Hello,

Are there significant differences between the years of the 394 engines in regards to heads? For instance, will a set of heads from a '64 394 fit a '62 engine without issue? Are Starfire cylinder heads compatible with only Starfire 394 engines?

 

According to the Olds parts book, there were four different heads used on 394's.
1959-60 #575966
1961 except Starfire #580419
1961 Starfire #582836
1962 thru 64 #584782
So yes, a set of 64 heads will fit a 62.
And 1961 was the only year where Starfire heads were different.

 

Thank you for the quick reply, much appreciated!

 

but are they different in terms of flow, valve size, CC's etc?

 

I know there was a difference between 59-60 and 61-64 as far as exhaust ports.
59-60 used exhaust port gaskets , 61-64 had larger exhaust ports and did not use exhaust port gaskets. Exhaust manifolds will not interchange between the two.

Valve sizes also varied during the 394 era. I have no info on specific valve sizes , but I can give you the info from the parts book as to the different valves used in those years.

Intake valve grp 0.296
59-61 exc Starfire #576497
1961 Starfire #581790
62-64 all #583761

Exhaust valve grp 0.297
56-61 exc Starfire #576498
1961 Starfire #581791
62-64 all #583762

Combustion chamber CC's would be the same within each of the four groups of heads as noted in post #2.
Olds varied compression ratios by the depth or lack of a piston "dish" , and/or head gasket thickness.