Hey guys

So I am rebuilding a gen 5 454 and want to know what heads would be best to use this this set up no aluminum heads as the budget does not allow for it looking for 400 to 500 hp max
So I currently have
Gil manifolds
Cam/lifters/push tubes from a 525sc cam number 132561
Forged rotating assembly with TWR 2399 pistons

Thanks for the help

What is your budget on a set of heads?

I don't know between free and 600

If you have valves and other hardware do yourself a favor and buy a new set of aluminum Brodix heads for $1100 and put them together. For $600 you are in the Chinese/ used area. If you buy chineese you minus well stop throw your money down the toilet and move on. If you buy used your probably going to need a valve job/ crack check whatever. And you are gonna be in a used set of steel heads for the same money. Unless you find a deal on something already done and hopefully they are what they are supposed to be. At that price point it's very hard to be "choosey" and not end up with a pile of junk. I would look for something in the 260-290 cc runner area. Hope this helps believe me I've been in your shoes more than once and ended up paying double what I would have if I had just bought new from the beginning.

I found a good deal on a set of 088 heads that only have 30 hrs on them. I might only put 10 hours a year on my boat we only do inland lakes and fresh water. I do mostly cruzing around and the odd wot blast. With the 088 and my set up I think my comp will be around the 8.5 to 1 is that right ? I would not mind it a bit higher

did you dyno the current motor

What are push tubes ?

That piston should put you around 8.75:1. Of course this depends on whether the heads been milled, deck milled, head gasket thickness, stock bore or overbore, etc

The one on your shoulders ?

Not many in this world do anymore......sad.


Lol...Sorry. You opened the door....and it's Friday PM so I'm weirder than I normally am.

It had to be said. Surprised it took 8 posts.

personally I don't see much if any speed gains going from cast 454 heads to 502 mpi cast heads, jmo