camel hump heads
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
camel hump heads
new to corvette form have question about installing early model 350 camel hump heads on 81 engine block.aternator mounting is my problem has anybody done this and what mounting brakets to use.heads are drilled but not for late model alt installation. Thanks Ralph
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
If you already have these camel humps no need to dump them and spend more if they are in good shape. I had a set on my '68 Camaro and then switched to Edelb. RPM and didn't even notice a difference in seat of the pants feel from one to the other. They are good heads. I gave my set to a good buddy who used them on an engine for his 56 GMC P/U which he just started the other day and called me to listen. They need hardened exh. seats if not already done. If they need lots of work then agree w/vortecs but then you have to get new manifold - depsite what they say about being interchangeable they are not. Bolts line up but openings do not line up well at all and will restrict flow. The big drawback with the humps is the lack of accessory mounts. There are plenty of bracket options out there - most using the #1exhaust holes to attach a bracket.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
I have know idea what you mean by that but the fact is that they do need hardened seats on exhaust sides unless you want to do head work more often then you should. Keep in mind these heads were pre- unleaded fuel days.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
I agree, if you do more than putter around you need hardened seats on the exhaust. I have seen a set of Pontiac heads with the valves sucked in and all the rocker arms loose. Car was run hard occasionally, mostly just cruised. Camel hump or double hump heads were great back in the day, but they just don't flow like modern heads. I suppose if you had a set worked and ready they might be ok, but I would sell even those to a restorer and get something new. My .02
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
If the rocker arms were loose, the valves didn't sink. That would've caused them to be too tight.Unless the engine is always being heavily loaded, like in a dump truck, non-hardened seats will not be a problem. Just make sure that you don't use the stock rotating spring retainers.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: west palm beach,Palatka,fl florida
hump heads
sell them and install a quality set of aluminum/iron heads you will be glad you did .old teck there and not worth modifying/rebuilding unless # match originality is wanted
