Best 305 Heads
 

i used to come here a lot and i remember people posting about a certain casting number of heads that came on the 305 (carb, TBI or TPI i cant remember) that were the most desirable to use in HO setups.

can someone please give me the casting number and fill me in on what years the heads can be found on, thank you.

You will want the 601 or 416 castings, since your 305 is a 82. They are on almost any Chev with a V8 from 1982 to 1986.

well i dont drive my TA anymore this is for a friend of mines... so 601 or 416? which would be more desireable, if one could find both? also, could you give an example of what the whole casting number looks like? like xxx-xxxxxx416 or something like that please. thanks!

14022601...80-86...267/305......1.84"/1.5" valves, 58cc chambers
14014416...80-86...305..........1.84"/1.5" valves, 58cc chambers

I hear the 601's are a little more desirable, but there really is no difference. It will be much easier to find 416's though because they came on just about every 305.

and these heads can be worked over to become decent heads? or is it not worth the trouble?

see my friend has all kinds of dreams of cars and whatnot but hes a cheap *** and is always looking for the easy way out.

so with the proper work will the 305 heads become a decent set of cylinder heads?

416 or 601 castings

Yup.

Follow the link at the end of my sig.

you guys have been a lot of help, but one last question, where on the head does one look for the casting number?

Under the valve covers in the middle of the head.

what casting number is the heads on the tpi 305?

i tried to search but could not find it

and can the 416/601 heads be made to flow better then them?

I'd go with the 081's, just for the sake that they would be newer. Only drawback would be bolting on a pre-87 intake...you'd have to elongate the center 4 intake holes...buty if you're using an aftermarket intake, then no worries.


All that said (and above) if you plan on porting and running as-is, use stock castings, once you start with machiing for larger valves and having to rebuild the heads, then toss the stockers and go after market..anyone that tells you otherwise is a dolt:D

however if one has know how and time why spend the money when 416 or 601 heads can be made to flow as well and have even characteristics as some aftermarket heads?

i might be alone but thats just my .02$

Well, there's not a whole lot of folks on this board that can install larger valves, mill their heads and install new seats...but hey, if you can do all that anyway, no reason to post a question here, is there?

We won't talk about boring out the giudes and installing inserts, as well as a few other things....but if you have the means, go for it:)

No one can do all the work at home, obviously a machine shop is needed. But you can save enough to make it worth your while by doing what you can with a die grinder.

It really makes sense if you are tight on cash and your wallet can't absorb the additional hit that the purchase of a new intake would cost, like it would if you wanted to go for Vortec heads. Not to mention valve covers and rocker arms. Then sweat equity is OK to pay.

But most of all it is a really interesting experience. And there is no feeling like experiencing the new hp you just carved out with your own two hands :nod:

The 081 305 TPI centerbolt cover heads and the 416
perimeter bolt cover pre87 305 HO heads both have about the same potential for performance once thoughly ported and upgraded with larger valves.