what would be a batter candidate from cylinder heads the
60519 - Edelbrock Oldsmobile Performer RPM Heads or olds C heads? I was going to use my 2.075 intake valves and 1.710 exhaust valves in either one. Both would have minor porting and polishing.

 

I'm sure you'll get pros and cons from both. If you have to get guides seats etc. done to the C's then you're probably better off getting the Edelbrocks, bottom line money won't be much worse with the Edelbrocks. I'm going the Edelbrock route myself with 2.10/1.66 valves and a mild port job. You can get by with and to some degree need more compression with the aluminum. I think the Edelbrocks have a more efficient combustion chamber as well.

 

when I built the 455 in my 57 I compared building the C heads or using mild ported edelbrock heads on it. My research led me to believe the edelbrock heads were a better value and my engine builder agreed. They also weigh less and I could go with a higher compression on pump gas. But you will get pro's and con's on both choices. What ever you do make sure you take into consideration the whole engine build, that means pistons, cam, carb. intake, and don't forget transmission, torque convertor, and rearend ratio. They all work together

 

Well since this is in the small block section I have to question what you intend to use these heads on. What is the final CID and intended RPM? The only engine that won't suffer without flat top pistons is the 403 only because the stock 403 heads have 83cc chambers to start with. Other than that you'll end up with some extreemly low comp ratios with any stock 350 pistons.

 

i have the 403 with higher compression pistons. the edelbrocks a pretty pricey though

 

Kinda, yeah. But, by the time you replace the guides, seats, valves, and do a decent valve job and some port work ($1,000 +/-) you are pretty close to a pair of E-Brocks. They are lighter with a double quench pad, better chamber and allegedly better flow.

 

x2

 

But still will need some minor porting and polishing, and have inferior Chinesium valves and springs. I can't think of one builder that uses the E-brock head "as is" and have heard that most would prefer the bare castings and add thier own internals.

 

Really? thats interesting

 

Edelbrock prides themselves on "Made In America". I can't believe they would use "Chinesium" anything on their heads.
The reason most guys would want to build the bare castings is to properly match the springs to the cam they chose for the combination. That only makes sense. The springs and valves that come on the heads are set up to run with the Edelbrock power package and thus may not be the "perfect fit" for most builds.

 

I agree, where is the backup on the china statement. I'd like to see the proof.

 

Agreed, I'd be very surprised if that was true. I bought my E heads bare only because the springs on it won't take the lift I'll have and I wanted to use different size valves. I've seen nothing wrong with the quality of any of their valvetrain parts.