How Do I Port the Ford 2.3 Turbo Head?
Cylinder head porting is one of the oldest hot rod tricks, hearkening back to a time when major aftermarket engine components either didn’t exist or cost more than the engines they were designed for. Porting is the process of reshaping and (often) enlarging a cylinder head’s intake and exhaust ports to enhance airflow from the intake to the cylinders. Once thought of as something of a black art amongst hot-rodders, cylinder head porting is now something that almost any average mechanic can do–provided that the mechanic has the right tools and knowledge and some experience beforehand. Lay an old intake manifold gasket over your head’s intake surface and hold it in place with two intake manifold bolts. Spray the gasket and head surface with a very light coat of white paint. Carefully remove the intake gasket to reveal the white ring around your ports. Repeat this procedure on the exhaust side. Use your cylindrical carbide bit to remove all of the metal covered with white paint. Hold the
