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Opinion on heads

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Old Aug 9, 2008 | 11:45 AM
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Default Opinion on heads

I bought a 454 eng and they have factory heads. 336781 are the numbers on the heads. I went to mortech for info, but now I need opinions on just how these heads perform. They seem to have been ported at some time, but in general terms, how well can I expect these heads to perform?
Thanks in advance,
Mark
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Old Aug 9, 2008 | 03:24 PM
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Very good oval port heads. I have known people than ran them on drag cars that would run the quarter in the very low 10 second range.
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Old Aug 9, 2008 | 06:16 PM
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Can you be a little more specific on "perform" - what power levels do you want to achieve, from how many CID and with what cam?
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Old Aug 9, 2008 | 07:00 PM
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Originally Posted by billla
Can you be a little more specific on "perform" - what power levels do you want to achieve, from how many CID and with what cam?
These heads will be used with the 454 block they were originally mated with. My hope was to get maybe 500 hp out of this motor with a throw you to the back of the seat feel in the lower rpm's. I don't expect it to see much action over the 6000rpm range, due to the addition of a 5 speed last year. Just a fun motor on the street...nothing to radical or expensive. I have yet to ask for opinions on a good cam selection for what I want to accomplish. This eng build is at least a year down the road, but I'm trying to get in the ballpark as far as puting together a budget. Not having to buy new heads would be a real benefit!
Mark
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Old Aug 9, 2008 | 07:09 PM
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I don't see any problem at all with 500 HP from those heads with the right cam. As noted, for that power range and intended use (low-end torque vs. top-end HP) they're solid.

The only question is how much work they'll take to get in shape - you may want to compare a machine shop estimate for an overhaul to a set of aftermarket heads.
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Old Aug 9, 2008 | 07:19 PM
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Will do Billa, thanks for your insight!
Mark
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Old Aug 9, 2008 | 10:36 PM
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They are very similar to 049's. I have run both. Just make sure you have 10:1 ish compression to bring the power up. 2.19/1.88 valves would help with some pocket porting and gasket matching.
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Old Aug 11, 2008 | 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by howarsc
They are very similar to 049's. I have run both. Just make sure you have 10:1 ish compression to bring the power up. 2.19/1.88 valves would help with some pocket porting and gasket matching.

They appear to have been massaged at some point in the past as far as port/polish. I have them at a reputable machinist right now to get a opinion on there true condition.
Mark
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Old Aug 11, 2008 | 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by howarsc
They are very similar to 049's. I have run both. Just make sure you have 10:1 ish compression to bring the power up. 2.19/1.88 valves would help with some pocket porting and gasket matching.
Having the bigger valves installed in your heads along with the previous porting will really help. A healthy cam, good intake, headers w/ good 2 1/2" exhaust should have your power up where you want it.

I saved the Jan. 03 issue of Car Craft because it has an article called "Eight Great Engine Combos". In it they refer to a 454 they built in 01 that made 542 HP & 552 TQ. Comp. ratio was 10.13:1, cam was Comp Cams XE274H, heads were Edelbrock Performer RPM 454-O Aluminum, intake was Edelbrock Victor Jr, carb was Speed Demon 750, and they used 2" headers.

Even with a bit less compression due to today's poor fuel, a good dual plane intake, and your iron heads (done properly they can flow very close to the Edelbrocks) you should meet your goal & then some. Good luck.
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Old Aug 11, 2008 | 09:43 PM
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Thanks guys. You have me feeling good about what I will be able to do with this engine.
Anyone got some extra cash just laying around???
Mark
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 10:03 AM
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Originally Posted by billla
I don't see any problem at all with 500 HP from those heads with the right cam. As noted, for that power range and intended use (low-end torque vs. top-end HP) they're solid.

The only question is how much work they'll take to get in shape - you may want to compare a machine shop estimate for an overhaul to a set of aftermarket heads.
Heads have been gone over and appear to be in very good condition!!
Only question at this point that is unanswered is why there are multiple shims under each spring. I imagine they were put there to make all spring pressures equal. Sound about right??

Originally Posted by howarsc
They are very similar to 049's. I have run both. Just make sure you have 10:1 ish compression to bring the power up. 2.19/1.88 valves would help with some pocket porting and gasket matching.
Intake valve size is currently 2.190 and the exhaust valves are 1.880.
Gasket matching has been done and I thought some porting had been done, but I was wrong.

Cam numbers are Z024 and E029...Can anyone I.D. this cam for me. It is wiped out due to poor break-in, but I am curious as to just what has been done to this motor. Lobe height is 1.458 and 1.598 if this means anything!
Any suggestions on a parts list to get this motor to 500 lbs of torque and around 500 hp at the rear wheels(manual 5 speed trans) would be appreciated. Trying to set a budget for this build.
I know that I will have to invest in a new intake,so I figure about $200.00 for that.
Anyone here think I can get by with a finely tuned Q-Jet??
I also found that it has Comp Cam rockers at 1.72.
Thanks,
Mark
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