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Need Help / Advice on BBC Heads

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Old 05-07-2004, 11:04 AM
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Mr D.
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Default Need Help / Advice on BBC Heads

Well 1 of the 291 closed chamber heads that I have is cracked and cannot be repaired (2 machine shops have been trying for a week now). That leaves me with looking for a replacement 291 or find a set of 840's. This is going on a NOM 1969, 427, 435hp car. I have went through pain and money to make this project as close to org as possible without getting wrapped up in the correct NCRS numbers thing. I have always thought that at some point down the road I would try to pick up the correct block and heads. Now I'm back to needing a set of heads. Here are my options:

1. Buy 1 head to replace the cracked one. P/N 3964291, Rect port, 109cc. Price $750 each

2. Buy correct dated heads based on car build date. P/N 3919840, Rect Port, 106cc. There seems to be conflicting info on the correct head P/N for a 1969 427, 435hp car. NCRS say's 840's only, others in the corvette world say both 840's and 291's. Chevrolet by the Numbers say's the 840's ceased around May 69 and was replaced by the 291. My car build date is July 15 1969. A set of 840's cost $1500

3. I have 2 good oval port heads P/N 3931063 & 3917215 that are indentical 100cc. I will need valve guides, valves, and exhaust sets in both heads. So I'm looking at about $400-500 in machine work to get this set up and running.

I have run Oval port heads in the past with a Rect Port Intake with no problems.

The Engine:
454 4-Bolt blocK, .030 over
427 steel crank
GM 7/16" Dot rods
TRW Forged Pistons: .140 dome
COMP Cams Mech, flat tappet, LS7
Tri-Power setup

I know this post got long but thanks in advance for any input or advice.

Mr D


[Modified by Mr D., 11:04 AM 5/7/2004]
Old 05-07-2004, 03:26 PM
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Solid LT1
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Default Re: Need Help / Advice on BBC Heads (Mr D.)

Another choice, buy a set of new in the box, Edelbrock, Dart (305cc inatkes only!), Brodix, Canfield or other small intake runner aluminum heads and get some of the excessive weight off the front of your "sports car". I actually might have a line on a set of low mileage 1970 LS6 heads if you insist on running iron heads on your motor. Remeber the L89 tri-power had aluminum heads so you can conside this an "up-grade" to you Vette. Email me about the "boat anchors" if you really want to run some iron heads.
Old 05-07-2004, 03:45 PM
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Corey_68
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Default Re: Need Help / Advice on BBC Heads (Solid LT1)

I have set of 454H.O./502 iron rect heads (2.19/1.88 valves) with ZERO miles possible for sale. :D
Old 05-07-2004, 04:29 PM
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Mr D.
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Default Re: Need Help / Advice on BBC Heads (Corey_68)

Corey / Solid
Thanks for the input. The problem is I need closed chamber heads as this is a 427 engine with .140 domes. Chevrolet made the closed chambered head from 1965 - 1970 for the 396, 402 and 427 engine. The exception being the 1970 Chevelle, LS7 454, 450hp. The LS6 heads and 502 are open chamber 118cc and would cause to much of a drop in compression.

There was only a 5 year production run on BBC closed chamber heads and the aftermarket people only produce open chamber heads. So, I'm left with looking for 35 year old parts and paying the price. Doesn't matter if its an individual, Ebay or what, the price seems to be about the same.

I'm leaning towards building up my Oval Port 063 heads to save some money and look down the road for the correct set. If I could buy a new set of closed chamber BBC heads I would.
Old 05-07-2004, 04:52 PM
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Default Re: Need Help / Advice on BBC Heads (Mr D.)

I just checked out the Edelbrock Victor Jr. CNC Rectangular-Port Heads. They are 110cc, that drop my compression to about 10:1, or so Desk Top Dyno says. :D That head might work. hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

TIME OUT!!!!!!!!! That head is $1349 each w/ valves. Holly Cow :eek:


[Modified by Mr D., 4:57 PM 5/7/2004]
Old 05-07-2004, 04:59 PM
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Les
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Default Re: Need Help / Advice on BBC Heads (Mr D.)

Corey / Solid
Thanks for the input. The problem is I need closed chamber heads as this is a 427 engine with .140 domes. Chevrolet made the closed chambered head from 1965 - 1970 for the 396, 402 and 427 engine. The exception being the 1970 Chevelle, LS7 454, 450hp. The LS6 heads and 502 are open chamber 118cc and would cause to much of a drop in compression.

There was only a 5 year production run on BBC closed chamber heads and the aftermarket people only produce open chamber heads. So, I'm left with looking for 35 year old parts and paying the price. Doesn't matter if its an individual, Ebay or what, the price seems to be about the same.

I'm leaning towards building up my Oval Port 063 heads to save some money and look down the road for the correct set. If I could buy a new set of closed chamber BBC heads I would.
Edelbrock actually makes a nice aluminum oval port closed chamber head w/ great flow & velocity. I know because I'm running a set on my 427. They're Performer heads w/ 100 or 101 chambers- can't remember which. Check out Summit or Jegs for them.
Old 05-07-2004, 06:52 PM
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Default Re: Need Help / Advice on BBC Heads (Les)

Summit has bare 100cc Performer RPM Street Cylinder Heads for $634.50 each. I would spend most to that getting the 063's in a running status.

" It only cost 100% more to go first class"
Old 10-05-2011, 05:53 PM
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Default canfield heads

I have the canfield BBC heads I will sell you. You'll never regret going with an aftermarket set!
Jeff
Old 10-05-2011, 08:11 PM
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$1500 shipped there 118cc 2.30 1.88 they are going to drop your compression to 10.5:1 but you will probally make the same amount of power as the best set factory gm ported heads will make on pump gas.
Old 10-05-2011, 08:19 PM
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SmokinBBC
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Am I mistaken....or are you trying to sell heads to a guy who started this thread in 2004?

Originally Posted by jpg71vette
I have the canfield BBC heads I will sell you. You'll never regret going with an aftermarket set!
Jeff
Old 10-05-2011, 08:31 PM
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sly vette
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Originally Posted by SmokinBBC
Am I mistaken....or are you trying to sell heads to a guy who started this thread in 2004?
C'mon.....This was just startin' to get entertaining!!!

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