early 5 bolt 289

S

steven

Gold forum user
Messages
875
Hi,

My new engine started with a early 289 block that I have fitted alloy heads to. Now my rebuild has progressed slowly so the motor is not in the car yet.
I read a recent article on Facebook that mentions fitting Edlebrock heads to a early 289 needs redrilling the block for water channels.
My heads supplier never mentioned redrilling and are fitted to the engine. They are not Edlebrock
Can anyone advise please.
 
Find the small print

That came with your heads and your reading glasses :). What heads have you installed. Never mentioned, you got customer service from somebody..
 
alloy heads

I have a set of edelbrock rpm heads and yes when using these heads on my early 289 5 bolt I will need to drill two 1/8 inch weep holes in my block. Using the correct head gasket for my application I just need to mark the holes and drill. Not sure with other aluminum heads. Kevin
 
Little Leak Spots

AKA the steam holes can be easily mapped with your new head gasket. It's a good idea to drill them regardless just to eliminate the hot spot.
 
Team holes

When I put 351 heads on my K code 289 "Ford Muscle Parts" suggested drilling the steam holes in the head to match up with the holes in the block. Early Edelbrock heads had crescent shaped relief above each cylinder to mate up with the different steam holes. Drill the heads not the block.
 
steven said:
I read a recent article on Facebook that mentions fitting Edlebrock heads to a early 289 needs redrilling the block for water channels.
My heads supplier never mentioned redrilling and are fitted to the engine. They are not Edlebrock
Can anyone advise please.
Click to expand...

Steven, it might be worthwhile mentioning which heads you have.
 
It took a while however I have found the supplier of my heads and their description of the heads states that steam holes are not drilled?
 
steven said:
It took a while however I have found the supplier of my heads and their description of the heads states that steam holes are not drilled?
Click to expand...

My spare engine that I built in 1990 has big valve, ported, roller rocker, 351 heads on a 302 block. It now rests under the bench after the last bought of overheating
It is now a wonder how we got anything done back in the dark pre WWW days........ This steam hole drilling is is new to me, and I too would be interested in how and where to drill.

Pics would be great!
 
351 W steam holes

Lay the head gasket on the head, all the steam holes should line up with holes in the head. The gasket has a steam holes at 12 oclock above the cylinder bore, the 351 windsor head doesn't. Use the head gasket as a template and drill 3/16s holes. For reference, since Ford Muscle Parts no longer exists, Search the internet for "Mustangs and More.com" forum. 351 Windsor heads on 289 block, it's pretty self explanitory.
 
This is an image of my heads. I have checked forums and they say most new heads allow for all positions of steam hole position
 
Ok, zero response from the head supplier so today I pulled the heads. My early block has the steam holes at 3 pm on each cylinder hole. So I guess I need 8 holes drilled.
 
steven said:
Ok, zero response from the head supplier so today I pulled the heads. My early block has the steam holes at 3 pm on each cylinder hole. So I guess I need 8 holes drilled.
Click to expand...

Steven,

It would be helpful to us and others if you told us what brand of head they are and model number if you have it.. May save someone else similar headaches in the future
 
Steam Holes done, heads back on motor. Glad I found the thread before the motor was fitted. will fit the manifold and headers again tomorrow.
 
Speaking of holes in heads

michael-king said:
Steven,

It would be helpful to us and others if you told us what brand of head they are and model number if you have it.. May save someone else similar headaches in the future
Click to expand...

Before I drill more in my own...
I'm going to guess his manufacturer is speedmaster for future reference. JEGS part numbers and pictures eirilly similar.

Was a fun search.
 
Head Brand

Based on your part number, they are Pro Comp heads, i.e., Edelbrock knockoffs. It appears that Pro Comp has been bought out by or has changed their name to Streetmaster. The comparable Edelbrock 6037 head is CARB approved (California Air Research Board), which means the heads have the air injection input ports on the front face and the air injection outlets holes on the roof of the exhaust ports. I assume your heads have those openings and that the front face port are filled with threaded plugs. It also means that your heads use pedestal rockers.

The 6037 heads also have the crossover opening between the center cylinders for the intake manifold. See pics, 6037 head on the left, 6025 head on the right.

Is this a match?

Gary
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top