Windsor with Cleveland 2V heads question

[MotorcityCobra]

Still learning about the Ford Small Blocks. I have a nice 289 short block, but has way higher compression than I want. Then I started looking at the Cleveland heads and noted that the 2V's have 74cc volume (which would seem to be way low compression with flat top pistons).

I know the heads are not a direct bolt on (coolant mods required, I think), but does it make any sense at all to pursue using these dome pistons (-10.4cc) with the 2V's?

Thanks.

[Gaz64]

Here's some info that might help:

The Mustang Shop - Building a 'Clevor' Engine, Cleveland heads on a Windsor block

[blykins]

It's not worth the effort unless you're going for a "Boss 302" look.

The 2V heads are nothing to write home about and for the effort that you'll have to put into making them fit on the block (plus finding an intake manifold, etc.), a set of Windsor heads will fit easier and make just as much power, if not more.

[MotorcityCobra]

Thanks.

Now that I look at it, I think I'd have some serious valve to piston clearance issues as well.

'Nuff said.... bad idea.

[CHANMADD]

What about 4 v heads? How much power will they make?

[blykins]

Yes, you would need difference pistons because of the Cleveland's canted valve arrangement.

The 4V heads will make some big horsepower....but they are way too large for a 289-302 street engine. Boss 302's (302W block and 4V Cleveland heads) made decent power back in the day, but it took some revs and a nice rearend gear to take advantage of it.

The 4V heads work really well on 351+ cubes. Also, the aftermarket is full of 4V replacement heads, with CHI and AFD being some of the heavy hitters.

CHI makes a "3V" head, which has the port velocity of a smaller port, but the flow of a larger port. They are available in 208cc, 225cc, and larger layouts, and they work perfect right out of the box. I just built and dyno'd a 408C with the 208cc 3V heads, 10.3:1, and a little solid roller cam and made 574hp.

[frdfver]

Thats some good power Brent... I do love those cleveland motors!

[wolf k]

Many winners of the Engine Masters contest over the years have been Cleveland headed Windsors, all be it, with CHI and AFD heads that Brent mentioned. That contest focuses on average hp and torque, not just peak numbers.