horsepower tricks for a cadillac 331?

I am looking for some tricks or changes to getting a little bit more rumble and horsepower out of a 54 cadillac 331 engine.....nothing major just a little more of a growl and some more pep in the engine

 

Later heads are a bolt on, and (starting in '56) had larger ports; they got bigger yet in '59. Also, a later intake with a higher flowing AFB will bolt on in place of your current WCFB setup.

 

Here's the best info on the HAMB that I've found about early OHV Cadillacs:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8282&highlight=early+ohv+cadillac&showall=1

 

thanks guys>>>so i can get later model caddy 390 heads and use them?

 

Yep, but stay away from '63 390 engines. They're completely a different animal.

 

I'm doing just that as we speak...(figuratively speaking). Been working on it about a year and going back together now.

 

What is so different about 62??

 

They're the later style engine with distributor in the front. They were bumped up to 429ci in '64 I think.

 

63 only

 

Oops! thanks for the correction

I should have known better, I've worked two different 62's recently, but not engine work.

 

what are the best year 390 heads to swap out? what other work would I have to do? any internals change with 390 heads on a 331 or does it just bolt up?
also what are the best intakes to swap out onto the 331?
sorry for the questions I am a motorcycle guy recently getting into cars

 

also..any suggestions for exhaust? I want a nice rumble but nothing that will give me a headache on the highway

 

Any of the 390 heads, (minus '63, thanks Brudwich) will be a vast improvement over the poor flowing 331 heads.

Re-read the link Brudwich posted earlier from cadillacinmarcus, all the available and unobtainium intakes are on there. Heads just bolt up...of course make sure intake fits well, valve/rocker is indexed, ect ect...