Overview
This 1979-1995 Mustang cylinder head and camshaft guide will overview the heads and cams we offer and how they will coincide. 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 to this regarding 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 question, "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 Trickflow, Ford Performance, Edelbrock, and AFR.
Recommended Camshafts
Maximum Valve Clearance:
- 0.550 in (LMR 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:
Intake Gasket:
Spark Plug:
Combustion Chamber Volume:
CARB Legal:
- These cylinder heads DO NOT have the provisions for smog and, therefore are not 50 state legal.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
- Valve Springs are rated up to .575 Lift, Piston to valve clearance MUST BE MEASURED & CHECKED on any cam greater than .500 lift to verify proper clearances.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
- Check rocker arm clearance to valve springs with production rocker arms
Stud Reducers:
Recommended Camshafts
Maximum Valve Clearance:
- 0.550 in (LMR 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:
Intake Gasket:
Spark Plug:
Combustion Chamber Volume:
CARB Legal:
- These cylinder heads DO NOT have the provisions for smog and, therefore are not 50 state legal.
Piston To Valve Clearance:
- Valve Springs are rated up to .600 Lift, Piston to valve clearance MUST BE MEASURED & CHECKED on any cam greater than .500 lift to verify proper clearances.
Rocker Clearance Issues:
- Check rocker arm clearance to valve springs with production rocker arms
Stud Reducers:
Recommended Camshafts- Ford Performance 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:Intake Gasket:Spark Plug:- AWSF32CK
- Please note- These cylinder heads feature an augmented spark plug location that will cause interference on aftermarket headers
Combustion Chamber Volume: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 have PTV 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 2.02/1.60
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:Intake Gasket:Spark Plug:Combustion Chamber Volume: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 have PTV 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
Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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:Intake Gasket:Spark Plug:Combustion Chamber Volume: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 have PTV 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 1.90/1.60
Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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:Intake Gasket:Spark Plug:Combustion Chamber Volume: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 have PTV 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
Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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:Intake Gasket:Spark Plug:Combustion Chamber Volume:CARB Legal:- These Heads Are 50 State Compliant
Piston To Valve Clearance:- 87-95 you should not run into PTV issues. 86 will have PTV 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:
Manufacturer Part Number:51400004-M61 Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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: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 have PTV 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
Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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:Intake Gasket:Spark Plug:Combustion Chamber Volume: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 have PTV 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
Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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:Intake Gasket:Spark Plug:Combustion Chamber Volume: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 have PTV 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:
Manufacturer Part Number:1472 Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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:- 5/16” Pedestal mounted assembly
Push Rods:Head Gasket:Intake Gasket:- 1979-1995 Mustang Fel-Pro Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Kit W/Large Port Heads
Spark Plug:Combustion Chamber Volume: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 have PTV 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:
Manufacturer Part Number:1422 Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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: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 have PTV 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:
Manufacturer Part Number:1341 Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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: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 have PTV 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:
Manufacturer Part Number:1450 Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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: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 have PTV 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:
Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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: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 have PTV 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:
Manufacturer Part Number:52515601CK1 Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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: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 have PTV 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:
Manufacturer Part Number:52616601-C03 Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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: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 have PTV 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:
Manufacturer Part Number:5261T661-C03 Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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: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 have PTV 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:
Manufacturer Part Number:1450 Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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: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 have PTV 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:
Manufacturer Part Number:M-6049-Z2 Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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: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 have PTV 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:
Manufacturer Part Number:M-6049-X2 Recommended CamshaftsMaximum 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:- 5/16” Pedastal mounted assembly
Push Rods:- Stock-length hardened push rods will work in most cases.
Head Gasket:Intake Gasket:Spark Plug:Combustion Chamber Volume: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 have PTV 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:
