heads for 396?????

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heads for 396?????

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heads for 396????? - 7/18/2008 8:37:10 AM

68camaross396

Posts: 6
Joined: 7/16/2008
Status: offline

I have got a 68 ss 396 325hp with edelbrock torker single plane manifold with a holly 850cfm carb, trw pistons. the block is borred 60 overbore and has a crane cam i think its something around 500 lift 300 duration i also have a set of hooker headers on it . I am looking to get a set of heads for the engine but im not sure what to chose I want cast iron rectangular ports not aluminum because im on a budget and im not sure what size intake ports are the right size for this engine any suggestions would gladley be appriciated. thanks

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RE: heads for 396????? - 7/18/2008 8:59:42 AM

z28pete

Posts: 5575
Joined: 8/7/2005
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Usually for a street engine the oval ports are preferable as they are generally smaller and resulting in better low end torque and flexibility. The rectangular ports can usually flow more air and give better top end power, and for that are preferable in a drag racing engine. The code word is "usually". Read up on the specks, speak to the vendors, and especially to some one that has had good performance for a particular brand and style. If you can go for the price, try to get aluminum, as this engine is heavy enough and can do without the weight of cast iron heads.
Just remember, whatever head you choose, make sure the camshaft matches. Big ports & little cam accomplish nothing, and little ports with a big cam just gives a lopey idle with little or no power gain.
This link may help:
http://racingdownloads.com/racing_software-26.html

< Message edited by z28pete -- 7/18/2008 9:24:16 AM >

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Pete

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RE: heads for 396????? - 7/18/2008 5:49:44 PM

68camaross396

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Joined: 7/16/2008
Status: offline

thanks

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RE: heads for 396????? - 7/19/2008 3:05:25 PM

68camaross396

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Joined: 7/16/2008
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anyone else have some sugestions

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RE: heads for 396????? - 7/19/2008 3:05:59 PM

68camaross396

Posts: 6
Joined: 7/16/2008
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The car is a street/strip car so it will see time on the track but more often on the street but i do want to make maximum horse power so i think i should stick with a set of rectangular port heads. These are the heads i have narrowed it down to:

1: BB-Chevy Dart Iron Eagle Cylinder Head
· 308cc Intake Ports
· 119cc Combustion Chambers
· 2.25'''' Int/1.88'''' Exh Valves
· 1.550'''' Springs

2: BB-Chevy World Merlin III Cast Iron Cylinder Head
· 320cc Rectangular Intake Ports
· 119cc Combustion Chambers
· 2.300'''' Int/1.880'''' Exh Valves
· 1.550'''' Valve Springs

3: BB-Chevy Edelbrock Performer RPM Aluminum Cylinder Head
· 315cc Rectangular Intake Ports
· 118cc Combustion Chambers
· 2.190'''' Int/1.880'''' Exh Valves
· 1.550'''' Valve Springs

I think that the 320cc world merlin heads may be a little to big for my application what do you think I should chose???

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