Looking at these 148 heads on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2432776829&category=34202&rd=1

They look like a pretty good deal to me, but I don't know much about BB heads. Right now I'm running closed chamber 390's on my 454, I have no idea what pistons I have. I am getting blue smoke at startup and on acceleration, so I was thinking some head work might be needed. Are these a good deal, or should I spend $1200 on Merlins, or yank my 390's and take them in and have them worked? :confused:

Any advice is appreciated. Car just gets driven on cruise nights, car shows, etc...but I still like to have good performance. :D

I see those heads listed on mortec as Truck heads, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, i just dont' know if they are the dreaded peanut ports. The machine work all sounds good, but you will be going from a closed chamber about 98cc volume to a 112cc chamber. What kind of compression do you have now, cause that will lower it around a full point. The valves are also huge. Since you have a closed chamber head already i would stick with something of the like to save what compression you have, unless that is a problem you are trying to remedy. If you do want to go to an open chamber head look for the venerable 049 or 781 heads. Closed chambers 215 or 290 are pretty sought after as far as i know. I am using 215s on my new 427 with 2.19/1.88 valves and basic port/bowl work with the valves unshrouded.

Daniel

Keep what you have. Much better head for your combo.

Thanks for the feedback - I think I'll pass on these.

some further info on the 148s...
http://www.chevelles.com/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=010930