Hello I'm having some trouble understanding how some things on these engines are, I'm fairly new to them.
From what I was reading it sounds like all the 69' engines use 5 heads. It sounds like all of these heads should have an exhaust cross over in them for heating the choke fast ? And I believe it says in the 69' chassis manual that all 69' v8s other than the 2 barrel has a heat riser valve on the driver side manifold, which I take it works in conjunction with this.
For reference I have a 69' 350 4 barrel with 5 heads. My heads clearly seem to have no exhaust cross over, just a pit on top where the choke would go but it doesn't open up to any sort of passage way.
Am I missing something as to what engine have this set up and which don't?
And if they all use 5 heads they are 64 cc correct? So is the only difference in compression between the 2 barrel, 4 barrel, and W-31 because of the pistons?
Are there any other sb heads that are more desirable for these engines besides the obvious valve sizes? More efficient cc or higher compression?
I'm young and really new to these engines and we'll engines in general so just trying to clarify things
Thanks

 

Your #5 head is one of the most desirable factory 350 heads and does have the heated crossovers. The divorced choke on your 4 barrel will still be heated by contact, the 2bbl is a hot air style, different designs. The crossover are smaller than later heads, which take a different gasket because of it. Yes, there are 3 different pistons used for different compression ratios. The number 5 has a 64cc spec but are usually closer to 70cc as cast. Plus add in pistons as much as .030" below deck, lowers actual compression. Hope this helps.

 

I guarantee that your heads have a crossover port right here. And yes, I realize that the heads in this photo are #8. Doesn't matter, EVERY small block Olds head has this port.