![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Freeville Ny
Posts: 38
|
Better heads worth it?
I have a reman 350 in my truck. It has 71 350 76cc heads on it. I have no idea what the cam is but I assume its a stock cam. Is it worth swapping to a set of aluminum 64cc heads? I know a cam swap would be ideal but I am afraid to do a flat tappet these days and I think if Im going to put the money into a retrofit roller I might as well just get a crate engine. I also have an edelbrock eps intake and summit headers. Any thoughts or opinions?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 7,915
|
Re: Better heads worth it?
"Worth it" is a very individual value judgement. You will definitely notice a difference in the seat of your pants.
__________________
I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: TN.
Posts: 8,123
|
Re: Better heads worth it?
I would go for it.
![]()
__________________
________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 84 Chevy K-20 63 Impala (my high school car) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Crew Cab Build |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Binghamton, NY
Posts: 3,458
|
Re: Better heads worth it?
Cam, heads and compression makes power. So putting on good heads will get you more power. But the motor is almost torn down enough to replace the cam, why not do both? Use break in oil for the cam.
__________________
2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6 lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 6 lift 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 4" SAS |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Binghamton, NY
Posts: 3,458
|
Re: Better heads worth it?
double tap
__________________
2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6 lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 6 lift 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 4" SAS |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 2,552
|
Re: Better heads worth it?
Do the 64cc heads have accessory mounting holes in all the right places? Assuming yes, other then the labor, the need to buy parts count for a head swap is pretty low. A top end gasket set and maybe a head bolt set(depends on your thoughts on reusing head bolts).
What is the planned use for the truck? Possible the higher compression might need more expensive gas. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Chehalis, WA
Posts: 18
|
Re: Better heads worth it?
What does "worth it" mean to you?
A heads and cam swap will add power for sure *if done right*. How much power is all about how much you want to spend. Aluminum is pretty, but adds cost to no real benefit unless you're trying to make big power. So a better question might be "for this amount of money, what's the best way to make more power?" Retrofit rollers are great, but they are a fair bit of work given that you have to positively retain the cam. Flat-tappet cams are fine with good break-in technique and the right oil, which is easy to get these days (Lucas Hot Rod Oil, Royal Purple HPS or XPR, Valvoline VR1, and others...). A roller will make better power, but profiles like the CompCams Xtreme Energy are "near roller" profiles that get you most of the benefit for much less cost and work. You can do a flat tappet cam swap with the engine in the chassis, but you'll have to pull it for a retrofit roller. Lots of things to think about. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Salmon Arm BC
Posts: 172
|
Re: Better heads worth it?
I don't think it is worth doing the heads without also making a cam upgrade. I hear you on the issues with flat tappet lifters these days though. Seems the metallurgy has been forgotten as there is an epidemic of failures in break-in or with low miles even with guys using proper oil and break in technique.
__________________
1970 C10 l/b 292/4spd Build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=811062 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|