Helpful thoughts on finding my heads
10-19-2016, 10:34 PM
#1
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Helpful thoughts on finding my heads
Not my head 
my wife says I lost that years ago.
My '65 came with a NOM 327 engine when I bought it in 2014. I recently bought a correct date and casting '65 327 short block that will be gone through this winter, built to a L76 (which is what it came with originally).
My current heads are incorrect '68 Corvette heads, 64cc with 1.94" intakes. These will be re-used until I can find the correct heads.
What I need is a pair of 461 heads with 2.02" intakes, and date coded on or before May 15, 1965 (but not too much before).
I recognize that new modern aluminum heads offer lots of advantages, but I'm going with what would have been original to the car.
Here's the question: Where to find these heads? Once found, what is the rough costs of reworking rusty castings, like with 1.94" intakes. I'm thinking they would need to be tanked, mag checked, maybe bead blasted, new guides, valves cut to 2.02"s, maybe new seats, threading for screw in inserts and maybe installing guide plates, new valves, springs, and rockers, etc.
Advice begged for - even if I don't like the answer. Thanks in advance.
my wife says I lost that years ago.My '65 came with a NOM 327 engine when I bought it in 2014. I recently bought a correct date and casting '65 327 short block that will be gone through this winter, built to a L76 (which is what it came with originally).
My current heads are incorrect '68 Corvette heads, 64cc with 1.94" intakes. These will be re-used until I can find the correct heads.
What I need is a pair of 461 heads with 2.02" intakes, and date coded on or before May 15, 1965 (but not too much before).
I recognize that new modern aluminum heads offer lots of advantages, but I'm going with what would have been original to the car.
Here's the question: Where to find these heads? Once found, what is the rough costs of reworking rusty castings, like with 1.94" intakes. I'm thinking they would need to be tanked, mag checked, maybe bead blasted, new guides, valves cut to 2.02"s, maybe new seats, threading for screw in inserts and maybe installing guide plates, new valves, springs, and rockers, etc.
Advice begged for - even if I don't like the answer. Thanks in advance.
10-20-2016, 12:51 AM
#2
As much as I hate Ebay, there have been a few sets for sale there. I would also check Hemmings as well. I'm sure there is even a couple of forum members who have a set in their garage they may part with.
The cost varies. I picked up a set locally for $550.00 which was a screaming good deal and not the norm. I've seen anywhere between $750 and $1500 depending on condition. I personally would stay away from heavily rusted heads as they present a huge headache and cost. To answer your question regarding the work to be done, my answer is "yes" all of the above. Have them checked and make sure they're worth paying to have them completed and installed in your car.
Good luck and happy motoring
The cost varies. I picked up a set locally for $550.00 which was a screaming good deal and not the norm. I've seen anywhere between $750 and $1500 depending on condition. I personally would stay away from heavily rusted heads as they present a huge headache and cost. To answer your question regarding the work to be done, my answer is "yes" all of the above. Have them checked and make sure they're worth paying to have them completed and installed in your car.
Good luck and happy motoring
10-20-2016, 08:42 AM
#3
Melting Slicks
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C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
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Kevin, after going through the trouble and expense of finding the proper heads plus the cost of rebuilding you will still have a non born with engine. I would buy a set of aluminum heads, put the fake double humps, fill the holes and paint them Chevy orange. You will loose weight off the front end, gain hp and have a more reliable engine. This is just my opinion, good luck with your plan.
Btw, I still have those Delco shocks for you if you ever get home.
Btw, I still have those Delco shocks for you if you ever get home.
10-20-2016, 05:40 PM
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I'm sure your'e right Mark, but we all gotta drive our own drive.
On the Appalachian Trail there is a saying: "Hike your own hike"
I guess that's what makes the world go 'round.
You're also right about my schedule, but I'm having too much fun to quit right now.
Thanks for the reminder about the shocks.
On the Appalachian Trail there is a saying: "Hike your own hike"
I guess that's what makes the world go 'round.
You're also right about my schedule, but I'm having too much fun to quit right now.
Thanks for the reminder about the shocks.
10-20-2016, 06:51 PM
#6
Safety Car
Not my head my wife says I lost that years ago.
