I just wanted to see who could explain and identify the different heads used on the 350 Buicks (cc's and comp ratios) from 68-80, which are the best and which will interchange. I'm looking at a '73 or '74 350-2. Can these be made to put out decent power without drastic mods? Also, how can I identify the year of the engine?
I'm terrible finding past threads but this has been discussed several times in this area over the last year or so. Try a search for past posts using 350 heads. Good luck! Matt
Here's one thread I started a while back: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=173542 I'm sure there are more!
Any 350 head is fine from 68-80 for performance, I prefer the late 72-80 heads that have an extra coolant scallop since they are less likely to crack vs the 68 to early 72 heads. The 350 compression ratio was changed by using different piston dish, and thicker gaskets (steel shim are 20 thou but you can not use them on later engines). Regarding the CC for the chambers they are all supposed to be 58 CC but there are variations and you never really know if the heads have been milled. CC your heads and also measure the deck height since it can vary on each engine. You can mill the heads down to under 50 cc but check for valve to piston clearance using plastacine on the piston during mock up BUT remember to use the camshaft you plan to run because different cams may cause closer clearances. If you do go for a later head some have AIR ports which can be plugged as well as the intake manifold heat port depending on if you care how long it takes for the engine to warm up. Remember, if you do port a set of 350 heads have them ckecked for cracks and watch for core shift and pick a good set.
