Engine-heads input appreciated
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Engine-heads input appreciated
OK, here's the deal. I have a base engine '71 350, 8.5:1 compression, stock heads and stock exhaust. My only question is this: are the heads and stock exhaust capable of providing any additional oomph with a change of only pistons and cam? I'm not interested in adding a lot of power...just making it a little peppier than it is, while keeping everything on the 'outside' stock. Sorry if that seems a bit weird, but that's what I'm thinking about doing. If the heads and exhaust won't support any more power, I'll just rebuild it completely stock. Thanks for any input. 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Flat top pistons and a more aggressive cam will help a little bit but I don't think it would be 'worth' the part, time, and effort.
In case you are looking for one I have an L82 cam in great shape for sale from a '74.
In case you are looking for one I have an L82 cam in great shape for sale from a '74.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 69
From: Regina Sk Canada
My engine builder has a 325 HP 350 ci package that he has dynoed. The heads are junk 882 truck heads that he does some port work too, He uses a 9.0-1 compression and a hydraulic flat tappet cam. I figure the 80 vette comes with 190 HP, so the 325 HP will be more than enough for this car. So i will Give him an Edelbrock performer intake, my QJ carb i just rebuilt and an HEI distributor with a curve kit in it and put the stock motor in the corner when the time comes.
