Finally got all the parts together to install HO (E7TE) heads on my '88 GM. weather permitting I will do the installation next week, I will take lots of pictures for you guys.

Sadly, due to lack of funds and time, I will NOT be able to install the HO cam, ECM or 19# injectors.
I am also still considering installing a Truck cam instead of the HO cam.

I will be installing E7TE heads, a full tune up with FRPP 9mm wires and installing a 2.3L turbo style water to oil oil cooler (similar to PI oil cooler, but less complicated).

sit tight, pictures and install article are forthcoming

Eric S.

Can't wait to see how it goes. Looking for the pictures.

That's going to screw with your computer big time. It's probably going to run lean, since it's programmed for heads that flow less...

Not to be a party pooper, but I think you're asking for trouble.

4k#Fe

4k--

The cam is the main controller of airflow. The heads won't bother the computer.

kevin

i predict a VERY small change in the engines performance. there may be more volume of air/fuel able to enter the cylinder because it flows with less restriction, however, since the cam is still holding the valves open for the stock duration its really getting about the same amount of air/fuel as it did with stock. on the plus side, the exhaust ports being more open and less restrictive will have a nice result on the engines ability to scavenge exhaust gas from the cylinder.

you really wont see much difference until the cam, injectors, and new ECU are a go...but for now, enjoy it

~AOD

Adam,

I don't expect any huge performance gains from the heads alone. The valve stems seals in the stock CV heads are leaking and the car is using oil because of it, so that is my main objective for swapping the heads. Plus the HO heads will be a good starting point for any additional improvements I make in the future.

Did you end up getting them ported?

exhuast side only, I ground down the air injection humps. I cleaned up the intake ports, but did no actuall grinding to the intake ports themselves.

Good place to start. Hope it goes well. What i'm curious of is if you decide to put a truck cam in with the heads at the same time, wont you have a lean condition? I'm wandering how it would react if you did the E7 heads,truck cam and computer and #19 injectors with the H.O. upper intake and throttle body if that combo Might work. . Best of luck to you. Dave

The stock heads are, to be polite, very restrictive.

Narrow inlets and "high swirl" exhaust ports add to fuel economy, but at the expense of power. These heads were also used on the '86-'88 Thunderbird, and the '86 Mustang GT.

In '87, the Mustang received the F-150 truck heads (E7TE-AA castings), and adding the E7 heads is the most obvious point to start. You will gain approximately 15hp over the stock heads and experience better mid and upper RPM power.

You can drop these heads on anytime you wish, and you can do that with no ill effects from the standard output camshaft.

BTW, it's probably been mentioned before, but some of the main differences between the "standard" and "HO" engine are:

HO Engine;
higher flowing E7TE heads
higher lift HO camshaft
TRW forged pistons with reliefs
60mm throttle body
19 lb/hr fuel injectors
better breathing upper intake
factory unequal length headers
HO/351 firing order
225 horsepower

Non-HO Engine;
standard 'swirl port' heads
lower lift camshaft
aluminum flat top pistons
50mm throttle body
14 lb/hr fuel injectors
standard flow rate upper manifold
factory exhaust manifolds
non-HO firing order
150 horsepower (155 in '88 w/duals)

Good luck with your project, and let us know if you have any questions..

Sure am interested in the results of this swap as I plan the same swap in both the race car and the daily driver.

well, the heads are off. I worked on it all afternoon.
Geoff (Geoff93vic) came over to lend a hand and took some video with his new camera. I will have all of my pictures up on monday.

Just on a side note... E7 heads and a 3.27 gear improved my 1/4 mile time from 17.7 to a 16.8