What heads are better for towing and plowing.

[cwilkie]

I am undecided on what type of heads to use when a 402bb & th400 are installed in my 1972 3/4 4x4. I plan on using the truck to do some light hauling, towing, and snow plowing. There will be occasional trips to the hardware store that that is about 120 miles away so I would like it to be drivable.

I have a set of casting number 292 open chamber heads and a set of casting number 063 closed chamber heads. I won't be hot rodding around but I do want some torque if needed.

Since a new 3/4 4x4 is around $40,000 I figure I would just spend a few thousand on upgrading mine and actaully own it instead of the bank owning it like they would a new one.

[oldblue1968chevy]

How much do ya wanna spend?

Are you particular, steel vs aluminum?

Do you wanna try to keep your stock valve covers/intake manifold?..

[cwilkie]

I want to stick with the cast heads. Since I cannot afford more parts I need to choose either casting number 292 open chamber heads and a set of casting number 063 closed chamber heads. That is all I have for a budget.

[67_C-30]

If you are going to leave the short block as is, the 063's are going to make about 9.5 : 1, and will make a lot more power and torque. The open chamber 290's are going to make closer to 8.0 : 1 with .039" composite head gaskets.

[special-K]

Yeah,I'd say use the 063s and save the open chambers for if & when you build the motor up.