heads for 454. advice requested
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
heads for 454. advice requested
I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel to fix the bubba problems from the PO on my 68 convert. Then I can start doing the fun things on the car. I want to do some top end modifications on the transplanted 454 in the car. I have no info on the engine from the PO, so a lot of the internal engine components are unknown. I put my fiber optic scope up the oil pan drain plug hole and found I have a four bolt main engine. Pistons appear to be flat top. No idea what cam, so I will put in what I want. Headers, intake and 750 carb are already in place.
Advice requested on heads. I am not sure if I want Brodix aluminum or Merlin III from World. I put Merlins on a 454 I rebuilt about 15 or 20 years ago I and liked the difference- but the weight savings on the alum heads is a plus. Cost is about the same and I found square port and oval port in both types, chamber volumes are similar and 2.30/1.88 valves on both. Has anyone used Brodix aluminum heads on a 454? Opinion?
Advice requested on heads. I am not sure if I want Brodix aluminum or Merlin III from World. I put Merlins on a 454 I rebuilt about 15 or 20 years ago I and liked the difference- but the weight savings on the alum heads is a plus. Cost is about the same and I found square port and oval port in both types, chamber volumes are similar and 2.30/1.88 valves on both. Has anyone used Brodix aluminum heads on a 454? Opinion?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 183
From: Port St. Lucie Fl
I am always a fan of weight savings so if it were me I would do alum. I would also change the cam so you know what you have. Maybe even see if there is retro rollers for BBC (dont hear much about them)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,738
Likes: 644
From: Lincoln, CA
I'd pull the heads and see what you have.
If you have flat tops, I'd measure the chambers and see how far down the hole the piston is.
Then you can figure your compression and select the right head and gasket.
If you have flat tops, I'd measure the chambers and see how far down the hole the piston is.
Then you can figure your compression and select the right head and gasket.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
If they are flattops you will be compression challenged. The typical 119cc head will get you less than 8.5:1.
Unless you're willing to change pistons one of your few options are the high-compression Edelbrock heads with 100cc chambers. Even with those compression will be lower than optimal.
Unless you're willing to change pistons one of your few options are the high-compression Edelbrock heads with 100cc chambers. Even with those compression will be lower than optimal.
