I have recently gained ownership of a 81 Trans Am with a 383 stroker in it. First question. It needs a head gasket and probably has aftermarket performance heads on it. Will it use the same head gasket as a stock 350 or will it require a special gasket designed for whatever kind of heads are on it? It also has an aftermarket carb and probably intake and cam. Is there any chance this thing will pass the emmissions test in Charlotte, NC? I have no idea if there is any emmissions stuff under the hood as I haven't looked and the friend I got it from bought the car in SC which has no emmissions testing.

Remy

 

Head gasket depends upon what heads are on it. Most use standard gaskets, but some, like aluminum, can't use some gaskets used on standard cast iron heads.

Way too many unknowns to hazard a guess about emissions.

 

How could I tell what kind of heads are on it? If they are stock 350 heads where will the numbers be and if they are performance heads will it have the name of the heads on them somewhere or just the companies name? If they are aftermarket they would more than likely be edlebrock since that is who the carb, intake and everything else that can dressed up on the engine is made by. Plus there are about 10 edlebrock stickers all over the engine bay! Do edlebrock heads use standard gaskets or does it vary from model to model?

Remy

 

take a picture with the valve cover off and post it on here if you can't find a part number or name somewhere