Burnt71

I have a running stock 1977 engine. I have a Targetmaster engine of unknown origin. How can I tell what set of heads would be best ? Would it be worth the trouble to switch heads ? Targetmaster has a performer Edelbrock and the 77 stock engine has a Edelbrock Streetmaster. what is the better intake ?

Rotonda

"Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go?" There are a huge number of heads out there - some very high quality that will give you quite a HP boost. However, to get there you will need further engine mods.

Reading between the lines of your post, I believe you want a livelier 77 without redoing your entire engine, and at a reasonable cost. Within these parameters, I suggest you pick up a pair of vortec heads. Chev indicated that these flowed better than any of the Chev designed/distributed racing heads previously available. They will also bump your compression ratio for better power and efficiency, and will work with your current cam (though you may want something a bit more aggressive down the road). You will also need a new intake manifold to fit the vortec heads. Choose something a step up from your current manifold, such as the Edelbrock RPM.

This will get you close to the 330HP Chev HO crate engine

hugie82

Heads are definitely the big ticket item that will really make a motor get up and go without any mods but you can't go big or go small, you have to go with what matches your parts. Ie; intake, cam, carb and exhaust.
If you have those details, most head manufactures will be able to advise you on the best heads.

Burnt71

I guess my problem is not really knowing whats in each engine

7t9l82

targetmaster was a chevy crate engine very bare bones low h.p low compression station wagon type cam, just about anything you do except crossing up your plug wires will increase power. cast crank cast pistons 8-1 compression, more like 7.8-1. not a powerhouse.
im not a fan of vortec heads but in this case it will give you good power per dollar.

cardo0

Man do i have a good book for u. Small Block Chevy Engine Buildups by CHEVY Hi-Po mag: http://books.google.com/books?id=ul3...%20mag&f=false.

I will let it speak for itself.

Burnt71

Thanks