390 or 406 C3AE-C heads?

cyclone427428 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-16-2009, 09:53 AM

I'm looking at buying a set of C3AE-C heads. The guy claims they are 390 heads. Are there two different types of these heads? The 390 ones have the standard 2.03 and 1.55 valves? They have aluminum valve keepers if that helps. Thanks rob.

RICK LAKE · #2 (**permalink**) 04-17-2009, 06:01 AM

cyclone427428 Rob the biggest bunch of FE pro guys are on the FE forum Dave Shoe, Royce, BB, and a couple of the other gray hairs will have the correct answers. What I have is a 63 406 motor with either tri power or 4 barrel. Valves should be 2.09/1.66. If you have a C2SE, that's a 390 head with 2.02?1.55 valves. These valves where used on 390, 428 motors. It's a small port head that would need some help to make any power for you. What are you trying to do or build?? The keepers may have been swapped for a valve job. Rick L.

cyclone427428 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-17-2009, 07:36 AM

I purchased a 63 Galaxie "Boxtop" It has a 390 with a cruise-o-matic. I have a 428 irrigation motor which I want to put in it with a C6. I am leaning towards using the C3AE-C heads on my 428. I used my desk top dyno software and I plugged everything in and it have me around 12.5-13:1 compression ballpark figure. I just may use the heads and build a pretty stout 390 instead. Rob.

trularin · #4 (**permalink**) 04-17-2009, 08:53 AM

Guys, I think I have a set of C4 and C6 heads.

I understand ( but could be completely wrong ) that these flow better.

Since they are taking up room, would either of you all be interested in buying them?

I paid like $200.00 for them.

If you would give me $100.00 ( plus shipping ) they are yours.

These are bare and not cruddy.

cyclone427428 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-19-2009, 08:37 PM

I got my Galaxie today and I looked at the casting number on the heads and it's C3AE-C. It's a Z code 390 car with a 4 barrel. When I search on these heads it most often comes up as 406 heads with 2.03 In. and 1.65Ex. I have come across information as high altitude 390s getting these heads with the standard 2.03In. and 1.55Ex. Is there such a thing as the two different heads with the same casting number? In my how to rebuild bb FE book by Steve Christ these heads are listed as high performance 406 heads. Anyone have any info on if there are two different heads with the same casting number? Thanks. Rob.

Fordzilla · #6 (**permalink**) 04-19-2009, 08:46 PM

This thread has some info on the heads:
http://www.clubhotrod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38023



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