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Are GT40 heads any good?

Yes, GT40 heads are generally considered to be excellent performance cylinder heads for Ford V8 engines. GT40 heads were originally designed for the Ford GT40 race car, but they have become a popular upgrade for many Ford enthusiasts looking to boost the power and efficiency of their engines.


What are GT40 Heads?


GT40 heads are a specific cylinder head design developed by Ford for the legendary GT40 race car in the 1960s. These heads feature a unique "pent-roof" combustion chamber shape and large intake and exhaust ports that were optimized for high-performance applications. The GT40 heads were designed to work in conjunction with the Ford 302 and 351 Windsor V8 engines used in the GT40 race cars.


Benefits of GT40 Heads


There are several key benefits that make GT40 heads a popular upgrade for Ford enthusiasts:



  • Increased Airflow: The large intake and exhaust ports on GT40 heads allow for significantly more airflow compared to stock Ford heads, resulting in increased horsepower and torque.

  • Improved Combustion: The pent-roof combustion chamber design of GT40 heads promotes more efficient fuel/air mixing and combustion, further boosting engine performance.

  • Compatibility: GT40 heads are a direct bolt-on replacement for many Ford V8 engines, making them a relatively easy and straightforward upgrade.

  • Affordability: Compared to custom-built high-performance heads, GT40 heads are relatively affordable, making them accessible to a wide range of enthusiasts.


Overall, the combination of increased airflow, improved combustion, and compatibility with a wide range of Ford V8 engines make GT40 heads a popular and effective performance upgrade for many Ford enthusiasts.

What is special about GT40 heads?


GT40 cylinder heads were a more free-flowing high-performance cylinder head that outperformed the factory E7 heads that were found on most 5.0 Fox Body Mustangs.



Why is the Ford GT40 so special?


All chassis versions were powered by a series of American-built Ford V8 OHV engines modified for racing. In the 1966 Le Mans, the GT40 Mk II car broke Ferrari's winning streak, making Ford the first American manufacturer to win a major European race since Jimmy Murphy's Duesenberg in the 1921 French Grand Prix.



What is the rarest GT40?


One of the rarest of its kind. This 1966 GT40 MkI, P/1034, is one of only 31 ever produced and claimed a top spot at #MecumKissimmee! As the very first 'production road car' delivered to a private owner, it represents a significant chapter in automotive history.



Which is better, GT40 or GT40P?


GT40 vs GT40P, which are better? Really, when you get down to it, neither head is any measurable difference better than the other. The GT40P does have a slight edge over the GT40 cylinder head because of its smaller chamber volume. The smaller combustion chamber can net a bit more compression, but only marginally.



How much HP do GT40 heads add?


Obviously, tuneups will vary. You just want to keep it out of detonation. While we've seen engine dyno tests performed with GT-40P heads replacing factory E7TE castings and resulting in a boost of more than 25 hp, we have reluctantly set our horsepower gain goal at 25 ponies, as well.



What makes the Ford GT40 so special?


The Ford GT40 is a high-performance mid-engined racing car originally designed and built for and by the Ford Motor Company to compete in 1960s European endurance racing. Its specific impetus was to best Scuderia Ferrari, which had won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race for six years running from 1960 to 1965.



Where are Edelbrock heads made?


The Edelbrock Sand Cast and Permanent Mold Manufacturing foundries are located in San Jacinto, CA.



How many cc are GT40 heads?


They have 1.840/1.540 valves, with 64-66cc chambers.



Does upgrading heads increase horsepower?


Needless to say, the cylinder head is a major component in building horsepower and torque. Because the way the shape and size of the combustion chamber affects so much of an engine's operation, you have to choose the appropriate selection, not just the one with the best peak numbers.



What does GT stand for in GT40?


Grand Touring
The high-performance Ford GT40 is the dream child of Ford Motors, conceived in America and birthed in England. The GT stands for Grand Touring, and the 40 refers to its overall height in inches. It was produced from 1964-1969, and has since become an American racing icon.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.