Better heads worth it?

[Redchevy87]

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 it’s 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 I’m 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?

[truckster]

"Worth it" is a very individual value judgement. You will definitely notice a difference in the seat of your pants.

[Getter-Done]

I would go for it.

[b454rat]

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.

[b454rat]

double tap

[Dead Parrot]

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.

[Willshook]

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.

[bnorth]

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.

[scottofksu]

Personally, I would identify a roller short block crate engine you eventually want to upgrade to, determine what heads you would run on that engine, get those and toss them on the current engine until it is time to replace it. Then you have the heads you want for the motor you want versus buying heads now only to buy a complete roller long block. I am a big fan of piecemealing out big purchases whenever possible! LOL

[Redchevy87]

My truck is just a summer cruiser. I would love to be to be in the 350hp range but I know that’s not going to happen without a cam. I would love to do a cam swap as well but there are a lot flat tapper horror stories these days. Has anybody hear of any companies that are making reliable parts or is it all a big gamble with flat tappets?

[cwcarpenter98]

Originally Posted by Redchevy87

My truck is just a summer cruiser. I would love to be to be in the 350hp range but I know that’s not going to happen without a cam. I would love to do a cam swap as well but there are a lot flat tapper horror stories these days. Has anybody hear of any companies that are making reliable parts or is it all a big gamble with flat tappets?

That's exactly why I ended up deciding to just run the engine I picked up with the cam it has in it. I need to get the truck back on the road sooner rather than later, so not going to risk trying to break in a new cam right now

[b454rat]

Get a Vortec 350. Roller cam, decent heads, decent compression factory. Rated at 255 which isn't horrible, but with a bump in compression and cam, 350 be easy. Sucks wouldn't be able to use the parts you have, but could sell em n recoup some cash.....

[IIGW]

for the price of a crate sbc, a junkyard 5.3 with a cam will make more power, better MPGs..

Is heads worth it? the LS should tell you yes. its basically what, a 327ci motor with great heads and makes tons of power for cheap.

[Willshook]

The biggest causes of initial flat tappet cam failures are failure to lube the cam, incorrect valvetrain adjustment, extended cranking with no start, and as always - wrong oil/no break-in oil.

The couple that I've helped people with all had the rocker arms brutally tight because they were told to adjust the preload running...which has always been wrong. It takes 3 minutes to break in a flat-tappet cam...and the risks are extremely low if you've done it all right.

If the engine is healthy, a head/cam swap - done right - is the cheapest route to power by far. Don't miss all the additional costs of doing an LS swap including mounts, exhaust, fuel pump, controller, etc. The LS is a damn near perfect engine and the swap is straightforward...but price it out so you don't get surprised.

[AcampoDave]

I wouldn't, provided it runs fine now. An average stock 350 (well tuned with the usual bolt on goodies) has more than enough torque to fry a tire in a half ton truck. Make sure the carb and distrubutor are dialed in, some cool mufflers....and drive it.

Unless have course you got the time and money, your brakes already disc, etc ...then go for it.

[Tom]

Not worth it.
I imagine with a stock 350, you'll be looking at cheap chinese heads. No thanks.
Heads worth spending money on such as edelbrocks etc are more money then the performance is worth to me on a stock 350.