What are GT40 heads?
GT40 heads, also known as Ford GT40 heads, are a highly sought-after set of cylinder heads used in high-performance Ford engines. These heads were originally designed for the legendary Ford GT40 race car, which dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1960s. Today, GT40 heads are prized by enthusiasts and racers for their exceptional performance characteristics.
What are GT40 Heads?
GT40 heads are a specific cylinder head design developed by Ford for the GT40 race car. They feature a unique combustion chamber shape, large valves, and optimized airflow, all of which contribute to their impressive performance capabilities. These heads were originally used on the Ford 289 and 302 cubic inch V8 engines that powered the GT40 to victory at Le Mans.
Key Features of GT40 Heads
- Combustion Chamber Design: The GT40 heads have a specialized combustion chamber shape that promotes efficient fuel-air mixing and high-compression ratios, resulting in increased power output.
- Valve Size: The GT40 heads feature larger intake and exhaust valves compared to standard Ford cylinder heads, allowing for greater airflow and improved volumetric efficiency.li>
- Airflow Optimization: The GT40 head design has been carefully engineered to maximize airflow, both into and out of the cylinders, further enhancing the engine's performance potential.
- Durability: GT40 heads are known for their robust construction and ability to withstand the high stresses of high-performance applications, making them a popular choice for race engines and high-horsepower builds.
The combination of these features makes the GT40 heads a highly desirable choice for enthusiasts and racers looking to extract maximum performance from their Ford engines.
Applications of GT40 Heads
While the GT40 heads were originally designed for the Ford GT40 race car, they have since become a popular upgrade for a wide range of Ford engines, including the 289, 302, and 351 cubic inch V8s. These heads are commonly used in high-performance street cars, race cars, and engine builds that prioritize power and efficiency.p>
GT40 heads are highly sought after by Ford enthusiasts and can command premium prices on the aftermarket. Their unique design and legendary racing heritage make them a coveted component for those seeking to build a high-performance Ford engine.
Are GT40 heads cast iron?
Improving Your Existing Cylinder Heads
Additionally, either the E7 or the GT40 cylinder heads are going to be made of cast iron. While cast iron is durable, and certainly may account for some of their resiliency, they're also exceptionally heavy.
Is it worth porting GT40 heads?
Basically if you already have a set that's built and just want to make them flow more and can find someone good that will port then sure. If you don't have a set yet and are thinking about buying a set and having them ported then NO a waste of time and money.
What is better, GT40 or GT40P heads?
GT40P heads are a budget-friendly alternative to GT40 heads, offering similar performance with a smaller combustion chamber and slightly smaller exhaust valve, but they have a different spark plug angle that can cause header clearance issues. GT40 heads have a larger combustion chamber and exhaust valve and are generally considered easier to fit with headers, making them the preferred choice for most builds despite their similar performance potential.
| Feature | GT40 Heads | GT40P Heads |
|---|---|---|
| Combustion Chamber | 63−6663 minus 6663−66 cc | 58−6158 minus 6158−61 cc |
| Exhaust Valve | 1.541.541.54 inches | 1.461.461.46 inches |
| Spark Plug Angle | Standard angle | Angled outward for better burn, can cause header clearance issues |
| Header Fitment | Easier, most headers fit without modification | Can require 90-degree spark plug boots or specific headers due to clearance issues |
| Thermactor/EGR | Has provision for thermactor/EGR tubes | Does not have thermactor/EGR provision, uses external connections |
| Performance | Similar power gains to GT40P heads, around 20−4020 minus 4020−40 horsepower | Similar power gains to GT40 heads, around 20−4020 minus 4020−40 horsepower |
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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.
