I have got a stock 88 350 Camaro and am thinking of fitting some vette aluminium heads and a zz4 cam. The main reason for the choice is because both parts are cheap.
I know my stock iron heads have a maximum lift of about 0.470" are the vette heads the same or can they cope with higher lift stock? Casting number is 10088113. The heads are assembled is it essential to change any parts if using a zz4 cam?
Finally what sort of head gaskets do you recommend?

Thank you

Simon Holtby

 

From my experience, factory heads have so much production variation in valve guide machined height that no cam over about 0.460" would be truly "safe" without checking the clearance. It doesn't matter if the heads were delivered with a Corvette or Biscayne, they vary - even on the same head from end to end.

Since you're installing a decent cam, you will of course be removing the factory springs and reatainers, which will give you an excellent opportunity to inspect the guide height (and install decent stem seals). You ARE planning to trash the stock springs and retainers, right?

 

I had a set a few months ago and measured that exact dimension. The bottom of the retainer hits the valve guide seal at .470". So, basically, it's exactly like Vader said.

 

Thanks for the replies. I wasnt sure if the vette heads would allow more lift, obviously not. The heads fitted with a zz4 crate engine must have been machined down by chevy.
We dont seem to have 'machine shops' like you do in the US. Is grinding the valve guide something I could attempt with a Dremel or some other grinding tool?

I was thinking of not changing the springs and retainers to save a few bucks. But you guys all seem to recommend that they are changed so thats what I'll do.

Does a 2nd hand set of vette heads with some porting to them and the inlet manifold and a zz4 cam seem a good budget combination ?
Mind by the time they get to the UK they'll be expensive.

I have a B&M 2000 converter and 2.77 gears which I cant afford to change aswell as the above. Will this cause any problems?

Finally has anyone any idea how much a pair of aluminium heads weighs , so I can get an idea of postage?

Thanks guys,

Simon

 

No automotive machine shops in the U.K.? That's odd. If you have exhausted your resources, you can acquire a heavy duty 13mm electric drill and order a special valve guide cutter from Cran Cams:

http://www.cranecams.com/master/toolscyl.htm

With that setup you can cut your own. Just cut slowly and measure frequently.