My car is an original 350 c.i. 2 barrel car. came with 265 hp and has a TH350 auto. It has the original heads #17's. I recently did an aluminum Edlebrock intake manifold swap and a Holley Carb 600cfm. I was told by a previos member "Banshee" unless I get 4 barrel heads and swap the cam, I might as well reinstall the 2bbl intake and carb. I am looking for some 4 barrel heads that have screw in studs that will work for my application. I looked at the casting numbers but I dont know which ones will work for me? 18's 16's 670's 48's or any others?? I just dont know thanks, Joe
I dont know why I said screw in studs, I think someone told me that they were better but if there is no difference between press in studs then please suggest those too!
any 4bbl head is nice. i like the 48s i have 16s on mine. i had bronze guides and stainless valves hardened seats and tripple springs installed. screw in studs are not that important unless you are planning to race.
I guess the concept of a search function still eludes some people ...
The topic of heads has been run through the proverbial ringer. There are several guys here who have dedicated themselves to Pontiac performance. Most do so for the pure love of it all. The following exchange is probably one of the best this board has ever seen.
I ran #17's for a few years on my 350 with a 4bbl. No problems. I switched to #16's and saw significant improvements in power and throttle response. You will realize the most gain from your 4 bbl swap if you get 4bbl heads and a better cam to go along with it.
Adding a 4 bbl will not suck the rocker arm studs right out of the heads while you're cruising to the Dairy Queen, but if you're trying to spin the thing to 6,000 rpm you probably want to have screw in studs.
Banshee is right to a point. But you will see an improvement with a 4 bbl alone. A factory q-jet would be better for performance AND economy(smaller primaries). Smallest cam i would use is the 067. Better yet would be the 068. Easiest heads to find are 670's, 13's, 16's, and 62's. Also good but harder to find(and usually more $) are 12's, 48's, and 64's.
