head choice for a BB

[baxsom]

i think i am going to wait on my cam swap until i can put a set of heads on with it.

i am not looking for anything super extreme or savings account draining.

what about the merlin 3s or GM performance BBC heads.

both are good on price and i cant find anything negative out there like the patriot or pro comp heads

what do you guys recommend

i want rectangular ports so i can use the LS6 intake and keep my stock hood.

i know that AFRs are tops but for the power increase i am looking for i dont think that much money is necessary.

my goal is 350 whp from my 454.

 

[TimAT]

The only thing to watch for that I've found is the exhaust ports. Make sure everything will fit (headers) with the raised exhaust ports. Nothing wrong with the GM heads-

 

[speedy427]

Baxsom, I have Brodix Raceright heads on my 68. These heads are a perfect install in that the exhaust ports are in the stock location. (no header issues if using headers. Come in oval and square ports. They also come set up with springs for either hydraulic or mechanical camshafts. Excellent deal for around $2100.00

 

[baxsom]

Baxsom, I have Brodix Raceright heads on my 68. These heads are a perfect install in that the exhaust ports are in the stock location. (no header issues if using headers. Come in oval and square ports. They also come set up with springs for either hydraulic or mechanical camshafts. Excellent deal for around $2100.00

that looks exactly like what i am looking for.
thanks

looking at how close my headers come to the steering linkage now, i dont think that the raised .25 inch on the others would work without some denting

 

[TimAT]

I've got GM's "C-Port" heads- and I have a dent in the primary tube at the steering box. Those 2-1/8 tubes make it tight down there.

 

[baxsom]

right now my biggest concern is compression.

stock heads on a 72 454 is 113cc with a rated 8.5:1 CR.
the brodix race rites i am looking at have a 115cc combustion chamber so my options there are accept the lower CR or use a thinner headgasket (.039 is stock i believe. i was thinking of a .020)

the GM performance heads have a 110cc ratio so that would definitely help but they have D shaped exhaust ports.
will the round headers i have now on the stock heads matchup?
or
an edelbrock performer high compression that has a 100cc combustion chamber

all three of the above mentioned heads have the
exhaust port in the stock location.

i dont have the ability to pull the motor to change pistons so the head and cam swap will be all that i can do.

i am open to all suggestions.

 

[Rodney Gold]

There is going to be little cost benefit to changing heads without getting CR up to 10:1 or so. The cam you have indicated you will go for , the flat tappet 268 , is not going to deliver a wad more power with new heads , whatever the CR ratio is. To take advantage of heads and higher CR , you need a more radical cam than that.
The best way for you to get a substantial power increase right now is to go with an underhood Supercharger like a Paxton and run mild boost and leave your lowish CR as it is. You will get substantially more bottom end at low rpm as well as a lot more power without unduly stressing the engine.

 

[baxsom]

i dont know,
desktop dyno says that even if it drops all the way to 8:5
it should still deliver in the ballpark of 400hp and 500ft/lbs
i can live with that even if it is a simulation, especially since the cam and heads are advertised to be ran at oem compression.

 

[Rodney Gold]

Your BB with the 268 cam , your 2500 stall and the high rear gears should kick some serious ass...
Why look for hassles , the iron rect port stock heads are pretty good for the cam you want...

 

[JohnZ]

i dont know,
desktop dyno says that even if it drops all the way to 8:5
it should still deliver in the ballpark of 400hp and 500ft/lbs

I doubt it. I wouldn't spend a dime on heads until you get pistons in it that will get you up to at least 10:1. If you really have 8.5:1 compression, it isn't going to matter much what you do, at least in terms of getting a performance increase commensurate with dollars spent.