heads
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: simpsonville sc
heads
i have a 350 in my 74 the guy i bought it off of installed a 262 cam headers 1.5 rockers a holley 600 carb and for some reason 305 heads.i want to replace the motor with a zz4 but that will have to wait awile.i have about 1000 dollors to spend right now i was woundering if a good set of heads maybe dart iron eagles would be my best investment for some more power. when i ask people i know that work on cars i get mixed answers some say go for it but others say i might not be happy with the results.my other option is to leave the motor alone for now and get some rims and tires.but i really want to make my car faster.what do you guys think? and why would sombody put 305 heads on a 350 :crazy: ?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 26
From: Clymer PA
Re: heads (sperry74)
Why not save the money towards a ZZ4 if that is your goal? Anyway, the heart and soul of an engine lies vastly with the cam and heads combination. The heads are probably the biggest part of the horsepower equation. Those 305 heads that you currently have are holding you back something fierce. You probably have a wicked compression ratio but they probably don't flow worth a darn. You would most definitely see a jump in horsepower by changing to a good flowing set of heads. If you want a nice revving setup 2.02/1.60 valves are really nice. Good luck and let us know what you decide!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 752
Likes: 1
From: Springfield Oregon
Re: heads (sperry74)
Probably to increase compression ratio. Post the casting #'s, or look them up at mortec.com, but most likely they are lightweight GM castings. Either way, if they're 305 heads, they may also have smaller valves. I totally understand the need for more HP, but if you're saving for a ZZ4, you might be money ahead to tune up what you have and just enjoy it untill you get the crate motor. For $1000 or less, you could set yourself up with a set of 3.70 gears, which would not only compliment your current combo, but also work well with any HP, motor upgrade which you have planned for the future. If you can't wait, that $ would also get you a set of World Sp.II's and a bigger carb(Holley 3310). Good luck on your decision.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: simpsonville sc
Re: heads (shotgun_000)
thanks for the info everybody.the motor pulls hard from a stand still but has no top end .i have already redone the inside of the car and the brakes master cylinder, ss brake lines,and calipers.now i want some more hp im a little impatiant but i guess i would be better off saving up for the zz4.i have alot of friends with mustangs and camaros we go down to the dragstrip and i can take them off the line but by the end they have caught me i cant stand a ford passing me and i thought the heads would probally do the trick!
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Sanford Florida
Re: heads (sperry74)
Personally, I would put some new heads on first. It sounds like you already have a decent combo, other than the heads. Instead of saving for the ZZ4, I would then buy the other components to a complete new engine piecewise. Dont install them, but put them on the shelf and say "someday" :yesnod: Then, when you have saved for the roller cam, intake, rods, carb, and rebuild kit (and any other goodies you can buy), build the beast with the heads you have been running.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,673
Likes: 199
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Re: heads (chuckb01)
That's a good idea, buy the heads now and you can reuse them in your next buildup, forget the ZZ4 and collect some parts you can reuse ( bigger Holley , RPM intake etc. ) then all you have to do is rebuild a killer short block. :D
[Modified by MotorHead, 1:38 PM 5/27/2002]
[Modified by MotorHead, 1:38 PM 5/27/2002]
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: simpsonville sc
Re: heads (MotorHead)
ok my next question is what heads i see motorhead is running sportsman ll how are they working out?i have read good things about trick flow 23 deg heads anybody running these?aluminum or cast?my friend has dart iron eagle and loves them but for $100 more i could get aluminum,what do you think?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Re: heads (sperry74)
I am running the TF 23 degree heads. This is the last engine mod I made and I felt a noticable difference over the stock 882 heads. I went with the aluminum heads for weight savings and the ability to run higher C.R. if/when I go to flat top pistons.
Once I coordinate my life and the weather, I will be off to the dyno.
Once I coordinate my life and the weather, I will be off to the dyno.