I Just rebuilt bottom end of my 66 396 motor for the el camino I am restoring and would like some suggestions on the stock heads they are now bare and I need to redo them. block was bored 30 over I installed forged pistons and and steel crank. I installed a Hyd. camshaft with 480I/485E lift. any help would be greatly appreciated

Jason, Check out this thread-

http://www.chevelles.com/forum/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=016248

This combo uses 215 heads (which may be what you have).
John

Jason, you didn't mention the factory HP rating of your '66 396 so, without the head casting numbers, it's a little tough to say what to do with 'em.

If it's a '66 396/325 engine it'll likely have 702 heads. My understanding is that they are not bad, but not exactly sought after either.

It all depends on your goals for the rebuild. If you're just going for a possible modest bump in HP/TQ from the heads then just have the intake and exhaust bowls cleaned up and exhaust short side radius smoothed out. With these heads I'm not sure it's worth the risk of installing larger valves - may hit a water jacket.

BTW - you may want to get this post transferred to the "Engine" or "Performance" section. Yo, Moderator!

Dan

I'd also have new hardened exhaust seats installed to weather non-leaded fuel.