I just posted about the power pack heads i'm using for the 283 buildup, I know they had bigger valves, but did they have any other advantages? better flow characteristics?
No. Unless you are looking for heads with no bolt holes, go get a pair of 601 or 416 casting 305 heads. Flow much better, have a better combustion chamber, have 1.84/1.50 valves, are unleaded fuel compatable, and most places pretty much give them away.
If you can find a set off an early Vette they have better flow characteristics. Don't remember the casting numbers off mine but the guy who did the machine work on them said they was a difference in their flow design.
I hope you don't mind me adding to your post Tim, but I have a couple pair of these, and while I know it'd be a ton of work, can you actually grind enough metal out of these to make them flow decent, or will you hit water first? I can put larger valves in, and unshroud them, and I'm no stranger to porting, I just don't want to junk a head trying if it's not possible! (That's actually how we learned in one of my classes... grind a head TOO far, so you know how far too far is!) tia Steve
I'm pretty sure the 461's are the "good" head, 461X's are even better but scarce as hens teeth. But when it's all said and done, none of the early heads are gonna flow like Vortec or aftermarket heads. When you figure out how much it's gonna cost to rebuild the early heads (guides, seats, new valves, etc.) it's about as cheap to run the newer, better flowing, makes more horsepower heads. I know they're not traditional, but guess what-engines now days make lots more dependable horsepower than they did back in the good old days. I'm gonna go with Iron Eagle heads on my old Anglia, you have to look pretty hard to tell they're not original and they make lots of easy horsepower.
Yea. And if you really want to disguise them, a little Manley epoxy and a die grinder works wonders. Just ask the circle track guys. (G)
ALLRIGHTY THEN.....Go to www.mortec.com or www.chevellepages.com or www.nastyz28.com & you will find block & head casting numbers and information and notes. Gary 4T950 Chevy Guy
I run 1,94/1,50 valves in mine, and ported. Works great. Would a modern head be better? Probably, but small combustion chambers are also hard to come by with any other head. /Mikael
I'm runnin the power pack heads on my 307 cid and really like them. Are you gonna race thar 283? If you are'nt gonna race it then the power packs will do just fine for every day driving. IMOO
I don't think big valve SBC heads will work on a 283 because of small bore cylinder wall to valve clearance problems. I'd run the the Power_Pac heads and have fun.
Yeah, power packs are what I have, thats what I intend on running, as a matter of fact, thats what is being hot tanked at the machinist right now. you can get away with newer looking stuff on a more unique motor, but for me, a small block chevy needs to appear 100% traditional.* *Disclaimer: this is of course my opinion on my motor, in my car, so please,no one get bent out of shape
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