Game Changer Or Waste Of Time? GM LT Cylinder Heads On A 351 Cleveland

[@artbysteve215]

A true "Hot Rodder" tries different and isn't afraid to seek better solutions. I like this idea and I hope you can make it work.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely, it's definitely doable on a budget

[@romulascott]

This is what a lot of the old timers did back in the 60's and 70's. Love the fact that you're thinking outside the box. Keep going!!!!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely, sometimes you have to think outside the box

[@classicwefi]

This is something i find interesting because the last 351w block i had at the shop i just had to set some LS heads on it to see how they lined up really close. The good thing with the LT heads not having to get a custom cam made is a huge advantage over using the LS stuff. I say go for it 👍👍

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Definitely looks to be easier then doing the ls head on a Windsor so far

[@piercehawke8021]

What Russ is doing is Old School hotrodding; along with the lines of using 1950s Cadillac V8 heads atop Studebaker Eights, if it does the job, why not. :)

[@toyotatacoma6817]

yeah, because a cam is so expensive in relationship to the cost of the engine. Seriously?

[@classicwefi]

@toyotatacoma6817 Yes seriously 😂😂

[@stephenhood2948]

@@toyotatacoma6817 The intake and exhaust valves are swapped, you would have to either find a cam made for this swap, which I'm not aware of anyone making, or have someone grind you a custom cam with the intake and exhaust cam lobes swapped. Either way, the cam wont be cheap or easy to find.

[@soultrampamplification8425]

The 351C was the best small block to ever to come out of a Detroit auto manufacturer. The closed chamber 4V heads can produce CRAZY power. I de-tuned mine down to 525 HP (naturally aspirated) to make it street friendly. I can't imagine putting GM heads on a Cleveland.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

But imagine a Cleveland with a even better, lighter head ignoring the manufacturer of said heads. Just something I've been thinking about for a while that could be a promising budget solution to expensive aftermarket

[@soultrampamplification8425]

@@HotRodGuyGarage I agree the aftermarket heads are lighter, but I'm not convinced they are better. What are the flow numbers?

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

@@soultrampamplification8425 I dropped some .500 lift numbers in the video sourced online it looks like the LT head is up on the Cleveland stocker all around . But if I continue with this the next stop is the machine/port shop to get some flow number comparisons on the same bench. My machine shop guy is a hardcore cleveland guy and even he is intrigued by going this route

[@jimstern4244]

So a someone who considers them self, a 351 Cleveland connoisseur ( not a expert ) because I’ve got a few cars that are powered by them and I have spares just in case , I would say Find a decent used set of aftermarket aluminum heads for a Cleveland because I just can’t see any real advantage in this kind of swap. There has got to be an awful lot of fabrication involved with this to make it work. Your going to need pushrods at the very least you’ll have to do something for a intake manifold and I can’t see any huge horsepower advantage. I’ve watched a few Richard Holder videos and he really likes both of these engines and that cylinder heads are very similar and performance, but I’ll keep watching if you decide to do this lol

[@freyja4954]

​@@jimstern4244 a trickflow clevland head flows 330ish a stock lt head is 310ish. With clean up 340ish so on a budget heard to beat.

[@DarrenTONeill]

I say go for it. It'll be an interesting experiment.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely

[@Jason-kn3tw]

Love this, I'm running a LS1 ecu 0411 with all LS sensor , even 24x reluctor on the front on my Cleveland, all with itb injection Love this type of work

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

@@Jason-kn3tw very cool 😎 just proves anything can be done with enough effort and time!

[@ding7856]

If anyone can do this, it's you. I'd like to see this happen. Great video.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I appreciate that! This is just another brainstorming video it seemed promising to me

[@drewpittman708]

This is the kind of thing I come to KZbin for, Russ. Well done!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks Drew!

