Im trying to figure out what heads would be good for my engine. The Motown SBC heads look like a good choice, which are 469.99 each assembled. I'm looking for something that makes power under 6000 rpm, since i dont want to spend a whole lot on forged components. What should I look for? Are there any stock heads worth using? Would it be possible to port my 882 heads and make them flow? I assume I need something with around a 200cc intake runner, and 2.02/1.6 valves. I'm also looking at fast burn heads, which have 210cc intake runners, and with their 62cc cambers should give about 9.7:1 compression, which is about what I am looking for. Im also looking at the sportsman II heads, which PAW sells for $400 each assembled. They are looking more and more like the best choice.

EDIT: Also, whats the most lift I could run without worrying about piston/valve clearance?

 

Forget the 882s. They are an embarrassment to the whole automotive industry, best melted down as soon as possible so that the collective memory of the disgrace of 180 HP 400s can be erased.

Look at Dart Iron Eagles, or Pro Toplines. Depending on your goals a set of properly prepped Vortec heads might also be a possibility.

 

If you were looking at fastburns, how about Eedelbrock E-tec 200s instead?

 

I just bought a set of assembled Pro Topline lightning iron heads for a little over 900 shipped. They have 2.02/1.6 valves, 64cc chambers, and 200cc runners. According to the website they flow 261cfm intake and 186cfm exhaust @.500.

 

Check thunder racing for Canfield 220's.
They are big power heads for around $900
they require 8 offset rockers for the intakes,
and some bowl cleanup as most heads do.
They will feed a 400 very well IMO.

 

If you want to stay below 6000 RPM there's no need to get 200cc intake runners. Heck... the Vortec truck heads can produce 400 HP below 6K and they're 170cc runners. It's all in the design.

The E-tecs aren't a bad deal, but from what I've seen lately, the Pro Lightning 180cc heads would be great for what you want. They've got a small runner for good velocity and they flow
A LOT.

Try to keep in mind aluminum heads are gonna cost more. The only ones I've seen below $1000 TFS heads. If you're considering iron, then you've got quite a few options.

 

True, but I'd still like to get some heads around 200cc beause I may wind up de-stroking my engine to a 377 later on, or I may build up my 400 to handle higher RPM. Also, I'd rather have cast-iron heads than aluminum, mostly just because they are cheaper. The only 2 main advantages of aluminum heads are cooling and weight, which I can live without. With my aluminum radiator, electric fan, and 50/50 antifreeze/water, I have no problem cooling at all, i hardly even see 170 degrees.

The sportsman II heads are the same price for 64cc or 72cc, but im not quite sure what I should do yet. Do you guys think it would be worth it to use 6" rods and the 72cc heads to achieve about 9.5:1 compression, or just use the stock pistons and rods with the 64cc heads to get that compression? I know the 6" rods will give a better rod/stroke ratio, more piston dwell, and less side loading, but is it really worth it?

 

Ward,

For the money, you will not beat a set of Pro Topline Iron Lightnings. I just bought a set of 200cc's for my new 385 roller build. You can get a set for about 700.00 lus shipping, just look around. Mine shuld be here in about 3 days so I can begin assembly of the motor.

 

Were did u get yours from?? Try'n to find some good dealers.

 

www.enginekits.com has a set complete for 699.00 but they have a 2.08/1.60 valve combo, if that doesnt boter you then jump on them.

www.competitionproducts.com has a set for 550.00 bare, if you swap over all your stuff from current head and pick up a set of 2.02/1.60 valves from flatlander racing(on sale right now for 40.00), you will be good to go cheap.

HTHs

 

2.08 or 2.05 intake valves?? Are they good or bad? Its for a 383. I have never seen them sizes before. Angle or Straight plug to fit behind my SLP 1 3/4" headers?

 

A friend of mine on his 327 pushing nearly 500 hp runs the Dart Iron Eagle and they are damn good heads. Research them online and you'll find they flow better than a lot of other heads out there.

 

Well, the choice of head(64cc or 72cc) depends on the compression you are wanting. A 2.05 or 2.08 valve is more for a top end rev and may lose a little bottom end. To counteract, run a good lockup type stall of about 3000RPMs(lockup will counteract the "too loose" feeling during cruising) and a good mid level cam(in the 230 @.50 range).

As for the Dart Iron Eagles, They are a quality head but are not putting up the numbers that the Pro Topline Iron Lightnings do for the money.

Here are the Dart 200cc
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...98/index7.html
Here are the Pro Topline 200cc
http://www.protopline.com/223400000a.asp

Buy straight plugs to avoid hitting the headers. Alot of people have had problems with angle plugs and SLP 1.75's

 

Well I am considering the Pro Topline 200cc 72cc straight plugs with the 2.05 1.6 valves, lowers my compression for the pro-charger. Mind ya the charger wont be going on till next year after the suspension work. The car didnt like to go straight with the 305 let alone the 383. Sure makes it fun though

My other thought was on 190cc 74cc AFR's but at $1200 there a little dear. I am starting to like these Pro Topline 200cc.

 

Also, just to throw it out there, Pro Topline does make a "Vortec" replacement head that comes cast with screw in studs, unlike the GM version. They also look to flow a little better than the '906' heads they replace.

Local shop just got ahold of a set, and he's been a big time pusher of Dart and Canfield heads ( alum ) for as long as I've known him, and he was pretty impressed. Last I talked with him, he was going to order a set of the 210cc Alum Lightnings and try them on a racer's 408 that uses AFR's.......he DID say, the Topline's had some of the cleanest chambers AS CAST that he's seen on damn near any head, regardless of the cost.



HTH

 

Nice. Oh and Gruvin84SS U mentioned that I could use a stall, I am Stick with 3.42's so I think I should be ok?

 

yeah probably, :lala:

 

check out www.proshaver.com as well, I got my aluminum ones for $749 shipped, or something around that amount. They were on sale though.

 

Thanx Mark

 

As far as bang for your buck, go with the vortecs. Even with the smaller runners, they'll feed a 383 to the tune of 450 hp and the nice part is 500ft lbs., and thats with a fairly small cam. You'll have to have the spring seats cut, but you'll still be under your 1000.00 budget for heads.

 

Heads: Iron Eagles have given me a lot of love. Vs. a set of S/R torquers they bought me 3 tenths and 4 full MPH with NO other changes. 500 more usable RPM, too. I like them. Haven't used the Lightnings. Go with 200cc intake runners and the larger chambers (72cc) as it is much easier to keep compression reasonable on a larger motor. Flat top pistons will get you right around 10.1:1 compression with the 72s.

Rods and such: long rods aren't worth it in a low RPM motor. They won't make any more power (such a tiny amount it won't be worth the expense), but your rings and bores might last longer with the lower side-loading.