I have a 86 cutlass and i have 1972 350 rocket motor i want to rebuild it. but should i rebuild my heads or should i buy the edelbrock performer rpm heads their $820.oo each. i want my motor to be strong but are they worth it?
olds 350 rocket heads???
- Thread starter 86gbody
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Well, to make that determination, you have to consider what you want to do with the car when it is done, and how much money you have to spend. I personally like aluminum heads for their weight savings, and because most employ improved port and chamber technology as compared to the original castings. However, I run iron heads because aluminum heads are pricey. Oh, and gold is just the color they were painting the engines back then, like orange for Chevys. It means nothing in terms of performance.
Are the heads you have on the original ones? If so there sould be a 7a on the lower left corner of the head.
If they are that kind, I would stay with them. They have a smaller combustion chamber, which will help raise compression ratio. They have pretty descent size valves which will help in performance. Compared to the rest of Olds cylinder heads they are pretty good, not the best, but they are up there.
If you liked how the performance of the car was before, leave em. If you definately want more power and weight savings, go with the Edelbrocks, if you think they are worth the extra money.
Also, if you want to get more power at a less expensive price, go with high compression pistons. Maybe try also getting a mild port/polish job on the heads with those pistons. Im not positive, but you sould be able to get that all done cheaper than 1600 bucks, and still make as good power.
If they are that kind, I would stay with them. They have a smaller combustion chamber, which will help raise compression ratio. They have pretty descent size valves which will help in performance. Compared to the rest of Olds cylinder heads they are pretty good, not the best, but they are up there.
If you liked how the performance of the car was before, leave em. If you definately want more power and weight savings, go with the Edelbrocks, if you think they are worth the extra money.
Also, if you want to get more power at a less expensive price, go with high compression pistons. Maybe try also getting a mild port/polish job on the heads with those pistons. Im not positive, but you sould be able to get that all done cheaper than 1600 bucks, and still make as good power.
Unless you plan to compete at the strip I don't think the aluminum heads will give you a $1600+ performance improvement. I'd stick with the original heads and get them rebuilt- they are plenty strong.
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There are half a dozen well known Olds specialty vendors or shops across the country that specialize in building Olds engines. I would talk to one of these vendors and see what they recomend releative to what you have and your goals. Power is in the heads so as long as you are not going past your bottom end capabilities spend your money on your heads before anything else. I believe people have trouble with the electric fuel pumps with the aluminum heads on the small block although I think somebody made a solution. Even if you buy the aluminum you should have some light clean up port work done by someone that knows where they need a little help. I think you will find that pro ported big valve rebuilt heads with bronze guides & good springs etc will cost you almost as much as the aluminum before you clean up the aluminum heads.
Vern said:
Vern,
I believe there's a clearance issue if using the mechanical fuel pump; the Edelbrock heads stick out a little further than the stock heads, hitting the pump. A block-off plate and an electric pump will be needed (not sure about grinding / machine on the head. Also need to get the Performer RPM intake as this has more meat on it, since port-matching is going to be needed.
As Dan stated, the stock 7a heads are very good, with the 1970 #5 heads considered the best. Plus the 7a heads have the hardened seats. A little cleanup and they should be fine.
thanks guys for all the helpful insights i did take a look at the heads and they do have the 7a casting so i think i will try my luck with stock heads. thanks
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