I have a 10054727 350 that I bought about a year ago that I'm preparing to put into my 92. I have read online these typically have TBI swirl ported heads, however, there seems to be some confusion here as it seems many 10054727 came w/ TPI heads- are they different? I'm told this one is a standard bore flat-tappet 87 350, that the pistons/rods/crank are stock and that the heads are the TPI heads, but have been 3-angled and pocket ported (I know the 3-angle was done, pocket porting I can't verify). It has a Comp Cam (XE268H) & a new timing chain, bearings, etc.

So... I'm wondering, are the TBI / TPI heads different? Or are the both the same, hated swirl port heads?

If these are the swirl port heads (I've read they have stop producing power around 4500rpm) will the 3 angle job help with the stock bottleneck? Or do I need new heads?

I do not have a lot to spend on it at the moment but I'd rather put the project on hold and do it right. I want a quick, reliable car on this build- it doesn't have to be screaming fast but I already have all Hooker exhaust, a built tranny, etc I'd hate to be severely limited by the heads... I've painted up the motor, cleaned out the engine bay and I'm almost ready to throw it all back together but this has been bugging me!

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

Those 2 types of heads are different.

You are right you don't want to attempt a "performance" build with obstructed, restrictive TBI heads. They will be an even more severe limit to the engine's potential than TPI itself, if that's what you've got. You don't want them. They will cause whatever else you try to do to the motor, to mostly be wasted effort.

Don't worry about what you've "heard". The parts aren't listening. You shouldn't be either.

The heads ARE what they ARE, regardles of "hearing". They have their identity cast right into their metal in plain sight for all to see. Look at them and get that info. It's the casting number. Under a valve cover, between the rockers. All else is conjecture and drivel and uncertainty. That one thing (casting #), and that thing ONLY, is absolute proof of what they are. Once you have that solid, accurate fact in your hand, you can make an intelligent and informed decision about what to do, instead of fumbling around in the dark.

 

A 10054727 block didn't "typically" come with one of those heads or the other. The block would have the heads that matched the configuration for the chassis it was going into. If a truck or B-body with TBI, swirlport heads (with flat tappets if a truck). If a 3rd gen or Vette with TPI, 083 heads with roller lifters.

 

Ok, imprinted on the heads is: 14102183. However everything I see online says that I am blind (I have perfect vision) and it really says 14102193. The bottom circle of the 9 connects, making it an "8" but it does look 'funny, so I suppose this is is a 14102193.

So for future reference, I'm 95% certain 14102183 = 14102193.

The mortec site seems to be down. Are there any other reference sites up?

The valve covers are center bolt. It has roller rockers.

From what I am seeing online the Canadian 10054727 were typically found in 87+ trucks / vans / C2500 / etc.

At this point I do not know if the heads actually had a 3angle job or not, or if it is possible, or what.. I suppose to find out the heads must be removed?

I have a brand new intake, distributor, Holley650, Hooker headers, etc going onto this motor..

 

Also, I was told this is a flat tappet by the seller.