kenf729

iTrader: (3)

First let me thank this group, lots of great information here...

I just picked up and 89 RS, no motor or Tranny, however everything alse is there.

my question is this, I've got a 350 4bolt main short block, using stock cam, Edelbrock intake and a Holley 650.

I had a friend give me a set a heads (casting # 14014416) Looking up casting numbers these are from a 305.

so I guess my question is will they work? Or do I need to find 350 heads?

Thank you,

Ken

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

they'll work, they're the stock heads off the 305 f-bodies in these years.
They have 58cc chambers, which will bring up the compression from the typical smog '70s 350 levels of 8:1 ish.
If you port them they'll work even better

kenf729

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the quick reply, Porting...hmm, may just have to look into that, whats all involved in that? Is it something I can do at home? wanting to do this project with minimal $$$

thanks again

Ken

F-BIRD'88

Search for a thread by Sitting Bull. there is a ton of info and pics on porting the 416 heads.

It's good way to go for a budget 350 build up. Yes you can do it (the porting) at home. An new valve job (for the new larger valves) will require the services of a local automotive machine shop.

I do the whole thing for about $half the cost$ of new aftermarket heads.

416's are prefered for their small combustion chamber, hardened valve seats and unrestricted ports. Most times the valve guides are in decent shape too.

kenf729

iTrader: (3)

I did some searching and found the porting thread...however,for the time spent is it worth it in the long run? maybe get a little bit more hp, but then again since I'm going with stock cam, and the hours spent.... again is it something I should I persue?

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

do you want to go faster or not?

F-BIRD'88

If you're just using the stock cam then just do mild bowl porting on the heads. You could even use the stock valve size. (if the heads need a valve job I'd get new larger 1.94-1.60" valves. Cost is the same. Spend say 1/2 hour on each port blending the sharp machine edges below the valve seats and contouring the valve guide bosses some will add about 15-20hp and some torque. You'll have to make the decision as to how much time to spend on your heads. All depends on if you just want a motor that runs or want a little power advantage over the next guy.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

kenf729

iTrader: (3)

F-bird, wow I didn't think it would add that much HP...ok maybe I'd better take a look into portiing, do you have any pics of before and after of blending the sharp edges?

thanks, and sorry for all the newbe questions..

Ken

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

There are SCHWACKS of pictures online, on TGO there are plenty (Fbird probably posted a good portion of those too ) but i'd try a search too.
Look at aftermarket heads too, when they show a pic of the bowl, that's the shape you want to go for eh?
standard abrasives puts together a nice kit for this. You just need to add carbide cutters, along with your speed controlled die grinder, and you're set!