461 Head date code question

[Roadking96]

I am looking into getting me a set of 461 heads, but the guy is telling me that under the head casting 3782461 is just what appears to be a 13 or an I3. Is that a good date code? Or is there somewhere else on the head he needs to look for me.

BTW - His first pass at the head casting came back as 8782461 ( I am having him re-check) Could it be these are just not true 461 heads. He said they are definitely double hump etc....and definitely off a Corvette RD Flint motor.

Finally, did these heads ever come with screw in guides. I thought back then they were pressed only.

Thanks in advance.
David

 

[JohnZ]

The "1 3" he's reading is the casting pattern number - see the pic below of a 461 head cast from the same pattern, with the date code (L 16 1) just above the "1 3". No Chevy small-block heads prior to 1970 had screw-in studs from the factory.

 

[allcoupedup]

That 8 is really a 3. The picture below is of a 461 cylinder head and the casting number and date code. These are dated I 5 4 which stands for September 5th 1964. the date "I 3" is missing a character. Not sure how he can determine they came off a Flint RD motor. 461s were used all over the place. They did not come from the factory with screw in studs or guideplates. The head in the picture was machined for both.
Brian

 

[RodsnRides]

You are CORRECT, Sir!

Both replies are correct. I have 3 pair of 461 heads, all from '64 and '65 327 Chevelles, coded EE and FE. All have the camel humps.

Not to hijack (but rather, embellish) this thread, does anyone know of a template to drill these earlier castings with the '70-'72 alternator, p/s (?) and a/c bracket holes? These 64cc heads make for an easy compression boost on '71-'72 engines with lo-comp pistons. Thanks for any thoughts on this matter.

Rick

 

[allcoupedup]

Rick,
I'm not aware of any templates but there are other double hump small combustion chamber heads that should work for you.

3927186 - 64CC I believe
3927187 - 64CC I think
3973414 - 64 CC I think

BUT.. you probably want to use the heads you have in hand. Just hate to see 40 year old parts get modified.

info taken from http://www.chevytalk.com/tech/engine/SBC_Heads.html Use the info with caution.

Brian

 

[RodsnRides]

Good info

Printing this and into my "engine work" file. Thanks very much. Actually, one pair of my 461's is already modified. I got them that way, by helping a (frustrated) friend transplant a new Target 350 into a mid-70's Blazer. The Blazer had already been modified with these heads and they had double springs and screw-in studs. The valves must have been cheap as the stems pulled out of the "tulips" on a couple of the intakes. I had them refreshed with new valves and Comp springs. The other 2 pair are not drilled on the ends. I was just curious because I used these 64cc heads on a low-comp '71 motor with good results in a Nova. I also used metal head gaskets from GM as opposed to the blue "perma-torque" ones-that's also supposed to be worth about a half a point in compression.

Gosh-I did that job about 20 years ago. I AM a pack rat...:eyerole

Rick

 

[Roadking96]

Not sure how he can determine they came off a Flint RD motor.

The heads are actually still attached to the block that is stamped with the RD.

My note was a bit mis-leading, in that I have the opportunity to pick up a Long block, supposedly with these yet to be determined date 461 heads.....

I'm told it still has standard bore, cylinder etc look good (No scratches, ridges etc..)

Guy want $750 (This seem right)? I'd still have motor re-built.

 

[allcoupedup]

According to my book, RD is 63 or 64 300HP engine.

If the stuff can be used w/o rebuild, $750 is a killer deal. If everything needs a rebuild then $750 is just fair. It would probably be worth more for someone looking for a date correct RD motor.

assumptions
Intake (assuming 327/300 cast iron) is worth about $35
Heads $150 good cores - maybe more if valves and HW can be reused.
Block $250 known good core
Steel Crank $150 good core
Rods - $0 (if early style)
Pistons - $0
Cam/lifters -$0

Convenience of getting it all in one place w/no shipping hassles - $100??


Does it come with a Corvette Oil Pan, distributor, valve covers or anything else?

Good rebuilds are expensive!! I just finished one.

Brian