Which size would be better for a mostly street motor 496ci? I was leaning towards the 2.19 but might only be able to get the heads in a 2.25 valve. Will this hurt the perfomance any. Engine will probably be 10.1 compression w/ a hyd. roller,auto approx. 550 hp maybe more.Any input helpful.
Thanks,Mitch

I think typically going to the big 2.2 valves will actually impede flow, because they're so big and the flow will run right into the wall of the combustion chamber. This might depend on if you have closed or open chamber heads, but in a few books I've read, one being 'How to Hot Rod the Big Block Chevy' (pretty good 'old school' book), the concensus seems to be usually 2.19 is as big as you need, even on a 496.

Of course, I'm no expert so if someone else wants to chime in..

Just to give you an idea. I am running the dart pro1 310cc heads. and they come with a 2.25" intake valve. My engine is a 454 + .030” (460ci) 11.5:1, no port work on the heads, solid roller cam (.660” lift), and has run a best of 10.30 @ 129mph, with capability to easy 10.10s..BTW…I went big with the carburetor (1050HP), which people told me not to do. It works though in a 3700# chevelle

I believe bore size has something to do with valve choice. If you have a 468 and up then perhaps the 2.2 would work.

Thanks for the info. guys. I'm leaning toward the 2.19's because this will mostly be street driven. Looking for crisp throttle response and torque,found out today that I can get the heads w/ 2.19's so I hope this works out.
Mitch