My '65 came with a NOM 327 engine when I bought it in 2014. I recently bought a correct date and casting '65 327 short block that will be gone through this winter, built to a L76 (which is what it came with originally).
My current heads are incorrect '68 Corvette heads, 64cc with 1.94" intakes. These will be re-used until I can find the correct heads.
What I need is a pair of 461 heads with 2.02" intakes, and date coded on or before May 15, 1965 (but not too much before).
I recognize that new modern aluminum heads offer lots of advantages, but I'm going with what would have been original to the car.
Here's the question: Where to find these heads? Once found, what is the rough costs of reworking rusty castings, like with 1.94" intakes. I'm thinking they would need to be tanked, mag checked, maybe bead blasted, new guides, valves cut to 2.02"s, maybe new seats, threading for screw in inserts and maybe installing guide plates, new valves, springs, and rockers, etc.
Advice begged for - even if I don't like the answer. Thanks in advance.
my wife says I lost that years ago.My '65 came with a NOM 327 engine when I bought it in 2014. I recently bought a correct date and casting '65 327 short block that will be gone through this winter, built to a L76 (which is what it came with originally).
My current heads are incorrect '68 Corvette heads, 64cc with 1.94" intakes. These will be re-used until I can find the correct heads.
What I need is a pair of 461 heads with 2.02" intakes, and date coded on or before May 15, 1965 (but not too much before).
I recognize that new modern aluminum heads offer lots of advantages, but I'm going with what would have been original to the car.
Here's the question: Where to find these heads? Once found, what is the rough costs of reworking rusty castings, like with 1.94" intakes. I'm thinking they would need to be tanked, mag checked, maybe bead blasted, new guides, valves cut to 2.02"s, maybe new seats, threading for screw in inserts and maybe installing guide plates, new valves, springs, and rockers, etc.
Advice begged for - even if I don't like the answer. Thanks in advance.
DO NOT INSTALL HARDENED VALVE SEATS.
Heads with factory prepped 2.02/1.60 valves are common as mosquitos in Manitoba.
I wouldn't convert small valve heads to big valves unless I knew the machinist very well.
You don't need screwed in studs and plates unless you're going to a non-stock cam that requires stiffer valve springs.
Last edited by 65tripleblack; 10-20-2016 at 06:54 PM.
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Easy Rhino (10-21-2016)
10-21-2016, 08:03 PM
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St. Jude Donor '12
DO NOT INSTALL HARDENED VALVE SEATS.
Heads with factory prepped 2.02/1.60 valves are common as mosquitos in Manitoba.
I wouldn't convert small valve heads to big valves unless I knew the machinist very well.
You don't need screwed in studs and plates unless you're going to a non-stock cam that requires stiffer valve springs.
Heads with factory prepped 2.02/1.60 valves are common as mosquitos in Manitoba.
I wouldn't convert small valve heads to big valves unless I knew the machinist very well.
You don't need screwed in studs and plates unless you're going to a non-stock cam that requires stiffer valve springs.
I bought into that argument of needing hard seats for todays junk gasoline, and paid the price.I put fluid into the motor before startup and was rewarded with a coolant leak coming out of the number one exhaust port dripping onto the floor.. I have a really pretty trotline weight setting in the corner of my shop. Put a set of Edelbrock E street aluminum heads on it, and changed out the 2.02 Manley Pro flo's for whatever was in the Edelbrocks, had the machine shop guy open the throats slightly and bolted em on.
I had about $2000 in a set of obsolete 50 year old iron heads that a set of off the shelf $900 heads will outflow. I will never run iron heads again.
Last edited by vettsplit 63; 10-21-2016 at 08:04 PM.
10-22-2016, 06:38 PM
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Here is a set on Ebay, completely rebuilt, dated mid Feb, 1965. $695
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REBUILT-2-02...JYA62f&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REBUILT-2-02...JYA62f&vxp=mtr
10-22-2016, 06:41 PM
#9
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Here is a set on Ebay, completely rebuilt, dated mid Feb, 1965. $695
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REBUILT-2-02...JYA62f&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REBUILT-2-02...JYA62f&vxp=mtr
Thanks.