Boss 331

[DAVID GAGNARD]

Originally Posted by J Persons

So what is the recommended head gaskets, studs/bolts, etc? I also believe the screw in soft plugs are sold separately from the block.

There is NO recommended head gasket/stud kit from Ford, they refuse to tell you what to use!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I used some 351-C head gaskets (Fel-Pro) and ARP head bolts, but I'm going with head studs now.......the block is basically a Cleveland block and you may or may not have to drill the steam holes in your heads if you'er using Windsor heads, just depends on which head you use.....most need the steam holes drilled in them!!!!!!!!!!!

Standard head gasket DO NOT cover all the water jackets, as this block had 8 extra water jacket holes in it, it takes a Cleveland head gasket to cover them, I found out the expensive way, cause once you open a sealed pack of Fel-Pro head gaskets, they are yours and Ford Tech refuses to tell you all this........................I now have two sets of unsued Fel-Pro head gaskets!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to the Ford Tech folks...........

Cam bearing are another thing, depends on the cam as to what cam bearing you have to order and they are not cheap......

If I had to do it all over again, I'd go with the Dart block.......it's a little more expensive (about $800.00 worth), but all your Windsor stuff will bolt on, cause it's a Windsor block...........saw one at the machine shop I use and it's every bit as good as the BOSS 302 block!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

David