79 L-82 heads
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Charleston SC
79 L-82 heads
I have stock heads on it now, but have low compression in one cylinder dow to about 75....if i can get double hump heads for 75 would it be worth putting those on instead or rebuilding mine?
or thought on double hump heads period.
thanks
or thought on double hump heads period.
thanks
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
If the problem is related to the valves or head the double humps are a good option to replace your heads if they are cheap and in good condition or rebuilt and will bump compression up about a point. They also need to have the three accessory holes to mount your accessories at the end of the head. If not, and they need rebuilding buying a set of aftermarket heads is a way better option. You need to determine if your lack of compression is valvetrain related or rings. Squirt some engine oil in the spark plug hole of the low
cylinder and test compression again. If it jumps up it is rings. A leakdown test is also useful.
cylinder and test compression again. If it jumps up it is rings. A leakdown test is also useful.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Before you even get into what sort of heads you want, you need to make sure the bottom end is worth putting new heads on.
If it is, then I'd say you are wasting your time and money with old cast iron heads. The "double hump" heads seem to have this reputation for being really awesome heads, and I guess they probably were.....40 years ago. Nowadays, you can get aftermarket aluminum heads that kick the crap out an old set of "double humps" for less than a grand.
If the bottom end is not worth putting new heads on, then you have some work to do, which will involve either a machine shop, or a crate motor, both of which will be relatively pricey, compared to a 75 dollar set of heads.
I'll also agree that if the heads are in good shape, it's worth doing. Again, if the bottom end is in good shape. But, I doubt you will find freshened up "double humps" for 75 bucks, people seem to think they are made of gold, or something.
Edit: Apparently, the double hump heads have no provision for bolting accessories on the front of the engine, which kinda throws a wrench into the clockwork, so even if they are in good shape, it doesn't sound like a good idea.
Scott
Last edited by scottyp99; Jan 3, 2014 at 09:00 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,936
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
actually if i remember correctly the L-82 heads flow very close to the double hump heads. they have a smaller chamber so you would gain some compression, and power throughout the r.p.m range. that said the accessory holes will be a bit of a pain to deal with. the other choice is aluminum heads, anything in that range will be much better, with the exception of the L98 chevy heads, some may argue this point but neither the l98 and the vortec are what i would call outstanding. no mater what direction you go your half way at least to a good set of new heads. but a set of heads will really help out that L-82
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: Toms River New Jersey
This may be a stupid question, but what makes you think you have a bad head? If you've pulled them off & sent them to a machine shop to get checked, ok. If not, I think you're just trying to talk yourself into a new set, not that there's anything wrong with that.
JMO
Bill A.
JMO
Bill A.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 407
Likes: 11
From: Freedom Pa
If the problem is related to the valves or head the double humps are a good option to replace your heads if they are cheap and in good condition or rebuilt and will bump compression up about a point. They also need to have the three accessory holes to mount your accessories at the end of the head. If not, and they need rebuilding buying a set of aftermarket heads is a way better option. You need to determine if your lack of compression is valvetrain related or rings. Squirt some engine oil in the spark plug hole of the low
cylinder and test compression again. If it jumps up it is rings. A leakdown test is also useful.
cylinder and test compression again. If it jumps up it is rings. A leakdown test is also useful.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...flow-data.html
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 600
Likes: 6
From: Key West Florida
the L82 882 heads are a decent set of heads IMO, the larger combustion chambers ive been told help with the flow numbers, and they already have hardened valve seats. the only double humps i would ever run are from the 70 LT-1, i had a set but sold them.
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