[@drewpittman708]

@@HotRodGuyGarage You've got me wondering how close these heads would be on a Windsor or a 351m. Not needing a unicorn camshaft really seems like it could make them way more viable as a Ford head than the LS style.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

@drewpittman708 the M shares a lot with the Cleveland

[@johnmcmullen456]

I am all in with your philosophy of doing more with lower cost alternatives. Would like to see if the LT head idea works out. Some of the most interesting KZbins are those showing the ingenuity to modify one brand's heads to fit another brand, like the LS heads cut and pieced together to fit the straight 6 300 Ford and a dual cam 4 cylinder Volvo head modified to fit a SOHC 2.3 Ford.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks, I see enough good in it to move forward to step 2 of making it a reality

[@JOHNKESSLER88]

This is true hot rodding, please go forward with this id like to see how this turns out. It almost makes you think that some guys at GM must have had access to cleveland heads when they developed the LS and LT engines since how close everything looks.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

The rumor was Ford designed the LS platform and then sold it to GM, so makes sense the LT would come around with a canted valve head

[@greggherod2153]

Y'all may not know this, but the Cleveland heads were copied from Chevy big block heads, after market Cleveland heads are stupid expensive, I know because i wanted to build a 427 stroked Clevor, the CHI heads from Australia that John Kaase uses on a lot of his builds cost $4000.00 plus a pair, they can easily support 700-800 HP NA but unless you have a lot of money its just not feasible. I think this is an awesome idea, keep going, i would love to see what the dyno numbers would be on this build.

[@robertwest3093]

Another car channel on here was successful in modifying a couple of LS heads to fit on his Ford 300 straight six. They say that the bolt pattern of the LS head matches the Ford small block so close that you only need to open the bolt holes up to one side.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely

[@omac1]

The red Torino is my favorite out of your collection. I would swap the heads. It's just a cylinder head. It's probably made by the same manufacture that makes parts for different makes of cars. Another great vid. Thank you.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks, I'm just trying not to spend a two car budget on one engine, once you take the blinders off it's just a aluminum cylinder head I think a lot forget that

[@bryancondrey6457]

...and a custom intake manifold.

[@mixxedboyybuilds8273]

Should be able to use an lt intake I would think. He said he's going to shave the heads to make up for the deck height difference.​@@bryancondrey6457

[@paulmatthews3706]

Do it. Your thinking and doing is amazing. I think it would be interesting.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

From a cost standpoint I think it's a win win, I'd been staring at that LT sitting at the shop for a couple months now

[@pontiacguy5190]

I see this as NO DIFFERENT than all these GM cars running around with a Ford 9" rear end in them. I'm a GM guy, Pontiacs mostly, but I don't consider it a bad thing when I see a GTO or a camaro with a 9" rear. Or a a Dana 60 out of a Chrysler. Sure are a lot of cars with the LS and LT engines that are other makes. You're not doing that here. It'll still have a Ford block. No different to me than having a set of Trick Flow heads on it.

[@Fog66]

Heck yeah!!! Looks very interesting. Just don't ruin that block.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely nothing will have to be done to the block for the heads luckily

[@clarkclifford2338]

Definitely do this. Keeping the craft alive is important and working with stuff like this makes it possible for many to get a better understanding of how it works. Not to mention, the internet is full of the standard videos.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely, the easy answer is throw money at them. Real hot rodding is figuring out what can be used cheap!

[@BillSweetland]

Different is cool…go for it!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks

[@marcbondi8462]

Hot rodding is all about making the most of what you have. No different than me taking years of left over parts to piece together a 49 ford shoebox hot rod that I would have been happy to have as a broke teenager. Hope you figure it out so that beautiful ride is back in action.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely, the spirit of its trying to burn out as most just like to throw money at issues

[@job1bf]

they are already making aftermarket Cleveland heads (SC2) for the LS - so turn-about is FairPlay!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely, I mean they make hemi heads now for about everything also. It's just a aluminum cylinder head

[@waynedavis7245]

Great thinking. I always had a soft spot for the Cleveland. This is a fantastic project. As long as it works and is cost effective. If it works it should make good power .

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

That was my exact thoughts

[@francismcdonaldjr3188]

I like Cleveland block and had always thought there was some unlocked horse power in them,then i read a book on building up ford FE block in there was a look in to what Bill Gliden was doing with the Cleveland,taken tips from the raised block 427 and applying it to the Cleveland and wow now back then no aluminum heads yet so he made plates to work on intake and exhaust ports that raised there locations just like your aluminum heads love seeing the Cleveland going back together so cool Russ good luck keep on keeping on, God bless and peace out

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

That's what I was seeing in these heads, good hi ports with good velocity I think it may e the route to go

[@jasonhumphry5836]

Good sir what book did you find this information I'm interested in reading about this and sharing with a friend who is in to ford's myself I'm a oldsmobile man peace and much respect to you Jason Humphry

[@damianlindsey6177]

Hell yeah! I know theres a video series on doing 317 casting ls heads on a 351w and it made 400+ with a custom(had to be) cam. (It typed this before watching the video through lol) I see you mentioned that. That makes the one issue I saw being put to bed. Nice

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

The LT Heads at least have the right layout!

