I currently have the stock 58cc TBI centerbolt heads on my 89' vert. The valve seals are pretty much gone, and rather than wasting $$$$ on a rebuild, I want to know which heads are the best flowing head that I could install WITHOUT a cam upgrade OR having to drill/modify my current stock intake manifold, or put on the older style (pre-87).
Here are some I know of:
87' LG4 heads
(88'-up) swirl port TPI heads
(87-up) LB9 centerbolt (416 casting #'s)
Are there any others?
Which ones would be the best for a stock cam application?

 

Whats so hard about elongating the four center bolt holes on the stock intake? I would look for some aluminum L98 Corvette heads. The bolt pattern is the same as pre-87 heads and they have the same 58cc combustion chambers as a 305 head. These heads flow second best to the vortecs and only require minor mods to install. If you didn't want to mod the stock intake I'm sure you could find a used one for next to nothing, if not cheaper, then just mod it. With a good flowing exshaust and the ultiment tbi mods, don't forget to add a afpr for fuel pressure ajestments, you could see some really good gains in performace over stock.

Steve

 

I'm an ole' fashioned kind a guy. I like cast iron heads better than aluminum, simply because they will take alot more abuse before they crack or leak a head gasket. Aluminum heads just tear and pull the crap outta head gaskets, and then I got a mess on my hands. Are the pre-87 heads really that much better? I didn't realize that they were, and if so, then I suppose I could either elongate the holes, or find me a pre-87 manifold. Thanks for the info.

 

87+ LB9 centerbolt heads are casting 081, i hear they flow the same as the 416s and just have the newer intake bolt pattern and use centerbolt valve covers. I would go with those since they will be a direct replacement and flow much better than the swirl ports. I was thinking about adding some to my car but i dont think i want to mess with a 160K mile engine.