This is my first engine build, and I've been doing as much research as possible, but still have some questions.

I have a 350 block ready to go, and am going to add a balanced rotating assembly. Probably a kit from Eagle, which will be good for 500 HP, which should make the bottom end bullet-proof. I already have a roller cam, specs are 206/212 duration @ .050., .480/.487 lift with 1.5 rockers. 112 lsa.

Beyond this, I'd like to use the stock TPI set-up for the time being, since the costs for this project have already spiraled out of control. I want the car to be very drivable and get good mileage, and low end torque is the more important aspect of engine performance to me.

Which brings up the head selection. I was initially set on either ProComp's or Patriots since you can find them fully assembled for under 600 bucks, but after reading all the horror stories, I've almost completely scrapped that option.

I'm not really sure whether to go iron or aluminum. Currently I'm debating over Dart Pro 1's or Iron Eagles. You can find nice deals on eBay for bare sets, the Pro 1's being about 200 bucks more per set. The thing about the Eagles is that you cannot get the platinum version in the 180 cc, which is probably about the best size for a street-able engine with a torque emphasis? I'd have to move up to 200 cc for the platinum version, which I understand is a nice improvement. In addition, since I have not purchased my pistons, I can choose which combustion chamber size I want. Is there an ideal size for my needs, or should I just be concerned with overall compression ratio?

I'm just looking for some opinions. There is also the option of browsing the classifieds for a nice used set of fully assembled aluminum heads. Once I get the heads figured out and purchased, I can move forward with the rest of the project.

One final question, how hard is it to get bare heads and build them yourself? I'm rebuilding my T-5, as well as this motor of course, so I think I'd be up to it.

Thanks in advance!

 

Heads are definitely one of those things you do not want to go cheap on. If you're looking for cheap and GOOD, I suggest you look for a nice set of DARTS/BRODIX/AFR/Trickflow that are used .

As far as the heads - I don't think you could do it without the investment of tools needed. I'm not an expert when it comes to this, but some heads aren't perfect and need work before they can be assembled (like your Procomp horror stories). Aside from that, I wouldn't imagine it's terribly difficult, as long as you have the right valves, springs, locks, etc and the tools to do it.

 

That is a very mild cam, even for TPI. Your 305 heads with 1.94" intake valves would be all it could support.

Anything over 170cc intake ports would be overkill (and hurt overall performance).

Head assembly is one thing I leave to a professional. I could get the tools to do it (I do have a valve spring compressor), but if any machining is required, he'd get the job, anyway. He can check the valve springs, get the installed height right, make sure the valve seats and guides are done right, etc.

 

Thanks for the reply,

That is a little disheartening. I bought the cam because it was a good price, low mileage, and the seller said it made great torque. I didn't (don't) know much about cam specs, I just saw that the lift was a fair bit more then the LB9 cam. I guess when I first started acquiring parts I still wanted just a mild upgrade. Then I found a bit more money to throw at it, but I guess there is no point in spending money on heads that won't help!

I think I'll still get the rotating assembly, even though it will be way overkill. But I guess it's always there when needed if I do upgrade substantially. Need the new crank anyway.

Is there anything to be gained with a set of heads like RHS Pro Torker? They come in 170cc. The cheapest option would be to just get my 305 heads rebuilt, but even that will be expensive. Casting number on those is 14101081. No special note beside that number in the casting list. Then it just feels like I have an expensive, mildly upgraded 350.

If you were in my situation, what would you do? I'm also trying to add the maximum value to this car.

 

Fact that its a 350 not a 305 may appeal to some. Most love seeing aluminum heads it makes them believe its going to be fast somehow.

IMO maybe the Dart 180; they pour at 190cc or so little biggish but not horribly so.
EQ cylinder heads although iron arent a bad buy at all.
No experience with the latest Torkers, cant comment.
no on the 200cc head
. Your cam appears similar to the ZZ4 cam?
It will do what the prior owner said which is make good torque with a head it will pick it up some. A larger one would be ideal but if you cant run anything except what you have your power will still pick up over a stock head. 1.6 rocker even better

 

Looks like a Comp XR258. A ZZ4 has more exhaust lift.

You'll have a good bit more power with that cam in a 350 with your 081 heads updated. But, for more power than that, you'll have to get heads and cam that work with each other, and then upgrade your TPI hardware.

Since you're talking about keeping your stock TPI hardware, then I'd say stick with that cam and your 081 heads.

 

Thanks for the advice, I'll get a quote on having those heads rebuilt. Am I just wasting money on the new bottom end? It seems like good insurance, and I'd need a new crank anyway (or have mine grinded, which is expensive itself.) A new internally balanced assembly should add some reliability I would think.

If I have the 081 heads rebuilt and use them, plus a good tune, what is a ball park estimate of HP and torque numbers?

 

NOthing wrong with a good bottom end, you can always upgrade your heads/intake as money permits and still be driving the car for awhile. All forged may not be necessary but the cost between the 5140 and 4340 isnt much really.

 

The kit I had priced out had a cast crank, good for 500 HP. I think the pistons were forged however.

 

Heads I would look at RHS heads. You can get them at a real good price plus they have some good out of the box numbers. I've worked with those heads, the old sportman II heads, Vortecs, Darts and a lot of stock stuff. All of which I ported and I liked the RHS heads the best. With a 350 you can run a 200cc head with no problem as I have done this is the past and made more low end torque than a lot of stroker motors have. That cam needs to go though, it's way to small for what you want to do. Don't get me wrong you don't need a mega death cam but you do need something better than that to meet you goals.