[@damianlindsey6177]

​@@HotRodGuyGarageright! I say do it. Full on. Honestly reminds me of the old volvo dual cam head swap for the turbo 2.3 fords. I am sure youve heard about that but if not, it is well worth looking into

[@shanedylewski5488]

I for one think it’s awesome,and I fully support this idea. Many years ago as hot rodding began,there were no bolt on parts from a catalog. It was all try and tune,adapt things, through trial and error. To me, this is getting back to the grass roots of hotrodding. You have my vote bud .

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks Shane! And your absolutely right

[@pghguy7320]

Experiments aren't cheap ! ( seemed like a good idea at the time !) 😂

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

It is when you have stuff laying around 😆

[@larrygreen9100]

It looks like a good idea, I think it will work but you'll never know until you try. It's very true that this is what REAL TRUE Hot Rodding looks like so just go for it and do it!!! You may be a real hero to people on a budget!!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I think it's gonna be a game changer for a budget head!

[@edsmachine93]

Sounds like a fun project.👍 I've thought about similar things myself. I'll be watching. Have a great weekend. 👍🇺🇸👍

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks I see some promises in it! Hope you have a great weekend also

[@strokermaverick]

Russ, if you can make it work, do it. Would, be interesting to see the work needed and the e.t. performance! Go for it, buddy!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I think it would be a big upgrade all around

[@mooklocklear1182]

Man I gotta see it happen

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Definitely stay tuned!

[@AlmostAwake369]

Do it!!! Lt 1 head on a Cleveland block I love it as a 30 year vet in the automotive repair field I love the idea I see it the geometry is so close the head bolt location confirm that it is possible if the push rod angle and clearance r relative you have a viable build.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I think we can make it work and definitely on a working mans budget!

[@EricPeterson-e8m]

looking forward to seeing if this works. I like watching and learning about mods like this.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Fingers crossed!stay tuned!

[@BillieWilliams-l6m]

13:38 if you're using LS intake manifold on the LS heads. You do Not subtract deck height you ADD thicker head gasket to the Boss 351 Cleveland Ford engine. To position the heads in the place as a LS block did. The taller the deck height. The far apart the heads move apart.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Correct, I was backwards on the deck height difference vs machining

[@paulmryglod4802]

Just be sure to not open up squish clearance. Going to have to have pistons sit out of the hole at tdc if the gasket​ is thick.@HotRodGuyGarage

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

@paulmryglod4802 definitely probably have to do some chamber reshaping to optimize everything

[@neilhansen5663]

Interested in this conversion, but back in the 90s down under had a set of closed chamber 4Vs, SS 1 piece valves inlet ports epoxied from port floor up nearly an inch, bowl area reworked, exhaust port not touched. Flowed at 600' lift Inlet 321 CFM Exhaust 219 CFM

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

That's definitely the way on a stock head, I'll have both these on the same flow bench soon

[@chrisrelken6305]

Keep moving on it, i want to do my Cleveland the same way! Thanks for sharing!

[@RetroAnachronist]

Looks like a fun project!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Could definitely be

[@Derek.753]

That's thinking outside the box well done.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks

[@rickyfulks6656]

Very cool project brother,b watching ur progress

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Much appreciated

[@stevenleigh-k2o]

I think that putting modern heads on the Clevland makes perfect marriage. You can get the best of both worlds. You know that there isn't any quality control in manufacturing in China. That makes me believe that that you have the true spirit of hot rodding. I'm 67 and I learned mechanicing from my Grandpa. He fixed all of his farm equipment himself. And built a mean 34 Ford with a Pontiac engine in it. I don't know how fast it was,but in eastern Kentucky nobody wanted to race him. I really love your thinking. It reminds me of the Ole man. Thank you for giving me my memories back. I myself plan on one more hotrod before I quit. Deep in Houston,TX. Steven!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks, Steven I think it could be a good thing. Sometimes you just have to work with what you have and not be scared or biased to try new things

[@paulmatthews3706]

Seems like Ford and GM have been working together for a while in their engineering.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely, I don't think people realize they pass around design ideas or sell them to other companies.

