I have a stock, CTX coded SS 396 engine with the original intake manifold. How do I know, without pulling it right now, if it has oval or square ports? Can't seem to find a definitive answer on this one. Can anyone help me out?

Can you get the head casting numbers? That should tell you. Once you get the numbers go to www.mortec.com and look them up. Hope this helps.

Does it have a cast iron intake?

On the front of the heads, there is a parting line from the casting. If it has a bump on it, they are square port, if no bump on the casting line, then they are ovals. Click on the pic below.........

Epistuff-Thanks for the info.

JIM,GOOD INFO,THANKS,never knew that hump thing was valid for identification of sq vs oval ports,learn something new every day.

John,when stock the CTX coded block was an L34 396/350hp that came stock with large oval port heads with last 3 digets of casting id in heads under valve covers ending in 290.

This is a good flowing street head with 100cc closed chambers.

This head responds well too mild pocket porting,undercut raceflow valves for better flow,and a good 3 angle valve job and can support up to 500hp if this is whats o your motor at this point.

Scott