I have heads from a 77-79 nova, 350 that is. And I want to put them on a 79 block....but i think the problem will be is will the heads match up my 89 TPI at the intake ports????? It is going to be a total swap...basicly I just want those heads and block with the tpi on it????will it work or match up???? Thanks

 

yes the ports will match up but the center bolt holes will not

they can be easily modified to work though

IMHO, why waste time with crappy heads like that?

 

No the '89 TPI set-up has a different intake bolt pattern then your '79 heads have so they won't just bolt right up. You my be able to either have no holes drilled into the base or the heads (I'm not sure though, someone else here should be able to answer that one) or I beleive you could use an '85 TPI base (if you can find one) as it should have the correct bolt pattern.

 

I'm not sure exactly what year the heads are, but they aren't stock heads, they are ported and polished, 1.94/1.60 valves.....their casting number is 3998998, I don't know if that will help...but that is it.

 

are you sure the last number is an 8? could it be a 3? i looked through my interchange manual to help you out but the 3998993 are 71 to present came on the 350 and 400 sb and had either 1.94i,1.50e or 2.02i, 1.60e its an intermediate performance head

oh yeah it should be good up to 86 blocks it isnt a center bolt head

 

I'm not sure if that is an 8 or a 3. I do know they are not centerbolt heads. The guy I bought the heads from had the bigger valves installed. I just really want to know if I go through all the trouble pulling out my friends 79 block, and I put those heads on it, then I go to put my intake on it, and it doesn't work I'll be upset. See I just don't want to start doing this project untill I know that my intake will bolt up. I know the heads are good heads. they game off a engine that was pumping like 350hp. They are completely rebuilt too. I'm pretty sure they are 3998993's. I'm not at home right now, and I was looking at the number in dim light. but I'm pretty sure you are right? I would appreciate any help, thanks guys..Keep up the good work!!!!!!!

 

im not sure about tpi but i have a tbi manifold from a 88 camaro on a 85 block that doesnt have center bolt heads. it was already done when i bought the car but it looks like they just ovalled the holes out some to make it fit? im not real sure i'll compare it to my buddys car tonight or tomorrow. like i said though thats tbi not tpi same concept though center bolt to non center bolt

 

well they are 3998993 heads, I just looked. I'm just skeptical that my TPI intake will not bolt up to them. is there anyone that knows? Do they have different angles or something??? do the bolt holes not match up, or the water ducts...I don't know I haven't found anyone that has done this before. I'm clueless. I do see what you mean 87CIZ...Its just I want a yes or no answer basicly, I know your tbi worked, but why wouldn't or would a TPI work???

 

Couple of things:

The older heads won't likely have all the accessory mounting holes on the front surfaces like your later model heads would. If you're installing into an '89 car which has serpentine brackets, this is an issue. Compare the front surfaces of your heads. Don't know what car you're installing this into, so it may or may not be an issue for you.

1991tealRSt-topGuy already answered your "will they fit" question in the first response to this post. You probably have the heads and your intake right there...look at them to see if they'll bolt up for sure.

 

As Kevinc said that would be your best bet compare them to make sure all your accessories will bolt back up. if you have your tpi heads compare the holes compared to the 8993's and see. if everything is the same, i wouldnt see why it wouldn't work as 1991tealRSt-topGuy said. I'm only 19 and that is the best advice i can give due to my experiences.


ALSO: Are you going with the sepentine setup or you going with a v belt setup. i re read the thread and noticed you said a 79 block im guessing a v-belt setup?