What is the best production head to use for a 455. Which is the best one to modify. What do I have to do to get it to work on my 72 model block. I wish there was a good set of resonably priced aluminum heads like the performer rpms. They even have these for Olds motors maybe we should petition Edelbrock. Thanks for all the help Wayne
430 HEADS, i think they bolt right on but there are some rocker issues. 70 455 heads are alot ezer to find and are good also. just my 2 cents
Hi Guys, IMHO...the 430 heads are only "the best" IF you are doing NO port work AND they are the "Big Port" version. The port size is physically larger and therefore has less available "meat" in the areas needed to do a good flowing port job. But take note they tend to have cracking problems due to thin areas, so be prepared for those repairs. The '70 & '71's are considered the best when porting but I've found the '72-74's to also be right up there with the previous years porting wise. But as the years went by the chamber volume increased, thereby lowering compression ratios, but proper milling can correct "that factory mistake". Casting numbers for those Big Port 430 heads can be found here: http://www.atlantabuick.com/CastingNumbers.htm........they are the ones in bold type. The 430 heads are not a direct bolt-in per say. There are small issues such as..they have 3/8" intake bolts thread holes, 455's have 7/16". And the 430 is oiled thru the head vs a 455 that oiled thru the pushrods. As said above..there are rocker arm issues due to the previously stated reasons of different oiling methods. The 430 rockers do however have a [i[slightly[/i] higher 1.59 rocker ratio vs the 455's 1.55. TA does market a hybrid pushrod that allows one to use the '70 & later lifters with the earlier 430 rockers. These are not complicated issues to deal with but just a friendly FYI.:TU: Just my opinion here. Hope this helps you make a more informed choice...
