Re: Head advice on BBC
 

True True.

Re: Head advice on BBC
 

My wife shot down the new heads. I need to keep my cost down. I have been looking at different casting numbers for large ovals and have found a lot of conflicting information on chamber volumes. I am looking for a head with 105 to 110 cc chamber with good flow. Anyone have any suggesions, my machinist has a set of 3993820's and 353049's. His book shows smaller chambers than mortec.
Thanks,
Jeff

Re: Head advice on BBC
 

049's are 119-121. Ive measured plenty myself. I would stay away from the small chamber (closed) heads. They dont make good marine power.

Re: Head advice on BBC
 

These inconel exhaust valves...how important are they? I recently had a local engine builder do me a 502, 8.5:1 with a hydraulic roller 535/554 lift but I don't think I have those valves. Was this a terrible mistake?

Re: Head advice on BBC
 

Inconel you ask?
Let's put it this way. I have seen enough failures on marine engines that didn't use Inconel exhaust that I wouldn't build a marine engine without them.
Manley recommends them for Top Fuel, Funny Car and Marine applications.
Pretty much sums it up right there.

Re: Head advice on BBC
 

Tell The Wife Who The Boss Is And Buy The New Heads!Better Yet,Buy Them,Put Them On And Then Tell Her You Got Them!This Is What I Would Do Since Boating And More Hp Is The Most Important Thing In Life!All In All With All Im Considering Changing Out My Heads And Cams On MY 525sc's Am Just Staring My Research And Am Curious How Well This Comes Out!

Re: Head advice on BBC
 

I know this may be redundant now, but "JimV" has the flow numbers on the Edelbrock heads as they come from the factory out of the box. Apparently, a guy sent Jim two sets last winter to have them flow tested. He also had Jim port them for better flow.

Re: Head advice on BBC
 

Jeff, be careful if you decide to buy old Gen IV heads.
They will not seal well on Gen V blocks. I know that there may be some special head gaskets out there, but I would recommend against it.
If you can not spend the $$ for after-market heads, then I would go back to your original thinking.
A set of L-29 Heads or Bigger valves in your existing heads...

Re: Head advice on BBC
 

Merc put Manley inconel valves in 400 Cyclones, 420 HP's, 450HP's, 465HP's, 500HP's. I would say if you're building more than 400hp, you need inconel.

Re: Head advice on BBC
 

After doing more reserch I am probably going to find a set of L29 vortec castings, I already have rockers, studs, valve guides and springs. All I need are the castings. If anyone has a good deal on a set let me know. I am located in the St Louis MO area.
Thanks,
Jeff