Re: [Chevelle-List] small block heads

[Capt Crunch]

Hey Mike   Well, I haven't heard much about the E-tec heads. Which ones are you looking at? The main positive of these heads seem to be that they are aluminum (if you want that), can accept higher lift cams without the machine work needed on the regular vortecs, and you have the option for a 200 cc port for a bigger cube small block. Personally I think that is a bit large for a 350. I'd also look into the extra money you are gonna spend to use them. From benchflow numbers I have seen locally here that does my dynos and benchflows, the Edelbrock are about the worst aftermarkets out there outta the box, but I have yet to see the E-tecs flow.I would take a look around... some heads I have personally seen make some awsome power are any of the Darts, AFR 190's, and Brodix heads usually work well. One thing to really consider is that in my opinion there is no such thing as a "outta the box" head. Even heads like AFR's or others that say they are ported and ready to go are wrong, at least from the benches numbers. Also all the manufactures and lots of magizine articles fib a bit on their numbers. From what I have seen on the bench, Brodix flow the closest to what is advertised. Any way you go... I would buy a bare set or get a "kit" that contains everything unassembled. Then at least get a valve job and I think a pocket port job is well worth the money from an experienced porter. Forget the port matching if you can't do it yourself. From the numbers I have seen it isn't worth the cash you would pay out to a porter.   In terms of heads... you really need to decide what features you want. Cast or alum? Do you want a new "fastburn" type combustion chamber? What size valves? Personally for the money you will spend, you might as well get the best you can afford or even wait a month or so so you can get a set that costs a bit more. I personally love the Darts. The shop my buddy owns ships Dart iron eagles out the door at 1100-1200 bucks complete with pocket porting, a competition 3 angle valve job, and flow numbers both out of the box and after his work. If you want a bang for the buck... look into the World heads. I used to run ported SR torquers (2.02/1.90) and it was absolutely awsome for my street cruiser. They aren't gonna flow as well up high, but for the occasional track car no big deal. Also most heads that aren't at least 195cc ports won't flow that well up high, and some of the larger ports will lack velocity at lower rpm's.   In terms of power... well depends what compression you have, cam, roller?, etc. You should be able to tweak out the 650 Holley fine for street and ocassional track use and it will yield better milage and street ability then a 750 DP. If you really feel the need for a 750, I would stick with a vacuum model which is easier to deal with for street use IMO. I run a 650 DP on my 350 in the chevelle now and love it. I would change the cam with the heads. That will most likely add some additional power w/ the new heads, but depends what you have for a cam now. Sorry for the long winded-ness... Good luck   Mikey