[@JosephCowen-fz8vj]

No you can't say because they use common ideas that work they have anything to do with eachother . Hundreds of engine designs look similar but are just good design that works. The GM LS1 design was based mostly on another GM V8 , the 1988 General Motors Holden Australia 5.0 litre V8. Google a picture and you will see a motor with exactly the same bore spacing, same intake style, same port layout, same bellhousing and engine mounts , same ECU , same starter . And transmission. But the Holden V8 was 10 years before the LS .

[@jim8027]

It don't matter the brand at all. If the heads and the block create a good motor, that's all the matters. The fact that the heads are so close to fitting at all is a miracle.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely!

[@piercehawke8021]

Yet GM fans typically don't squawk over Ford 9" rear ends and, are growing warmer to the 8.8" diffs as well

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely!

[@simoncarter5951]

Apprehensive at first but I can see it working now. Your a genius.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I think it has potential

[@jennyswinney8384]

I am a true blue Ford man all the way to the core and I think it is an awesome idea what you’re doing I want to see more of it. I have a Lotta Cleveland stuff I would like to try it. Myself it is nice to find someone to be a guinea pig for me though lol. you’re doing amazing job. I like the way you think. Keep up the good work.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks! Will do!

[@kennethcroese4240]

Love what you are doing our minds are a like thinking outside the square well done

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks

[@leonarddavis8910]

Go for it!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Definitely seems the way to go

[@joshuaspicer7676]

That's nuts! I love it! Imagine what people would say at a car show.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

@@joshuaspicer7676 people would probably look at it like a dog with three heads 😆

[@BillieWilliams-l6m]

I replaced my 4 barrel Cleveland heads on my Boss 351 for 2 barrel heads. The engine ran much better 👌 with the normal sized intake ports. Boss head port is huge, to Big. Just like my wife saying, smaller is better

[@rossmason4434]

Better velocity with the 2 barrel heads . But using new port technology on the Cleveland is awesome steps up

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

You gained port velocity with the 2brl heads that's way more important then max flow numbers

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I thought so too

[@ultraclassic1550]

The Australians produced the 351C longer than the USA and had an improved head commonly know as the 3V head. Heard it was better than the 2v & 4v

[@andrewcarman5469]

this is awesome, please keep going, nice seeing like minded people considering the state o the world now.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Definitely moving forward, we have a new video coming up Monday morning

[@Thumper2Kewl]

This is an awesome idea I've looked at doing this myself and others have already done this similar conversion you can find videos on KZbin about what they did its definitely doable keep it up

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I've seen some of those videos but there all on Windsors. Basically for the Cleveland you have to reverse the clevor swap

[@outfitsgarage88]

I like the idea. Keep us informed

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks

[@hotpuppy1]

Good experiment to do. Cleveland blocks are very good. Making the valley cover might be a little bit to do to not have it leak. Intake will take some work to fabricate>>sheet metal intake.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I think the valley cover may not be that bad to do but you never know till you get to that level. It seems promising

[@carlnietoweise4653]

Some one's in a Jon Kaase state of mind! I'd go for it, just with a different Cleveland block if that's a numbers matching motor/car situation.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Definitely not numbers matching on this one I've had a few different setups in this one over the years

[@hondohooper5134]

The true spirit of hot rodding in my opinion is going to the junkyard and grabbing a dozen different parts from as many different cars and throwing it all together. Eager to see how this plays out

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I agree, let's move forward!

