Inncorrect cylinder head on 69 350

I finally just got the culprit cylinder head out of the car. Upon removal I noticed the head gasket covered the rear coolant passage from the block and where the center coolant passages are supposed to be on the pre 73 ish heads. This cylinder head is missing the center coolant passages as found on the later heads. I could tell the cylinder head gasket is not factory so I am assuming someone just threw on some cylinder heads they had. The pushrods are capped (non oil through) and noticed the outside of the pushrods were dry, however wear is very minimal on the motor from wall scoring to pushrod wear. This is a 1 family 4 generation owned car since new and I find it hard to believe they took care of it only to put later heads on if knowing of the coolant risk. What say you small block experts? Does this mean I can use any cylinder head on the 69 and just swap the rocker shaft over?

 

That’s not a coolant port. You can use any head you want if your using the 70 and up rockers,lifters and pushrods.

 

I know those aren't coolant passages on these heads. I was under the assumption that the coolant passage changes on the heads in about 73 changed to that blocked off area. Here is some pictures to show what I am saying. https://buickforums.com/forums/threads/buick-350-cylinder-heads.57839/

 

Yes Late 72 heads Can have these coolant ports. If you don’t have them the heads will bolt on to any block . the ones you pictured without coolant ports will bolt on to your 68-69 engine

 

You look for circa 68 69 heads but , most heads those years crack. By having top of engine off, you are close to halfway thru the job. Locate the 70 -72 heads and upgrade. The lifters and hardware for 70 can be bought. A valve job and decent set of rockers- 70 style and no more problems.I would replace cover, but since I have had very same problems as yours so many,many times. I am just gonna put a chevy engine in my 68.

 

I located a cylinder head local for free from a running car. Going to grab it this weekend. Next time I will just use my spare heads. I have 2 extra sets of heads. 1 bare pair and 1 core engine. I just don't have the money to go through a complete head rebuild right now so had to stick with 68-69. Thank you both for your help for helping this ->was<- frustrated small block newbie.