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Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Created by Jay Walling
Last Updated 3/17/2021

Don't know which heads and cams will work together? LMR has put together this 1979-95 Mustang cylinder head and camshaft guide to help.

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Viewing this install and using the information shared is subject to the terms set forth here - View the LMR Install Instructions Disclaimer.

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Overview

This 1979-1995 Mustang cylinder head and camshaft guide will be an overview of the heads and cams that we offer and how they will coincide together. This will follow the guideline of a 1.6 rocker baseline, and factory bottom end 79-95 related 5.0L Mustangs only. There are too many variables to add into this in regards to aftermarket stroker kits or components. We hope this will help clarify any confusion with the numerous combinations that are offered through LMR.com. This guide will answer the popular questions of "Which cylinder heads work with which cams on my 5.0 Mustang motor?". It also shows which rocker arms and gaskets to use for the best performance when rebuilding your 5.0L and 5.8L motor. We stock all of the industry-leading brands such as SVE, Trickflow, Ford Performance, Edelbrock, and AFR.

SVE Performance Aluminum Cylinder Heads

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Clearance:
  • 0.550 in (Late Model Restoration.com always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 3/8” Stud Mounted assembly
Push Rods: Head Gasket: Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 61cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Mustang GT40P Cylinder Heads

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts
  • FRPP Camshafts- E303, B303
  • Trick Flow - Stage 1 (ONLY WHEN UPGRADED SPRINGS ARE USED! PLEASE USE TFS-2500100 WHEN UPGRADING THESE HEADS)
Maximum Valve Clearance:
  • 0.550 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless. If upgrading Camshaft, you will need to upgrade the spring to a TFS-2500100.
Rocker Arms:
  • •Will accept factory style pedestal mount rocker arms
Push Rods:
  • Stock length hardened push rods will work in most cases.
Head Gasket:
  • 1979-1995 Mustang Ford Racing Head Gasket Set
Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 59cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • •Check rocker arm clearance to valve springs with production rocker arms
Stud Reducers:

Edelbrock E-Street Fully Assembled Heads 1.90/1.60

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts
  • Not compatible with hydraulic roller camshafts
Maximum Valve Clearance:
  • 0.550 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 3/8” Stud Mounted assembly
Push Rods:
  • Stock length hardened push rods will work in most cases.
Head Gasket:
  • 1979-1995 Mustang Ford Racing Head Gasket Set
Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 60cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Edelbrock E-Street Fully Assembled Heads 2.02/1.60

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts
  • Not compatible with hydraulic roller camshafts
Maximum Valve Clearance:
  • 0.550 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 3/8” Stud Mounted assembly
Push Rods:
  • Stock length hardened push rods will work in most cases.
Head Gasket:
  • 1979-1995 Mustang Ford Racing Head Gasket Set
Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 60cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Edelbrock E-Series Fully Assembled Heads 205cc

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.650 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 3/8” Stud Mounted assembly
Push Rods:
  • Stock length hardened push rods will work in most cases.
Head Gasket:
  • 1979-1995 Mustang Ford Racing Head Gasket Set
Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 60cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Edelbrock Performer Cylinder Heads 190/1.60

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.575 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 3/8” Stud Mounted assembly
Push Rods:
  • Stock length hardened push rods will work in most cases.
Head Gasket:
  • 1979-1995 Mustang Ford Racing Head Gasket Set
Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 60cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Edelbrock Performer Cylinder Heads 2.02/1.60

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.575 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • Will Accept Factory Style Pedestal Mount Rocker Arms
Push Rods:
  • Stock length hardened push rods will work in most cases.
Head Gasket:
  • 1979-1995 Mustang Ford Racing Head Gasket Set
Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 60cc
CARB Legal:
  • These Heads Are 50 State Compliant
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Trickflow Twisted Wedge w/ Upgraded Springs 170cc 2.02/1.60

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.600 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 3/8” Stud mounted assembly
Push Rods: Head Gasket: Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 66cc
CARB Legal:
  • 50-state emissions-legal on 1996 and earlier 289, 302, and 351W Fords (CARB E.O. #D-369-18)
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Ford Racing GT40X Cylinder Heads 64cc 1.94/1.54

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.600 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • Will accept factory style pedestal mount rocker arms
Push Rods:
  • Stock length hardened push rods will work in most cases.
Head Gasket:
  • 1979-1995 Mustang Ford Racing Head Gasket Set
Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 64cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • Check rocker arm clearance to valve springs with production rocker arms
Stud Reducers:

