outofspec

I have a question about the 3782461 heads cast in 1963.
I’m trying to put together a correct 300HP engine for my late July built 1963 Corvette In my search for correct heads, I keep seeing 461X heads cast in 1963, but no 461 non X heads. I thought the X head was only for the 365HP engine. I’d prefer to find non X heads as the X seems to stand for extra money. What’s the right answer?
Thanks for your help!

clem zahrobsky

the "X" is only to be seen with the heads off as it is in a water jacket opening.

mdz06vetter

461X heads were used on the 360 hp L84 motors for 1963

outofspec

Thanks for the replies to my question Clem and MDZ06. I think I worded my initial question poorly. Please let me try it again:

I can’t seem to find plain (Non X) 3782461 heads for sale that were cast in 1963. Every 3782461 head I see for sale is an X head. Did they make plain (Non X) 3782461 heads in 1963? Is it just a coincidence that I only see 1963 3782461 X heads for sale?
Sorry for the confusion with my wording. Thanks.

Vipermike

All '62 and '63 461 heads were "X" heads.

clem zahrobsky

for years drag racers wanted "X" heads for super stock drag racing because of the larger volume intake ports but because NHRA now allows some porting the racers can use any head and port it to a certain CC volume.the value of the "X" heads are not what they once were

mdz06vetter

as ViperMike indicated - all 62/63 461 heads were "X" heads - they were TWO different port sizes though - 1.90 and 2.02 (I believe, but someone will correct me, if I am wrong!)

clem zahrobsky

you mean 2 different valve size and as far as i know there were 461 haeds without the "X"

mdz06vetter

of course you are correct Clem!

BTW - check is in the mail for the tickets!

INMYBLOOD

My dad has a 62 327 in his it's a 327/300 and has the "461 X" heads and had 2.5 manifolds on it.

Hey fellow Maryland'er. I live near Crofton.

mdz06vetter

INMYBLOOD,

live near Ft Meade - actually, live in THE PROVINCES just off Ridge Road, betwixt Rte 175 and Rte 100 - about a mile from Arundel Mills!

clem zahrobsky

BTW - check is in the mail for the tickets![/QUOTE]thanks i will keep you posted.

chewy

X heads were used any place that the std 461 heads were. As far as I can tell there was no rime or reason for which you got. The reason that you see so many X heads (they really are much rarer than a std 461) is that they became the head to have for SS and the lower econo classes so people horded them hoping to make money. If you can find a swap meet that isn't over run with dealers you should be able to find a set.

Vipermike

On the bottom side of every single 461 head manufactured in 1962 and 1963 you will find an X cast into one of the intake runners. In 1964 the intake port size was reduced and the X was removed from the bottom of the casting. Back before racers were familiar with reading casting dates they looked for the 461 heads with an X on the bottom because they knew those were the heads with bigger ports which flowed more air volume.

'62 and '63 "fuelly" heads are "X" heads with 2.02" intake and 1.60" exhaust valves installed. Before high flowing aftermarket heads were readily available these were the heads that all of the racers wanted.