Stock heads or D-ports?

[Achilles]

I thought I had a line on a set of used LPE heads, but the cost of the heads, test and prep puts them very close to a new set.

So my question is: Are the stock D-port heads that much better than my stock '86 alum. pcs? Can I get by with doing a good port job on my heads, or should I look for a set of 113 D-ports or opt for a set of Edelbrock's?

My engine went to the machine shop yesterday and the tentative plan is to bore the 350 and not do a stroker. Up the comp. to 10.4:1 w/ 58cc heads, a roller cam 213/220 @ .50, w/ .475 +/- w/ 1.5 rockers, TPIS long tubes, And the Accel base intake w/ high flow runners & stock plenum.

I know I've gone through all this before, but the cost of the 383 is beyond my budget. And so along with that, a new set of Lingenfelter heads is too pricey as well. But I'm thinking my heads are going to have to work well with the intake and higher comp. I think when I'm done I'll be in the 300 HP range.

So any advice?

 

[sothpaw]

Advice--

Yeah, 355 is still more work than a re-ringed 350 so it's a lot more expensive, maybe $1500 more than the re-ringing, since you have to re-balance the rotating assy w/new pistons, machine shops like to deck the block, etc etc. With the 355 you need to select your piston carefully--make sure it is at least lighter weight than stock and of good quality--Forged TRW light weight is what I used.

At any rate, make sure before machining that it can't be re-ringed and just honed for much cheaper. Preferrably measure yourself or have your mechanic who took motor out of car do that and judge.

 

[Achilles]

Thanks sothpaw

I thought of the very same thing. That's why I only brought them the short block and I mic'ed the cylinders first before I took it to them and it still has the stock bore dimensions. I am also providing my own cam for them to install.

I hate having to do things this way, but anymore people don't always do what they say. Although I am trusting them to install the right pistons for the compression I'm looking for.

BTW, I've decided to go with the Edelbrock heads.

 

[sothpaw]

Thanks sothpaw

and I mic'ed the cylinders first before I took it to them and it still has the stock bore dimensions. .

If it's in tolerance, I would definetely just hone & new rings, that's it. All the machine shops want to do new pistons because it's more money for them, but it's not right, it's not needed.