Ford Racing GT40X Cylinder Heads 58cc 1.94/1.5

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.600 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • Will accept factory style pedestal mount rocker arms
Push Rods:
  • Stock length hardened push rods will work in most cases.
Head Gasket:
  • 1979-1995 Mustang Ford Racing Head Gasket Set
Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 58cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • Check rocker arm clearance to valve springs with production rocker arms
Stud Reducers:

AFR 165cc Cylinder Heads 68cc 1.90/1.60

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)
Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.600 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 3/8” Stud mounted assembly
Push Rods: Head Gasket:
  • 1979-1995 Mustang Ford Performance Head Gasket Set 5.0/5.8
Intake Gasket:
  • 1979-1995 Mustang Fel-Pro Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Kit W/Large Port Heads
Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 68cc
CARB Legal:
  • Legal for 1995 and older emissions controlled vehicles under CARB EO #D-250-3
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

AFR 185cc Cylinder Heads 58cc 2.02/1.60

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.600 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 3/8” Stud mounted assembly
Push Rods: Head Gasket: Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 58cc
CARB Legal:
  • Legal for 1995 and older emissions controlled vehicles under CARB EO #D-250-3
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Trick Flow Twisted Wedge 11R 170 Cylinder Heads - 53CC Chamber 5.0/5.8

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)
Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.600 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 7/16” Stud mounted assembly
Push Rods:
  • Will require the use of longer pushrods. Please use a Trick Flow Pushrod Length Checking Tool to allow you to check the proper length needed for your application.
Head Gasket: Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 53cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Trick Flow Twisted Wedge 11R 190 Cylinder Heads - 56CC Chamber 5.0/5.8

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.600 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 7/16” Stud mounted assembly
Push Rods:
  • Will require the use of longer pushrods. Please use a Trick Flow Pushrod Length Checking Tool to allow you to check the proper length needed for your application.
Head Gasket: Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 56cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Trick Flow Twisted Wedge 11R 205 Cylinder Heads - 56CC Chamber - TI Retainers 5.0/5.8

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.600 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 7/16” Stud mounted assembly
Push Rods:
  • Will require the use of longer pushrods. Please use a Trick Flow Pushrod Length Checking Tool to allow you to check the proper length needed for your application.
Head Gasket: Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 56cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Trick Flow Twisted Wedge 11R 205 Cylinder Heads - 66CC Chamber 5.0/5.8

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.600 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 7/16” Stud mounted assembly
Push Rods:
  • Will require the use of longer pushrods. Please use a Trick Flow Pushrod Length Checking Tool to allow you to check the proper length needed for your application.
Head Gasket: Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 66cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Trick Flow Twisted Wedge 11R 205 Cylinder Heads - 66CC Chamber - TI Retainers 5.0/5.8

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.600 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 7/16” Stud mounted assembly
Push Rods:
  • Will require the use of longer pushrods. Please use a Trick Flow Pushrod Length Checking Tool to allow you to check the proper length needed for your application.
Head Gasket: Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 66cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

AFR 205CC Renegade Cylinder Heads - 58CC Chamber 5.0/5.8

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.710 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 7/16” Stud mounted assembly
Push Rods:
  • Will require the use of longer pushrods. Please use a Trick Flow Pushrod Length Checking Tool to allow you to check the proper length needed for your application.
Head Gasket: Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 58cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Ford Performance Z2 204CC Cylinder Heads - 63CC Chamber 5.0/5.8

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.650 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 7/16” Stud mounted assembly
Push Rods:
  • Will require the use of longer pushrods. Please use a Trick Flow Pushrod Length Checking Tool to allow you to check the proper length needed for your application.
Head Gasket: Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 63cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:

Ford Performance 204CC Z Cylinder Heads - 63CC Chamber 5.0/5.8

Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95) - Mustang Cylinder Head & Camshaft Guide (79-95)

Recommended Camshafts Maximum Valve Lift:
  • 0.650 in (Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.)
Rocker Arms:
  • 7/16” Stud mounted assembly
Push Rods:
  • Will require the use of longer pushrods. Please use a Trick Flow Pushrod Length Checking Tool to allow you to check the proper length needed for your application.
Head Gasket: Intake Gasket: Spark Plug: Combustion Chamber Volume:
  • 63cc
CARB Legal:
  • OFF-ROAD use only and will not pass emissions testing.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
  • 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will due to the factory flat top piston design. Late Model Restoration always recommends to double check PTV when installing a new set of heads or cam regardless.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
  • May require larger valve covers depending on the style and brand of rocker arm assemblies.
Stud Reducers:
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1979-93 Mustang Ford Performance Cylinder Heads

1979-93 Mustang Edelbrock Cylinder Heads

866.507.3786