Ward Performance CNC Ported Milwaukee-8 Cylinder Heads
Ward Performance offers race-proven CNC-ported cylinder heads for Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-8 (M8) engines, leveraging Rick Ward's decades of top-level racing and engine development experience. These heads power many of the world's highest-performing M8 builds and are optimized for engines producing 150-220+ horsepower, depending on the specific porting package and supporting modifications.
Ward Performance provides tailored CNC porting options for different M8 generations and head types using advanced 5-axis machining for superior airflow, velocity, and combustion efficiency:
- Gen 1 (Oil-Cooled Heads, 2017-2023 non-center-cooled models): Typically features +1mm or +2mm oversized valves with extensive porting. Delivers significant gains, such as up to +15% intake and +31% exhaust flow in +1mm configurations.
- Gen 2 (Center-Cooled Heads, 2024+ models): Specialized packages for standard center-cooled heads (+2mm valves recommended) and Screamin' Eagle (SE) extreme-flow center-cooled heads. These optimize the improved cooling design, offering impressive flow increases (e.g., 17.6% intake / 31.1% exhaust in some +2mm programs) for high-compression, high-stress builds.
- S&S MK136 Heads: Dedicated CNC porting programs for S&S MK-series 136ci crate engine heads (M8-compatible style, often with larger valves and higher-flow potential). These unlock maximum performance from big-bore S&S builds.
Standard Features (across most packages):
- Extensive 5-axis CNC porting of intake and exhaust ports
- +1mm to +4mm oversized valves (package-dependent; stainless or titanium options available)
- Multi-radius competition valve job
- High-lift beehive or dual springs (.625"-.640" lift standard; higher-lift options available)
- New bronze valve guides and seals
- Precision re-machining of gasket surfaces and combustion chambers
- Thorough flow-bench testing; valve seats replaced as needed
- Combustion chamber volumes: 89cc or 85cc standard (custom volumes available on request)
Options and Notes:
- +1mm packages → Often paired with .600"-.625" lift springs
- Higher-lift springs (.640"+) → Available for extra charge
- Customer-supplied heads → 4-6 week turnaround (send in first to avoid core charge)
- Exchange program → $650 core charge if Ward sends heads first
For the ultimate M8 performance, contact Ward Performance directly to select the ideal Gen 1, Gen 2, or MK136 porting package for your build. These heads consistently deliver proven horsepower and torque on street, strip, and race applications worldwide.