[@davidvanausdle5387]

Thanks right up, my alley Looks very doable.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

We'll see what happens! Its looking very promising so far

[@DonChampion-cq6ue]

Sounds like great idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Definitely moving forward

[@nitousinfinitarius1866]

Do it, I'll bet that Cleveland with gm heads will kick some hard butt! I would love to see this! Do it!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Definitely going forward with it

[@johnwall5624]

Hello there 👋🏻. Brother Hotroder !! Wow, looking real good, I, for one, would truly appreciate each,every, and all of your honest efforts in mating those GM. Aluminum casted heads, go onto your Ford Windsor Engine!! I am happy 😊 to see you thinking 🤔 about making it happen!! I'm an old timer, usually taking me a whole day to do a rear brake job on my Honda Odyssey, and that's after I have already painted the non-fiction areas of the combination Disc Brake and the Drum Brake used as the emergency and/or parking Brake. Man-Alive !! How I would like to be younger, like you, so that I could try the same thing here in Sacramento, California. You're 😎, for having the gumption of making this happen!! Please go for it, and surprise us all !! Thanks !!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I think it will work out great! Hopefully this will open up some options on the cheaper side of things

[@user-fj4tn3qf7k]

Best block GM could ever hope for a Clevo :) I recall back in the late 80s early 90s a guy making Clevos spin over 10k rpm totally insane.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Great point!

[@namanharwood7956]

Saving money an weight do it !!❤️

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely

[@jamesg2554]

I'd love to see this set up . There's nothing like combining brands to make power.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely

[@robturner7853]

In our world innovation is key , new and wild ideas are great!! go back just 20 yrs , compare then go back 30 then 40 ...what seemed crazy /undoable back then has become routine!! Go for it and GL!!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely, let's move forward with it!

[@georgejsalomskasiii3048]

I think it's a cool idea. I say go for it. The fact that there are so many similarities, especially the head bolt layout, what do you have to lose. I like new and weird things. Make it happen

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I think it's definitely worth a try!

[@Hippie9D]

Parts are parts, who cares where they came from! I came here just because you're doing something different, I dig it. This should be a really good flowing motor for cheap, have to respect that!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Yeah this is going to be fun I believe

[@Hippie9D]

@HotRodGuyGarage I remember there used to be a revolver called the Smyton or variants there of. Was a Colt Python barrel on a S&W frame. Best of both worlds. Most folks would mock it, but the folks that ran them won and the mocking stopped. There's a lesson there.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

@Hippie9D agreed sometimes taking the fork in the road that noone follows takes you to a better place

[@I.Live4oldcars.prospecting]

Awesome video. A true Hot Rodder uses parts from different brands and brings it all together to make something unique and awesome. I like what your doing. 👍

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks and Yes they do

[@greggc8088]

Well, I started out years ago as a die hard Chevy guy but after 37 years in the repair business don't care for any manufacturer and just like what's fun. That said, I still love giving die hard manufacturer followers a hard time so you had me at Chevy heads on a Ford. It will be fun and trigger Ford lovers. Win Win. I'll watch. And like it's been said, try hard to preserve that precious Cleveland block. Nothing to lose really.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely, it can always go back later if needed

[@directorwiechern1474]

Awesome project, LT heads will flow even more with the added cubes, the work to make em fit, easily done at a good machine shop. Would not change valve size until running them. I am sure the, low down torque gains will be huge, raised straight shot runners an all. Post the videos when you get the head work done, and good luck. Cheers Doug.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I agree Doug, I need to do a full mock up next and see how everything else lines up

[@TurboWorld]

Real cool, I have had fun building a 16v head on a 8v Volvo engine, it does alright. This is motivating.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Keep on building!

[@hfr_ford755]

My parts for this same project have been sitting for the last 3 years... I've been needing some motivation to get my shop finished so I can get it started again!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Understandable, shops take time to build and setup!

[@steveolive5978]

Nice find, I want to follow this as its very interesting. Being a fabricator myself, I totally get it lol.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks, I'm definitely moving forward with it seems to promising not to

[@sethbarnes7608]

I'm personally very excited to see you get this done

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I think it could be a cool alternative

[@c-man5679]

I love the idea...& I don't ever plan on doing it,just wanna know. I like "parts bashing" gets down to the roots of hot rodding!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks, its all about experimenting with what you have!

[@BenRasmussen-c3u]

great idea. ill have to by a local shop , he has been building engines for a long time. Thanks

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Definitely moving forward with it, been working on a new video

[@David-yy7lb]

The best of both worlds coming together to make some good power👍🏿

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

It looks promising so we will move forward

[@L.A.Concrete]

Let’s do it! I would weld all the holes and drill them to match the Cleveland block so that you don’t have any sealing issues. Make a valley plate from flat aluminum and bolt it to the China wall and deck it to the block.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Moving forward with it

[@scottgealow4136]

this IS hot rodding!! Keep up the good work

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Appreciate it! More to come

[@SamZ-j2p]

HotRodGuy is the 1st UTube channel I have ever subscribed to. The Mustang series was/is awesome. You should go for it on the Chevy heads. Doing unorthodox modifications is what Hot Rodding used to be all about. Now it's just 'throw cubic piles of $100 bills at it.'

