C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Angle plug heads? Good or bad?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 04:34 PM
  #1  
superdave269's Avatar
superdave269
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 668
Likes: 21
Default Angle plug heads? Good or bad?

I found a set of small block heads. The seller said they are the angle plug heads. He also said angle plug heads are not to popular. Why? My question is can I use stock exhaust manifold with angle plug heads? I was thinking about trying to use them on my 79 corvette(350, auto trans). Would I need to use headers or a different exhaust manifold? Would hate to buy them just to find out they don't really work for me. The car has a good(not rotted out) exhaust system so I don't want to change it out at this time.
Thanks
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 05:05 PM
  #2  
MelWff's Avatar
MelWff
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,628
Likes: 2,553
Default

read this article, if you have changed the pistons to high dome yes there is an improvement, if not no. What head part# are you considering? I use the early version referred to in the article, got them about 1974, with a domed piston.

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...s/viewall.html
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 05:14 PM
  #3  
MotorHead's Avatar
MotorHead
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,654
Likes: 190
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Default

No noticeable benefit, at first they tried to pawn them off as making more power, you don't here that anymore. Most of the time they angle the plug right into a header pipe, sometimes they angle it away so you can get at a plug, it's a crap shoot.

Not only are the angles different from different manufactures horizontally the can also and them up or down ( vertically ) too. And they never tell you what header to use. The header companies sometimes say "Will not work with angle plug heads" and their headers hit other things.

So like I said it's a crap shoot. Straight plug head might put the plug end into a pipe too so I don't think I need to say "crap shoot" again or not

As for being not so popular, I am not sure about that, there are millions of angle plug heads out there in cars
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 05:19 PM
  #4  
Shark Racer's Avatar
Shark Racer
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Default

MotorHead has reminded me, every time I do spark plugs in the 78 I wish I had an LS motor.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 05:25 PM
  #5  
superdave269's Avatar
superdave269
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 668
Likes: 21
Default

I was looking at a set of Procomp aluminum 64 cc heads. I liked the price but that also worried me. Cheap usually means junk when it comes to car parts. I figured they would be better than the 76 cc 882 heads that are on the car now(125,000miles) My hopes were I could just bolt them on. A little worried about the hit or miss with the exhaust.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 05:28 PM
  #6  
MotorHead's Avatar
MotorHead
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,654
Likes: 190
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Default

Originally Posted by Shark Racer
MotorHead has reminded me, every time I do spark plugs in the 78 I wish I had an LS motor.
Looks like someone has an LS motor in their Avitar !
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 05:28 PM
  #7  
Shark Racer's Avatar
Shark Racer
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Default

Skip the procomps.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 05:29 PM
  #8  
MotorHead's Avatar
MotorHead
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,654
Likes: 190
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Default

Originally Posted by superdave269
I was looking at a set of Procomp aluminum 64 cc heads. I liked the price but that also worried me. Cheap usually means junk when it comes to car parts. I figured they would be better than the 76 cc 882 heads that are on the car now(125,000miles) My hopes were I could just bolt them on. A little worried about the hit or miss with the exhaust.
Grasshopper, find where in China the heads are made and ask them
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-9

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 05:31 PM
  #9  
Shark Racer's Avatar
Shark Racer
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Default

Originally Posted by MotorHead
Looks like someone has an LS motor in their Avitar !
Old car, just can't be bothered to change the avatar (haven't had the car since 2006, )

I've kicked around the idea of putting an LS in the '78 but the car is more about being a classic car and not perfect. There are little things (new radio, TKO) that make it better, but it still growls and idles like an old car.

I have 2 LS vehicles otherwise, and I like them both but it would just feel wrong for me to pop the hood and see something other than my half-assed L-82 clone with AFR heads under the hood.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 05:46 PM
  #10  
superdave269's Avatar
superdave269
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 668
Likes: 21
Default

Skip the procomps.
Are these junk? Are they made in China? Has anyone tried these?
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 05:51 PM
  #11  
MotorHead's Avatar
MotorHead
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,654
Likes: 190
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Default

Originally Posted by Shark Racer
Old car, just can't be bothered to change the avatar (haven't had the car since 2006, )

I've kicked around the idea of putting an LS in the '78 but the car is more about being a classic car and not perfect. There are little things (new radio, TKO) that make it better, but it still growls and idles like an old car.

I have 2 LS vehicles otherwise, and I like them both but it would just feel wrong for me to pop the hood and see something other than my half-assed L-82 clone with AFR heads under the hood.
Nothing beats the shake rattle and roll of a C3, just can't be copied, and oil under the motor in your garage no matter what you do
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 05:53 PM
  #12  
MotorHead's Avatar
MotorHead
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,654
Likes: 190
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Default

Originally Posted by superdave269
Are these junk? Are they made in China? Has anyone tried these?
This has been beaten to death, try the search function and then look for heads made in the USA there are many at probably not too much more or cheaper than what you are looking at. Bottom line don't buy them
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 06:05 PM
  #13  
Shark Racer's Avatar
Shark Racer
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Default

Originally Posted by MotorHead
This has been beaten to death, try the search function and then look for heads made in the USA there are many at probably not too much more or cheaper than what you are looking at. Bottom line don't buy them
Summary: lots of bad machining that will need lots of correcting from a skilled machinist. By the time you're done you may as well have gotten the good stuff.

IMO if you have a long range goal with a motor, unless you've got a real bad jonesing, it's better to just go for it rather than nickel and dime yourself along the way...
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 06:06 PM
  #14  
superdave269's Avatar
superdave269
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 668
Likes: 21
Default

Thanks, this is why I ask question here before I waste my time and money..
Looks like you guys saved me $350 Plus a lot of grief

Last edited by superdave269; Jul 25, 2012 at 06:26 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 10:59 PM
  #15  
MotorHead's Avatar
MotorHead
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,654
Likes: 190
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Default

Originally Posted by superdave269
Thanks, this is why I ask question here before I waste my time and money..
Looks like you guys saved me $350 Plus a lot of grief
$125 a head should tell you that, I paid more that for one set (2) of intake and exhaust shaft rockers Save up and by some good heads and don't be afraid post what you plan to do before you do we can still save you some money headache
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 11:20 PM
  #16  
superdave269's Avatar
superdave269
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 668
Likes: 21
Default

I kinda knew it was to good to be true, that's why I asked about them. I still can't get over how nice everyone is here. Thanks again.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2012 | 11:29 PM
  #17  
63mako's Avatar
63mako
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 121
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Default

We are only nice sometimes.
Don't ask what kind of oil to use or if your excessive rear end side yoke play is a cause for concern. All hell will break loose.
BTW Procomp heads are junk. not even good boat anchors, too light.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 07:58 AM
  #18  
oldalaskaman's Avatar
oldalaskaman
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
Default

best answer
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 08:56 AM
  #19  
sajclayton's Avatar
sajclayton
8th Gear
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Default

I have a 350 motor in a 74 corvette that has Edelbrock 185cc Aluminum angle plug heads. Motor makes about 425 HP. I am running Hooker sidemount headers and pipes. I don't have any problem with the plugs or plug wires hitting the headers. I only have trouble tightening the # 2 plug but it is not that bad
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Angle plug heads? Good or bad?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:28 PM.

story-0
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-9
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE