stuff, weight fifty (+/-) pounds less and spend less money doing it!

         But yes, there are exceptions where this stuff is (still) desired, and in these instances, if you really want the "good" O.E.M. cast iron head example, if there are rules and its' legal, and you can find a (good) set, it's the "C6FE" casting; which presents what I would label as "quite" different inlet and discharge porting, and based on my flow-bench seems to be the better example!   :)

          Scott.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2026, 12:56:52 PM by pbf777 »

mummert

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Re: 289 and 302 heads, are they similar or more different than you think
« Reply #4 on: March 27, 2026, 01:55:43 PM »
 
 I'm sure someone can chime in but I don't think the C6fe was sold on any base model production vehicles. Sold as an over the counter race part.  I think in the video we're talking about readily available "base" model port differences between 289 and 302's.
 As far as demeanor, you spoke about generalities and replied giving no specifics.
 I was actually hoping you would give specifics on the differences of 302 ports based on your knowledge of porting many 302 heads.
 Base model stuff, not late model 90's GT40 i.e. Cobra, Lightning or 60's factory race parts. This is a friendly response.
 
« Last Edit: March 27, 2026, 07:03:17 PM by mummert »