ljsmith1

Well...news not so good from the machine shop. #5 exhaust valve seat is practically gone. It looks like the previous manifolds were on a bit too long because water started to collect in the #5 and #6 exhaust ports, causing some nasty rusting. So much so, that the machinist feels that if he cuts into the head to replace the seat on the #5, he may go very close, if not into, the water jacketed area. He also feels that the other head (in better shape), may not be worth dumping $225 into for the valve job.

Here's my dilemma now...Where can I get a pair of stock 454 heads that will work on my engine (1987 454 MAG Alpha 1)? The shop quoted me $495 each - new. Can I do better? The engine has 465hrs on it and I don't want to dump allot of $$ into it if I plan to re-power in about 2-3 seasons.

I have looked in a lot of places on the net, but I want to hear about some experiences/recommendations from the folks on the forum.

Thanks!

-Larry

martiniboat

Larry, I have a set of brand new BB chevy heads from a crate motor that I simply unbolted and shelved because I bolted a set of Merlins on my 502. They are of the 'non-adjustable' valvetrain variety. I'm not sure on the compatibility with the earlier blocks but I'm damn sure one of our boating brothers on this forum does. Let me know.

Sincerely,
Brian Kamrath

VelocityMark

Buy you a set of rectangular port heads and an aluminum intake to fit the heads. It will really wake up that 330. I have a set that I had on an 1988 330 for sale but not sure what it would cost to ship them that far. I will sell the heads for $600.00.

bobl

If those are the peanut oval port Mark IV heads I have a set that are in good shape that I'd let go cheap. PM me if you're interested. The Gen V or VI heads will not work.

Bob


Just went back and looked at the pictures. That appears to be the heads you have. The ones I have came off of a '90 freshwater engine that was running perfectly. Probably just freshen the valve job and they'd run great. I'll check them when I get to the shop tomorrow.

blue thunder

Wow, lotsa heads for sale here. I too have 2 sets of heads that came on my 340hp long blocks when I bought them. Mark 4s oval ports. They have 20hrs or less since refresh. I had alum edelbrock heads I used instead. I am going to auction them on ebay along with the imco risers to raise cash for some headers. Let me know if you are interested.

Dave

ljsmith1

Dave and Bob..

Please PM or email me when you get a chance. Let's talk.

[email protected]

Thanks!

-Larry

ragtop409

Larry, what ever you do dont buy new heads at the price and dont put the little P-nut ports back on if you like going fast. There are lots of good big oval port heads out there like the 049's put a set of big valves in them and then when you rebuild the motor in 2-3 seasons you have a good set of heads long as your not gona try and make 600+ na horses. Rag's