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks, and your absolutely right

[@cgarris8674]

Do it! If you have a Ford 400 sitting around, maybe make a 10.2" deck height "Tall Deck Cleveland LT" :)

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I've avoided the tall deck 385's like the plague but it would be a nice to start with a 400

[@cgarris8674]

@@HotRodGuyGarage Yeah, the tall deck 335's get zero love but would be fun seeing a dare to be different build.

[@waygu66]

True hot rodding is using anything to go faster this is mint 👍

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely, thanks for the visit

[@samuelgoodman2825]

Back in 91 I had a buddy with a 4 barrel 351 C XR7.Local guy had a built 383 66 Bevedere.Ran into him at the red lights and dusted him off out of the hole but he got me in the middle.30 Years later we got the belvedere,turned it into a strong daily driver.Traded long ago

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Very cool

[@dupes_1618]

Great vid. Not what everyone elseis doing.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Exactly!

[@FiteTheGoodFight]

Just found your channel. I think you should do this LT head project. Should make for some interesting Cleveland content. I used to own 71 Torino 500. 2v Cleveland in that one. When I was in high-school, I rebuilt that engine standard bore with a mild cam and an adapter plate to adapt a 600 Holley mechanical secondary carb to the two barrel intake. Believe it or not, none of my buddies with their 350 Pontiacs and 350 Chevies could keep up to it.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I'm definitely going to move forward with it, seems like a no brainer. And the 2v was no slouch way more torque down low where needed

[@randyedwards3244]

"Necessity is the mother of invention" as is "Financially embarrassed Hot Rodders find cheaper ways to go faster!" Russ, this reminds me of my '72 Celica in the early '80's when it's carb went "Belly up". With little extra funds for a kit, I looked for alternative resolutions. Looking at a 2 to 4 barrel adapter I happened to have, I noticed the base pattern from th GM 2bbl end was VERY close to that of the Toyota. Using hand tools I corrected the difference then bolted the adapter on. Above this sat a 600 CFM Holley with vacuum secondaries, topped with a 10" - 12" air cleaner. As I remember, it took some messing around with Power Valves and Jets but in the end it became quite the reliable combination. Sometimes having the money to solve an issue isn't necessarily the best thing. Being "Financially embarrassed " unlocks creativity. I know you can relate.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely true, sometimes thinking outside the box brings new better ideas

[@DualKalibur]

Definitly go for it. More exciting than just slapping edlebrocks on it, and might be a budget upgrade lurking in junkyards!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely so far it seems straightforward, new video will be out Monday morning

[@stevea6722]

Interesting project, will be watching to see how it turns out. Good luck!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Thanks,I'm definitely going forward with this

[@Joeameturexpert]

Please do this. The oil/water passage can be plugged or welded. Can't wait for this to be a thing. The LT heads have some potential with cnc porting.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely it's in progress

[@nova467spanker]

Do It brother, put it together.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Moving forward with it

[@waygu66]

This is awesome idea ! This will be so interesting to watch 👍

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Glad you're along for the ride!

[@chucksmith7166]

Why are you contemplating get it done already. Best thing that could ever happen to a Cleveland. Now I want to build one!!!!!!!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I want to cover all my bases first before I send these to the machine shop for port work and flow numbers

[@dugangant]

Cant wait to see this Cleveland running with some lt heads!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Definitely going forward with it

[@dynomax7497]

Hey Russ, a thought provoking idea for sure! It's all of these ideas that keeps us involved as well as the slightly less exciting things (but still satisfying) like block sanding!!! I say go for it. A few questions/observations........ the intake manifold, camshaft and headers will all be custom (headers could be done in-house). Are any of these already available from the aftermarket? I still think this would be radical in your '66 project 😊. Watching with great interest, Steve (New Zealand).

