[2kGT]

Well I would like to once and for all resolve this issue of whether or not for the model years 99-04, the romeo and windsor heads are interchangable. I would like to be rid of the windsor heads due to the spark plug problem, but I have always assumed you cannot put romeo heads on the windsor block. Has anyone ever done this? I have had a hard time finding anything that says you can or cannot, but I did run across this little bit from Patriot for their stage iii heads:

"NOTE: For help identifying your block, Romeo Blocks have 11 bolt valve covers, Windsor Blocks have 13 bolt valve covers. These heads do not fit Windsor Blocks"

This sounds to me like the nail in the coffin, but if anyone knows otherwise, id love to hear it.

[MustangMatt96GT]

You can use Windsor heads on a Romeo block, and Romeo Heads on a Windsor Block.


You can also get windsor heads spark plug problem fixed.

[Boomer]

The other major difference is the guides, other than the two minor problems they are a direct swap.

[2kGT]

Have you guys done this actual swap before? Why would patriot say the heads are block specific?

[MustangMatt96GT]

Because its Patriot!

And boomer has done the swap many times.

And i will be doing it here in next few months!

[2kGT]

Not trying to doubt you guys, just want to be sure so I dont end up with a pair of heads I cant use. Whats the deal with the windsor head fix? The first time I shot a plug I took the head off and cut in new threads and screwed in a threaded sleeve - I used the kit from summit. Now this same one is leaking by and I figure its a matter of time before it is ruined completely. Ive got another set of windsor heads sitting in the garage I could technically use, but Im just so dam sick of this problem - this will be the third plug Ive shot if this one comes out!

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by 2kGT Have you guys done this actual swap before? Why would patriot say the heads are block specific?

Take what patriot says with a grain of salt, I asked them questions about their heads they were clueless on. They make junk compared to a reputable shop. They bought a ton of blemmed castings from Ford and got what they deserved, their end product showed. I have 2 sets here I am trying to fix, you want to buy one of them ?????? one is less than 3 months old LOL ....... and they say they resolved their problem !!!!!!!!

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by 2kGT Not trying to doubt you guys, just want to be sure so I dont end up with a pair of heads I cant use. Whats the deal with the windsor head fix? The first time I shot a plug I took the head off and cut in new threads and screwed in a threaded sleeve - I used the kit from summit. Now this same one is leaking by and I figure its a matter of time before it is ruined completely. Ive got another set of windsor heads sitting in the garage I could technically use, but Im just so dam sick of this problem - this will be the third plug Ive shot if this one comes out!

I use timeserts on most of the heads I do, they work well. I have used helicoils and had luck with them when installed properly. I do every plug hole just to be safe, they need to have 8 threads or you'll be back to square one.

[2kGT]

I think the summit kit works well - Ive got over 10K since the fix, I just wish I had used red thread locker on the sleeve.

[Eagle2000GT]

Boomer,

If Patriot Performance heads are crap. What would you suggest?

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by Eagle2000GT Boomer, If Patriot Performance heads are crap. What would you suggest?

Steen, Renegade, Modular performance, Livernois, ModularPowerHouse, TEA the list can go on. It mostly depends on what you want to do to them. I even port heads and I have had great success with both heads.

[40thmustanggt]

so you guys are saying that the windsor heads have this problem and the romeo don't?? i thought all 4.6's and 5.4's had this problem?? how do i know if mine has this problem or not??

[Eagle2000GT]

I have a Windsor motor. I do not have the problem... yet. But, the next mechanic that works on my motor could strip out the threads.

Boomer, thanks for the list. I really hope I don't need it.

[MustangMatt96GT]

Originally Posted by 40thmustanggt so you guys are saying that the windsor heads have this problem and the romeo don't?? i thought all 4.6's and 5.4's had this problem?? how do i know if mine has this problem or not??

count the number of bolts on ur valve cover. If it is 13 or 14 then u have the possiblity of this problem, and if it has 11 you dont.

[RyanGT]

When i had it done, only minor modifications were done. Just had to grind something down a bit if i remember right... nothing big though.

[40thmustanggt]

Originally Posted by MustangMatt96GT Originally Posted by 40thmustanggt so you guys are saying that the windsor heads have this problem and the romeo don't?? i thought all 4.6's and 5.4's had this problem?? how do i know if mine has this problem or not?? count the number of bolts on ur valve cover. If it is 13 or 14 then u have the possiblity of this problem, and if it has 11 you dont.

thanks matt!! i checked your reply this morning at 5am and some how missed read it so i got ready for work an on my way out i checked and counted 11 and i was freaked out all day because i thought 11 was bad lol! anyways now that im awake good and can read right its only 11bolts on the valve covers so im good?? i can change my plugs and not have to worry about the plugs blowing out?? if so alot of worry off my chest

[MustangMatt96GT]

Well you always have a small risk, but Romeo heads, which is what you have, are not known for this problem. So as far as im concerned you are safe.