Ford Z-304 Heads

[bkozlow]

I recently purchased a set of Ford Z-304 heads bare. I never learn, I guess. The problem, is I ordered the recommended valves which are Manley 2.08 Intakes and 1.60 Exhaust. Well, beware, these valves do not fit the seats that are in the head. If you try and fit the seats to these recommended valves there is no seat left. I called Ford and they said that these recommended valves were the Max. size that could be fit in the head, not the ones that were really recommended. I asked then why were no other valves listed on the instruction sheet with he heads, they did't know. My machine shop which is into oval racing says I have two allternatives. Cut the valves I have, which the seats appear to be for 1.94 IN and about 1.5 Ex or see about having new valve seats installed. Not that easy in aluminum heads. I don't know what the assembled Z-304 heads have for valves but beware if you purchase them bare. I was building them with Comp beehive springs that is why I bought them bare.

Bill Kozlow

[Woodz428]

Sounds like the most cost effective solution would be to have the valves cut down to a size that works. That's if they can't be exchanged for others.

[bkozlow]

WDZ

That is what it appears we will do as the valves used in these heads are what are called Chevy 400 valves and have a long shaft length, making replacements in smaller diameters hard to find. The problem is they will now flow less than the AFR 185's I have in my other coupe. I wanted this set to be better than what I all ready have, it appears that will not be the case.

Bill K

[scottj]

The part #'s for the Ford valves for that head are M 6507 A304 for the intake and M 6505 A304 for the exhaust. Those are 2.02 & 1.60

Scott

[bkozlow]

Scott,

With the 1.6 exhaust the valve, seat diameter is 1.625 giving you a razor thin edge for the seat and the intake is the same. The factory supplied valve seats are just to small in diameter for the valves Ford says the head takes.

Bill K