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

If I'm right the intake should work with light mods (only .040 thou deck height difference) you should be able to use a Cleveland cam (these are opposite valve layout of a LS so there just like a Ford) I had thought about putting it in the mustang, but wanted a lightweight body for the 300 six

[@paulg8836]

This is actually something I have been wanting to do, it opens up a possibility of using modern and affordable intake styles, superchargers designed for LT engines, and modern fuel injection for a smooth running 351 plus cubic inch engine. May be the best factory head that can be put on a Cleveland 😆

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I hope it works out as well as we are hoping!

[@qtrmirob]

Love it! I would upgrade to a roller cam with link bar lifters. No mods needed!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

The engine was already setup with a old crane solid roller, gonna swap to a hydraulic roller to save on valve train

[@cpot9818]

I am building one myself. Cleve-LT. Oil return will get plugged off block side. The oil return through the lifter valley on the ls/lt.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I think it has promise, definitely a better flowing head with better velocity

[@MartyWatters]

What did you do for rocker arms?

[@stevenbelue5496]

Yea tap and set screw the oil passage on the block. I would also look at the 6.2 head it may be a better option vs the 5.3 head because it was a 4.065" bore. Might be better chamber fitment and larger valves. The 5.3 had a tiny 3.78" bore.

[@stevenbelue5496]

Might lose some velocity with the 6.2 head if the ports are larger, i dont think gm was concerned all that much with velocity since they were direct injected.

[@cpot9818]

The L86 heads(6.2l) is the route I am going. The intake is going to be the worst part. BTR truck intake has injector bung option but the cylinder layout is what will be the problem for guys I'm going to fab my own center with the BTR runners. No other factory style intake is close on a Cleveland block, with L86 heads, 351m/400 Edelbrock intake top of the intake runner is at the bottom of the runner on the head. Someone could fab a spacer to use it.

[@kellywheeler1940]

True ford guys like myself say no no no. I'm intrigued though an is wanting to see if it will work. Let's do it!!!!😊

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Definitely moving forward with it, working on our next video now

[@jchaire3622]

As a true die hard GM guy here im rooting for ya. I hope you do continue to bolt on the LT head and see how much of a gain there wil be. Promise you there will be a significant amount that will shock you. I say do it for the experimental properties. I mean 2 LT heads still weigh less than one ford head. Aluminum heads are easier to port and work with compared to cast iron. Thats good enough reason right there. The die hard oval boyz will not be convinced either way.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

I think it has promise for sure definitely cheaper so far

[@RamonaTripp]

I say go for it. I think it definitely could work. It’s like people welding two ls heads together for the 300 I6 fords

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Absolutely sometimes you have to think outside the box for your goals

[@RamonaTripp]

@ yeah exactly and just like you said it adds a cool factor into it. Making power on a budget because i definitely know that performance parts especially a good set of aluminum heads for fords aren’t cheap

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

@@RamonaTripp yeah a good quality Cleveland head is 4-6k

[@dustinwalston951]

That is funny. I was thinking about putting LS heads on my modified like 5 days ago.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

It's definitely possible

[@BillieWilliams-l6m]

Will the 400 Ford engine short block, OR just the 400 crank. For increased CID

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Looking into going either 393 or 408; depending on how the rest of the process goes

[@williamlane6374]

I'd do it. Don't worry about what other people say. Nice thing about car world, is that you can personalize your vehicle to your liking. You will for sure get more attention because people draw towards different that the regular old usual.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Well said! Definitely moving forward with it

[@williamlane6374]

@HotRodGuyGarage yup I have a 1987 mercury cougar with a vortec super charged mustang 5.0L and it get most of the attention more so than most cars at shows

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

@@williamlane6374 awesome, I had a H.O swapped 88 xr7 a while back

[@williamlane6374]

@@HotRodGuyGarage yup mi e is a XR7, red on red

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Awesome! Mine was too

[@RMINTZELL]

Russ, your wisdom never ends. I had no idea you could bolt a Chevy head to a ford block. What exactly would be the name of that motor one completed? You need to come up with a name for it.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

With enough effort anything can be done, I've just been doing some research on these heads and they were laying here at the shop. Just a thought at this moment

[@samuelayers3429]

I think I've seen odd things done with 6 cylinder head swapping, too. This looks interesting.

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

It definitely could be

[@vrm86gt]

subscribed to see where this goes! really liking the possibilities with this!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Welcome to the channel, it could definitely open up some new avenues