Just as I started to type this my wife said I need three heads one to put on my sholders. I have had no luck trying to find a set of small chambered heads w/the larger the better valves. Finished or bear makes no difference. I would like 186's if I could find them. If anyone has or hears of something let me know!!

Found a pair, I hope will fill the bill! If any of our more machine shop oriented members have any input its welcome. I bought a set of bear heads casting #186 the sellar said the came off a wrecked Z28. They have 2.02 valves seats. I've got to buy valves, springs, rockers, push rods and set the heads up. I have a 282 cam and flat top pistons in a stock bore 350 block. What to use my edlebrock intake and carb. before i realy get into it if anyone has any input please sign in. I have another engine I'm putting to gether to a bone stock with my 1971 matching numbers block, a 270 hp version. I'm looking for heads for it, a correct starter and alt engine june of 71 manufacturer date

|UPDATED|12/15/2002 12:22:02 PM|/UPDATED|

Heads are the key to better air flow.

The trouble is, you often can end up spending what a set of off the shelf aluminum Edelbrocks, Darts, etc. can cost by the time you piece those 186 heads together. It is usually only after you have paid the machine bills, parts bills, etc. that you stand back and say "Man, I could have had a set of Trick Flows, AFR, Edelbrock, etc for what I spent".

How do I know this? I have done it before myself.

To make those heads really kick, you need to spend some serious port and polish time, a good three angle valve job, lightweight valves, and have them milled down. I am pretty sure those still have a 76 cc combustion chamber. That means you will be right at 9:1 with flat tops.

Just give it a nother run on the old calculator before you wrap it all up. If you can get out under $500 total with the 186 heads, machined, and fully dressed, then you are doing well. Otherwise, step back and punt, because you would be surprised how well you can do on a set of Dart cast iron heads that are ready to smoke your tires right out of the box.

I should be able to do most of the work myself at a frieds shop. I hope ! the problem fight is breathing What intake and what headers to get that will fit in my 71. I have three manifold a Performer, a Torker II and a chevy Gm aluminum Off a 350hp

Hey there,

I would stay away from the Torker II, especially if your state requires emissions tests.

The Performer and the GM are great all around intakes. Port match them and you will have excellent drivability and power.

Alex

Henry,
I'm sure you're aware that we're exempt from CT emissions now that we're 25 years old!! +
~ Joe

|UPDATED|12/30/2002 8:57:45 PM|/UPDATED|

Joe
Yes and with inspections in general relaxed I'm rushing two other projects along. Have a Happy New Year I hope the spring brings great cruiding weather.
Chris
Were you ever right about the cost of doing cast iron heads vs buying Aluminum heads. I bought a set of 186s by the time I finished they will be worth abought $600. I still have some port work to finish and I'll flow check them again. They should put up some good numbers.
Alex I did go with the performer I, using the GM one on something else.

|UPDATED|12/31/2002 6:39:32 PM|/UPDATED|

This seems to be a good place to post this. I have always heard that you should use cast iron heads for street and aluminum heads for strip.
Any thoughts on this?

What you guys think about Cast Iron Vortec Cylinder heads?

Ismo
Topless 69

Hello,

The Vortec heads are great. Good power and great price. You will have to buy a special manifold that is designed for the vertical bolt pattern. Edelbrock makes a performer manifold for these heads.

Alex