Big Olds Needs a Head Job

WOW, that was a really snotty reply...considering you're pretty much the one who doesn't know what youre talking about...

As far as I know, big inch Olds "C" heads are the ultra desirable heads found on 442/Toronado from I believe 68/69. These were in essence factory high performance iron heads...big valves, were on high compression 4bbl motors. Arguably the best flowing heads to choose for a big inch Olds build.

I am guessing the guy who posted that in the first place, the dude in the Olds Club of America, who also owns a 98, probably has faith that a 68 head will bolt to a 70 block...

 

So, if I'm understanding this correct I would WANT a C head over an E or F right?
I'm thinking now perhaps I have the year wrong. It came used outta a streetrod so maybe that "streetrod" owner didn't p*** on the correct info to "Just Steve" or, I know this is far fatched, but perhaps I'm remembering the year incorrectly.

 

Great info to know, thanks so much for sharing. I am going to print this thread and give to my mechanic Jim, even though I have complete faith in his abilities.

 

Brandy's tough and hot.

 

I'd do her.

(hell I'd do a snake if ya held it right)

 

Hi Denise........got back from the machine shop.......yes #394548 was a good number for a early 455 but the heads on the shelf were #409147's which come from the same time frame but for the 350 olds engine.
Sorry I couldn't pull a rabbit out of the hat this time for ya........best of luck Denise......from the respose of this post, you have lot's of great help working on the problem.

Cheers,

 

And here I thought she was "soft and cuddly"!!

 

Man, I gotta do something to get you laid.




Thanks Mark for checking, I appreciate it. xoxoxo

 

I am not an olds guru, but am learning since I am building a 455 for a 69' Cutl*** S.

On the exterior of all older olds heads there is a number or a letter code which will tell you the casting of the heads. Its on the exhaust port side on the corners IIRC.

A number will mean a small block heads which will have smaller valves, and chamber. Leave them for a small block. 5's are the best flowing head and came on the hot W31 350-325hp motors and other 69ish 350 motors with slightly smaller valves. They will bolt onto a big block apparently with a very minor mod.

A letter means a big olds head. The best olds heads are casting letter C which you have. Almost as good are the B,E and F heads. Persoanlly I would try to get another C head for your motor.

I would check your intake since they are a PITA to get to seal at the rear.

 

Girl. there is quite a lot at stake here.
Go for good heads ***uming the block is good.
I would be concerned, tho, that putting good heads on the engine would raise the compression on an aged engine increasing the likely hood that the bottom would suffer strain.

In this light, I am suggensting keeping the engine you have now for a future rebuild and swapping in a good engine.

You know that I will help in any way I can.
Might cost you a ride, a loong, long ride.

Sick Jim

 

If you cant find any heads up your way I think there are some in a couple of junkyards I frequent in the Dayton Ohio area. Jeff

 

Thats exactly what I have

 

Check unclescooby's ad in the cl***ifieds (58 Fuel Injection) where he mentions a neighbor has a complete 71 455 for real short money. I think it's located in/near INDY. Might be worth looking into as a spare engine or for parts.

 

How about this... I've got $20 towards getting Denise some head.... errr. I mean some good heads... If anyone deserves it she does....

 

Thanks sweetheart but lets not jump the gun. I'm hoping it's just the gasket and if one of the heads has a small crack I've been told by a number of buds that I might be able to use a product thats a block sealer. My mechanic even suggested this about a month ago and last nite another buddy who races roundy-round says he uses it as well. New heads will be my last resort. But thanks so much for the offer, means alot.

 

dont use the sealer...replace the head if its a crak that cant be fixed by welding and machinig....you dont want that **** to fail in the middle of the tour!



Fred

 

Jeeze... thanks for the support.

(I've got a great reply... but my lips are sealed.)

 

Wow! I am glad that I wasn't the only one that got put down. Just in case somebody is still wondering... you can put ANY BBO head on that 455. If you go by the book then there were certain years for certain heads; however, any head... B, C, E, F, J... will fit on a 455. Cs flow the best (which was said earlier).

 

If you need any info on Oldsmobile heads, contact Rusty:
http://www.midamperformance.com/

 

Sorry but it sounds like a craked head to me. Cracked heads are very common. I've had the same problem and had the head welded. It ran great after that.

 

Both engines I have, are F heads.

 

No news yet, he hasn't torn into it yet BUT I did want to send a HUGE thank you to a Mark McCabe (HAMB guy?) who has emailed me Ebay links. Very much appreciated as I am not a ebay viewer at all. Thanks again bud!

 

That's the one and only HAMBer Wingnutz!
Max

 

Well thanks for that, I had no clue what his last name was. Extra cookies for him the next time we hook up