I just scored a set of 67 430 heads (casting #1382985) and I am getting very confused with all the advice. Some have told me to block the "extra" oil passage on the drivers side head. Some have told me to block it in the block (since I am rebuilding the motor), and some have told me not to worry about it. Can anyone tell me the right answer??? and mabey provide a pic (or sketch) of which oil passage they are referring to??? o No:
You do want to block the oil passage. Blocking it in the block will 100% prevent a possible leak through the head gasket. I think there is one on each side because this is what oiled the rockers. Now don't forget you'll need to get hybrid pushrods from T/A to run those rockers (1.6 ratio) with the '73 lifters. I run these heads on my car.
Phillip, I called TA today about this. They told me that I should block both sides in the block and that I could use the 73 lifters, pushrods, and rockers. Are the 67 rockers a different ratio? The heads came with no rockers. should I get 430 rockers, or use the 1.55 73's??? Chris
Yes, the ratios are different. 430 heads had an aluminum 1.6 ratio rocker. The 455's have a stamped steel 1.55 ratio rocker. It's not a huge difference, but 1.6 is usually better than 1.55. I'd bet if you post here in the parts wanted that someone has a set of 1.6 rockers laying around you could get cheap. You might also try a place like NAPA, you never know. T/A may be able to give you a good cam recommendation where all you would need is the 1.55 rockers. I use them because they came with the heads. You definitely want to block both sides. I'm 99" sure it's in the front on driver's side and in the back on the passenger side...or is it the other way around? I can't remember, it's been 2 years now since I put the thing together. Anyway, good luck. Phil
Thanks Phillip. Apprechiate the info. I am really looking forward to putting this combo together. I have heared great things about it. Did you put the Stage 1 valves in yours? These heads had a new 3 angle valve job 10 years ago, and were never put on an engine. so I am hesitant to put new valves in and spend even more money. I am already into this engine for about $3500/ Chris
Yea, my heads have stage 1 valves, the combustion chambers have been fully polished and cc'd with the casting button removed. They are also fully ported intake and exhaust. They took over a pound of metal out of each head.
GOD... sounds very expensive. Should I worry about putting bigger valves and porting for a street engine??
I got REAL lucky and got these heads with a complete 455 for $800 about three years ago. Came with new forged pistons, everything. You don't need to do all that, but the valves would at least be nice and polishing up the combustin chambers will go a long way in eliminating pinging/detonation problems. My engine is 10.13 to 1 and I can run 93 octance fuel with no problems.
I am trying to do this engine right. I had it bored .030 over, block decked, had all the recommended oil passages enlarged, rods shot peened. I am putting TA forged 10 to 1 pistons in it. TA 413 cam kit, SP1 intake, TA shorty coated headers... and the list goes on and on! mebbie I'll put stage 1 valves and pocket porting on my to do list in the near future. I NEED TO GET THIS THING RUNNING BEFORE MY WIFE FINDS MY RECIPT JAR!!! Chris
My 68 This is my 68 Custom. It has a 71 350 with TA forged 10:1 pistons, TA 310 cam, and all other assosiated goodies. The body unfortunatly is not as good as it looks. not that bad, but quarters are expensive! I have done everything on this one including the paint and body myself.
my new project This is the 69 I just picked up. The body is straight and rust free, came with no motor and trans. I gave $750 for it. (Southern California car). This is target for the 455. I am having the paint and body done this time. It will get a "speed center" steel 3" cowl induction hood, vinyl top trim removed, handles shaved, and get sprayed in PPG Black Cherry Base/Clear.:jd:
Do you know how far your pistons are in the hole yet? Now might be the time to get the block zero-decked. I left my pistons .003 in the hole. With the polished combustion chambers, I have great compression, good quench, and no detonation problems with 93 octane and 10.13 to 1 true compression.
