I am trying to decide what engine to put together for my 64 f-85. I have the original 330 that needs rebuilt and a 72 350 that needs freshened up. What would the compression be if i installed the #1 heads on the 350? Do the 64 heads flow better than the 72’s? I am going to be running the stock exhaust manifold and carb, intake that is original to the 64.

 

The heads flow basically the same, the #1 heads should have smaller chambers. You will be at 8.5 to 1 at best with Felpro head gaskets with the stock 72, 24cc pistons. Make sure the rocker shafts are in good shape, no replacement parts exist.

 

I would not use the #1 heads with the rocker shafts.

 

Don't mix the engine parts. Put W-31 goodies (cam, springs) and high compression pistons in the 350.

 

Find a 73 350 and use those 72 heads. The compression will be on the higher end of 8's .

 

If it were a 1964 Cutlass I'd say go with the 350 or even a 455. Since this is going in a 1964 442 I'd be more inclined to stay original as much as possible. Most of us don't ever plan to sell our cars. But if life changes an original car will have more potential buyers than one that's modified. That's my 2 cents anyway! John

 

The heads flow about the same. Stick a big valve in whatever you do. The #1 heads have ~5cc less chamber volume than the later heads. Biggest issue I see is the rocker shafts but if they're in good shape, I'd send 'em. If you wanna travel a little bit, there's a guy near Detroit with a set of #3 or #4 heads that have been magnafluxed and would take the "normal" pedestal mount rocker arms from the factory or a modern roller rocker.

 

Heard....decades ago when an Olds dealer found me one of the few sets of shaft rockers in existence that pedestal rockers and pushrods could be installed on the '64 330 heads if we couldn't find shaft rockers.

Is this true? Can it be done without modifications?

 

The #1 heads do not have the provisions for pedestal rockers.