http://forums.corral.net/forums/show....php?t=1036834

 

From my understanding, 185s are good for 302-331 cubes. Any bigger and you will need to go to 205s. I would think that they would work pretty well. The valve springs might be a little stiff if you are using a stock cam. Also, if I remember correctly, you need special pistons for twisted wedge heads. The valve reliefs are different.

 

Special pistons, or just notch them? I have an 86 shortblock so I will have to notch anyway.

 

You should just have to notch them. But its different then if you were using another set of heads. Twisted Wedge heads have a different valve configuration. You could probably do a internet search about it.

 

Ralph, You have not mentioned your desired RPM / power band. Have you considered building your engine on one of the software programs out there using your existing short block? I only suggest this so you can have your carb, heads, cam ect come in together. I would assume you want a (Driver) strong power band from 2500 to 5800? I am only guessing by your recent carb purchase. I dont know that trick flow heads and a stock cam are going to be best for you.

I have built a 302 engine by the software specs before and it ran very strong. Then I swapped camshafts and screwed it up... lol. Food for thought, I bet someone online has this software and can input your short block info and cam and get you the best cly head (Flow rating, valve size) for the job. This way you can build the highest HP in your powerband before you spend a dime. Software is not 100% accurate but its 10xs better than you or me guessing.

My two cents..

 

Steve, yep... you are hitting the nail.

I know that I need to swap the heads out. I just do not need to do it *right now*. It appears that I have the major issues taken care of right now. I want to shake out a couple of small bugs, then wait until my personal situation is better so that I can tear into it as I should.

Looking at the heads was a knee-jerk reaction. I should put away my checkbook and be thankful the car is no longer pinging like it was.

I know of the software packages. Heck, I imagine that I may even have one somewhere...

 

These might work better with your combo, are cheaper and new. They've gotten good reviews as well. Probably what I'm putting on my car when the time comes.

https://www.patriot-performance.com/...&cat=31&page=1

 

I didn't know you could a larger head than Ralph's.

 

Nice head, BigRed. Have seen 75HP over ported E7's? Oof...

Yo, Redbaron.
I got your larger head right here.
*grins*

 

Now now Ralph, remember this is a family oriented website.

 

Why, Skip.
Whatever did you think I meant?

*puts my glasses on my larger head*

ObRCMC: the darn car is actually running good. the pinging is pretty much gone. I still feel something very small and can hear a cylinder dropping out, but I am seriously just thinking of driving the darn thing until it does not want to run anymore, then think about a complete engine build. No reason to piecemeal.