Heads to use, '75 or '77

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 10:11 AM
  #1  
DEL663's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10
From: Newport, TN
Heads to use, '75 or '77

I'm rebuilding a '75 350, block cast # 395558 2 and the heads cast # 411929 8 and I have '77 heads cast #554718 3A, What heads would be best to use?
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 10:18 AM
  #2  
svnt442's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,293
From: Palm Bay, FL
The later heads are even worse than the #8 heads. On top of that you would need to use inserts for the head bolts because 77 and up blocks use ½" head bolts and the early ones use 7/16".
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 06:17 PM
  #3  
1BOSS83's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 515
From: Wilmington, DE
Originally Posted by DEL663
I'm rebuilding a '75 350, block cast # 395558 2 and the heads cast # 411929 8 and I have '77 heads cast #554718 3A, What heads would be best to use?
Good read on head info- just the facts.

http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofhed.htm

Couple things there- What are your power expectations and what does "rebuild" mean in this context?

#8 heads have 79cc chambers, with flat top pistons and a lot of machine work you'd just inch inch over 9:1 and still have smog heads.

The parts section in CO is full of people near giving away #5, 6, 7a heads that might be better for your application. Even if this is a mid-low compression budget rebuild every engine likes to breathe better.

Last edited by 1BOSS83; Oct 16, 2015 at 06:23 PM. Reason: More info
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 09:53 PM
  #4  
olds 307 and 403's Avatar
Out of Line, Everytime😉
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,129
From: Melville, Saskatchewan
If you are going with new pistons, #8 heads with flat tops are a no brainer. Just mill the small amount to get 9 to 1, add a 2" or 2.07" intake and reuse the factory 1.625" exhaust valve. The only bad area on #8 heads is the lip under the exhaust valve. Easy to remove, just a pocket port on the bowls, intake to match the larger valve and you will have a head on par with early heads. 3A heads are crack prone, restrictive junk with an awful exhaust port.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JpMotorsports
Chassis/Body/Frame
10
May 15, 2014 07:08 AM
Nor Cal Andy
Small Blocks
3
Aug 22, 2011 07:17 PM
Oldsproject
Big Blocks
12
Jun 4, 2011 06:47 PM
sx455raidercelticfan
Big Blocks
4
Jan 10, 2011 12:57 PM
65cutty
Small Blocks
1
Jan 26, 2010 07:48 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:47 PM.