[Laszlo]

Hi Guys,

I've been reading a ton about engines in preparation for building my first. The plan is: 70 chevelle, stock suspension, 28" street tires, 3.73 12 bolt, viper t56, 454 with 500+/-hp. Maybe an occasional track visit just to try it.

While reading about engines, i never realized how important the heads are. The ones i planned on using are the 049's or 781's; they appear to be the most available. I called a local machine shop and got a quote for a total rebuild on a set of 049's and they came back at 1400+/- for everything (assuming the heads need everything). That's a whole lot more than planned.

While continuing my search, I came across these heads for sale and was hoping someone can decode the technical data and tell me what these are and if they're good candidate for my build -

"I have a set of steel BBC heads #781 open chamber oval ports fully ported and polished have been milled to 114 cc 3angle valve job new seats and guides hydrolic springs good for 650 lift was running a 596/625 hydrolic camshaft with a 1.7 rocker great set of heads I also have the intake to go with it rpm range is 3000 to 7000 I have a 800 dp holley carbalso $800 obo for it all"

Sorry for the long post. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
As always, thanks! :beers:

 

[Harold Sutton]

Hi Guys,

I've been reading a ton about engines in preparation for building my first. The plan is: 70 chevelle, stock suspension, 28" street tires, 3.73 12 bolt, viper t56, 454 with 500+/-hp. Maybe an occasional track visit just to try it.

While reading about engines, i never realized how important the heads are. The ones i planned on using are the 049's or 781's; they appear to be the most available. I called a local machine shop and got a quote for a total rebuild on a set of 049's and they came back at 1400+/- for everything (assuming the heads need everything). That's a whole lot more than planned.

While continuing my search, I came across these heads for sale and was hoping someone can decode the technical data and tell me what these are and if they're good candidate for my build -

"I have a set of steel BBC heads #781 open chamber oval ports fully ported and polished have been milled to 114 cc 3angle valve job new seats and guides hydrolic springs good for 650 lift was running a 596/625 hydrolic camshaft with a 1.7 rocker great set of heads I also have the intake to go with it rpm range is 3000 to 7000 I have a 800 dp holley carbalso $800 obo for it all"

Sorry for the long post. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
As always, thanks! :beers:

You might consider the Brodix Race Rite Ovals which are on sale right now at Summit, the're real cheap right now and they're new. I'd give Mike Lewis, (aka Wolfplace), a call first.

 

[stroud6]

I agree when talking that kind of money I would look at aluminum. several good places to start here on team chevelle. mark

 

[rustbucket79]

Those heads for $800 may be a great deal. They may also be poor. Lots of "levels" in parts quality, and "fully ported and polished" can be a different meaning to different people.

 

[Laszlo]

Just an FYI, that price includes carb and intake. Does that change anything?

 

[Rmchevelle]

Are the heads fresh or do they have some miles on them since rebuilt? Does he have receipts for the parts and work? They could be a good deal if the parts and work can be verified. It's 50/50 whether to take a person's word for it. Buyer beware.

 

[Laszlo]

Are the heads fresh or do they have some miles on them since rebuilt? Does he have receipts for the parts and work? They could be a good deal if the parts and work can be verified. It's 50/50 when taken a person's word for it. Buyer beware.

I never called the guy, it sounds like they have some miles on em tho. I've been burned a lot lately. I realize buying used is gambling, but i can't afford to spend 1800 on new heads. I'm on a budget, so... entertaining all options right now.

 

[cv67]

Ask him if your machinist can inspect them and they check out Ok then fine.
If so then 800 is decent

On porting thats dicey never know though.

.Could have a real nice set that make power or some junk someone took god knows what tool to and did?

Lots of "ported" heads out there taht dont run any different than stock.

 

[Sinister]

You might consider the Brodix Race Rite Ovals which are on sale right now at Summit, the're real cheap right now and they're new. I'd give Mike Lewis, (aka Wolfplace), a call first.

A few of us can attest to the Brodix RR Ovals and getting them from Mike Lewis. Well spent money and awesome street manners! :yes:

 

[Laszlo]

Thanks for the input. I always tell myself not to buy other peoples "work". Like many can attest, there's a ton of shotty work out there. I would love to buy new heads, but i cant swallow the price. This car has blown my wallet wide open...and then some!

When do heads need rebuilding? Is there a particular mileage i should look out for? What are my chances of finding a 454 that doesn't need head work?

Thanks again!