Which heads are better

[Locutus]

I have 2 pairs of heads. One pair is casting #462624 there is lots of conflicting info on these heads the date code is D238 or 9. The other pair is casting # 14102193 I am trying to figure out which set to use to fix my truck. I know that the 14102193 are 87+ heads so they middle intake bolt holes are slightly different that is not an issue. My concern is which ones will get me the best bang for the buck so to speak. I already own both pairs so its not a money decision(other than I can't afford different ones so I have to use these)

Mike

[Locutus]

Ttt

[shuttermutt]

If you've got an intake (or don't mind spending some money) for those Vortec heads and the heads have the accessory holes you need, that's the way to go. You'll get more bang for the buck without porting and whatnot with those over the 624's any day. On the other hand, the 624's are a decent enough head and can be made great with 2.02 valves and some careful porting. They're very similar to the 882's which are a good, too.

[Locutus]

They are pre vortec. They use the same intake as the pre 87 except for the middle intake bolts are canted 72 degrees I believe. You have to increase the hole size slightly for the bolts to go in straight

[lukecp]

I've heard 464624's are the worst production heads ever. I had a pair on my truck with 1.72/1.50 valves. It ran OK, but not as good as it should have. They are lightweight castings, although i did overheat my truck pretty bad one day and they didn't crack.

I've also heard bad things about the '87 up heads, if they are the swirl-port design. Supposedly terrible for performance.

If you can i'd look for another pair of heads.