Ok, I posted a topic on performance on 049 heads. I pretty much got that open chambered heads wouldn't be good for my 396 unless I raised my compression (Not going to do that) I wanted a little more horse power from my heads. I have the 3856206 heads, Now the question is: If I had the valves enlarged to 2.19 intake and 1.88 exhaust, How much Horse Power would I gain?? Would it be worth the cost? :confused:

I really think that for a 396/402 motor, the best bang for the buck is just do a good hand bowl job and port runner dingle-berry casting flash removal clean-up AND keep your -206's stock valves!! You may want to change them for Pro-flo or whatever the whiz-bang, back-cut, waisted stemed ones are called to gain more flow if you need valves and have the money b/c they do help increase flow over stock valves.

I wouldn't even spend all that much time gasket matching them b/c it isn't reaaly that much of a winner unless you can eye-ball them and tell they are off a heck of a lot!!

I know my new oval Merlins and my new Holley Strip Dom. single plane were darn new right-on as is!! It supprised me so I just left both alone...

Add a set of 1.75" four tube long headers at the same time AND I bet your power will pick up appeciably!!

IMHO.. pdq67

If I remember right youre running a mild cam. I would think that any street 396/402 wouldnt gain much from the bigger valves, maybe a hot street/race motor would (large cam/carb 6000+RPM). Would think U could find cheaper HP somewhere else. Some port/bowl work, SS valves, would be more help. If U really want 100+ more HP, keep the #049's and buy a 454 and start building it up. 10to1, something like 290/300 duration 575-630 lift range, RPM or stealth intake w/850DP and get 550+HP. Meanwhile U can drive the car while building the 454 and when youre done have a nice backup motor. Thats what I did worked out fine

I was thinking of starting a new motor, I may just keep my 396 mild like it is and go for a bigger motor. I'd like to keep these 049's too, Like I said in my last post, I got a pretty killer deal on them :D