Time to overhaul the engine in my cutlass. It's got J heads on it now. Can I just have the heads machined for the bigger valves? Should I try to find some C heads? Are these new aluminum performance heads as good/better than the C heads?
Thanks

 

From reading the forum for a few weeks, it seems that procomp or edelbrock heads are the best.

Best to buy the procomp from BERNARD MONDELLO

 

This all comes down to what you plan to do with the motor. Yes, you can simply machine the J heads for big valves. Of course, that doesn't fix the restrictive ports, but for a street motor in a full size car, that may be more than enough. You can get a set of other BBO head cores and have them machined, but by the time you do that, you're getting close to the price of the ProComps.

 

The car will be mostly a weekend driver. Take it to the track for fun car. Not intending on winning any prizes. Just trying to get the most bang for my buck to get a little more power.

 

Then buy a set of bare Procomps and have your local shop assemble them, or buy an assembled set from Bernard Mondello. Either way you're in a better place than the J's or reworked C's.

 

Just be aware of the potential fuel pump interference issues with aluminum heads if you are committed to keeping a mechanical pump on the car and want to make some power. Set your goals and a budget, then work from there... 400 hp, 450 hp, 500 hp, etc... gonna have A/C, power brakes, etc...

The term "best" is subjective, and you'll get tons of opinions.

 

Where are you located?

 

I'm in central Indiana. I'd be quite happy with 400 hp. Would like to stay with stock mechanical fuel pump. Was not aware that some aluminum heads would interfere.

 

They will interfere with robbmc pump that racers use. however at 400hp I believe the stock pump will provide plenty of gas and it will clear the aluminum heads.

 

I have the E-brock heads on a 455 in a '68 442 and a stock mechanical fuel pump. Only had the notch the head just a bit. Not a huge amount, it is still super close but it is in and no problems.

Gene

 

Same with mine with a Carter muscle car stock style pump. Just a little filing was done.

 

Just how good are pro comp heads? Who has gone fast with pro comps? Now i can say for sure seen E heads mid 11's still pump gas carburetor .Seen some C that might go ten's! Mark you are up to bat!

 

well C heads will go 10's easily , at least mine will .. I am pretty sure I can probably get it to 10.50's on race fuel I should be able to run pump gas but eeew might be understating it too since I was doing 10's fifteen years ago with C heads and a Torker intake. so that new Victor sure is looking good ...

 

Grudgingly I will give the nod to Rocket Racing for having one of the best special parts lines for Olds I have seen. they also have some very interesting heads they offer ...