My block is:

14015445 - 454 - 1979-1990

My heads are:

353049 - 454 oval port open chamber - 1973-1984

I think the block I have is closer to a 1990 vintage than a 1979 vintage. I don't have my heads to do a comparison (they are at the machine shop) but I'm concerned about compatability (water jackets lining up, etc.). I've heard it said that all Gen IV heads match up with all Gen IV blocks (aside from some valve shrouding issues on the smaller bore blocks) but while shopping for a gasket set I've become more concerned. BBC gasket sets come in three styles:

-to 1979
-1980 to 1990
-1991 to 1995

It's obvious I won't need to consider the 1991-1995 set, but should I use the "to 1979" or the "1980-1990" set? Should I match the gasket set to my heads or to my block? Or worse yet, can I not use these heads with this block?

TIA.

Rich, this is a 4 bolt main block isn't it? I have the same block. What is your engine suffix code above the timing cover? I have a XCH block. No problems using Mark 4 heads at all. I use Fel-Pro 1027 gaskets on the heads. 4.370" bore. Tony A. graemlins/beers.gif

It is a 2-bolt main block modified to now have 4-bolt mains. I don't know the code off of the block but I can look it up when I get home tonight.

I would guess the differences in gaskets sets would be because of the specific intake gaskets required per application...not because of any difference in block/heads.

Rich,there are NOT any compatability issues with your block and heads.