1988 302 efi and heads on a 1965 289?

Hey guys, I was wondering if it was possible,within reason, to place the cylinder heads off of a 1988 302 efi on my 1965 289 Mustang? I would also possibly put the efi system on it as well, depending if there are any differences between the stock carbeurated heads and the efi heads. Main question: will these 1988 302 heads fit on my 1965 289?  

Call Ford Motorsport to be sure.  

There is no difference, the heads will fit fine, however the chamber size of the later heads is 60.6-63.6cc compared to earlier chamber sizes of 52-55cc so you will be running a reduced compression ratio which isnt really conducive to performance. The valve and runner size is the same. You can shave the head surface to get back some compression, consult your local machinine shop as to how much is allowable and reasonable.  

Thanks, thats what I thought. But without it being machined will those heads give me any better fuel econimy or power?  

One other thought, would it be beneficial to put the cam and rollers from the efi 302 into my 289? Im not sure on the duration, lobe, etc. of either the efi 302 or my 289, im just trying to go with some cheap performance upgrades that won't come back to bite me later.  

The later model uses a different firing order and different weighted crank so the cam isnt a good idea. The block must be machined to accept the roller lifters also. The heads alone are not likely to give you any performance advantage as the lowered compression ratio will kill power. Its fairly cheap to come up with an HO short block thats already machined for the roller lifters and has the later model firing order crank ,,,also will have forged(pop up) pistons and a one piece seal(if its an 85 or later HO). You can assemble this with your early model timing chain cover and plug the side oil dipstick hole then you can utilize your early model accesories and no one will know the difference.  Whether you carburate or use EFI is up to you. You will need a special front balancer to accept the early pulley and a different(54oz) balanced flywheel or flex plate but both are readily available.  

Thanks a bunch!! I didn't know that the firing order was different but I did figure that the lowered compression would kinda negate any performance the newer heads would bring.