So after trying to chase down a cooling issue it was determined by myself to just pull the engine and rebuild it. My head gasket was bad and I figure since everything is off i will add some upgrades. I have found these new aluminum heads on ebay for 600 dollars ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/230838702849 ) I plan on purchasing them tomorrow along with a double roller timing set and headers. My only question aside from normal recommendations is what size camshaft should I get. I don't altogether understand lifts and duration so an explanation of how to red it for myself would also be helpful. I already have an after market aluminum radiator and edelbrock performer intake manifold with a holley 4bbl 650 cfm carb.
I don't know anything about those heads, but I checked the guys feedback and It's not bad, but a few people said that there was metal shavings in the heads when they received them. If you do buy them, be careful and definitely check for that before you install them. I think when it comes to good heads, you get what you pay for.
as far as the cam goes you need to know...weight of car, rear gear ratio, tire size, transmission, torque converter stall if auto, bore/stroke of engine, est. HP/torque of engine, heads, what intake and carb size. call a cam company of your choice with this info and they can get you real close. other than that...it's a crap shoot. people will say they run this and that cam but if their set up is not exactly like yours it's an opinion...
I remember that listing on ebay. First thing I noticed was in the 4th pic one valve has a lock half way installed. I actually sent the guy a message about it at least a year ago. Thanked me and said he would replace the pic. That one pic speaks volumes to me!! Same pic he has the head propped up against another. No decent machinist would set the sealing surface of an aluminum head against another like that.
Thanks guys im not gonna get those heads after reading what you all have to say and learning more stuff on my own. Im just gonna continue with my stock cam and save my money or put that money for a better set of heads. I dont wanna over do it since im not making a race car just a fun street rod. Another question though would be what all should I do since i have my engine out and taken apart to the block.
Here are the same heads, according to the pics and description, from the same seller but $150 cheaper http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-289-302-351W-408-427-5-0-Mustang-Aluminum-Heads-GT40-EFI-carburetor/231243463969?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222008%26algo%3DSIC.MOTORS%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3D7336724503167684756%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D20131003132420%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D230838702849&rt=nc
Before giving advice on your engine, first we need to know exactly what it is you have now (year, block casting, heads, etc)