I have someone giving me a 455 block, crank, and two sets of head if I promise to build and use use it. Which heads are easiest and best to use for just a street cruiser, B or E? Thank in advance to all replies. ER

 

i would think either would be fine as they will both need a full cleanup and valve job.
The B was used on the 66 model year to include the W30 so they will flow just fine for what you asked for.
the E are 1970 heads and standard on the 455 for that year.
What will it go in?

 

B and E heads are equivalent, assuming valve sizes are the same. In any case, by the time you have those heads re-machined and valves and springs installed, you might as well just get new aluminum ones.

 

B's have shallow valve seats, those E's you have are equipped with deep valve seats.
If you don't care which heads, let the machine shop decide between the two pair. i.e. check for cracks, etc.

 

Do some pricing and shopping before doing anything.

By the time you buy springs, valves, guides and other machine work I bet you are pretty close to the cost of aftermarket aluminum.

Machine work is expensive.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. Aluminum heads are equivalent in performance? ER

 

Aluminum heads are a bolt on 30-40hp with no disadvantages. They do require aftermarket rocker arms, the stock stuff won’t fit. However, more than likely the stock rockers are worn out anyway.

Unless you already have a good set of iron heads, or just HAVE to have the stock look, its hard to justify rebuilding 60 year old heads.