Holley Heads

HP fan · Post by **HP fan** » Sat Aug 29, 2009 10:07 pm

Hi All,
I have picked up complete 383 SBC with Holley heads, and plan to pull it down to tickle it up some.
It will be used just for a genuine street deal with just the occasional run down the track for fun.

I dont know much about these heads but I do know they are only small on the port volume and are somewhat limited.
Are they a reasonable piece and flow okay for their size?
Can they picked up much on with a rework?
Will you gain much more port volume/cross section or are they limited?

Would like to make at least around 450 ft/lbs and 450hp (maybe a little if possible) with peak around 5700-6000.

Thanks

hitchcock · Post by **hitchcock** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:48 am

Dig around for a part number on these heads. Information like valve sze, combustion chamber volume, port volume and dimensions are needed information. Also give more information on the total combo.

Post by **Schurkey** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 3:39 pm

These???

http://holley.com/types/Chevrolet%20Small%20Block.asp

Doug F · Post by **Doug F** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 9:58 pm

THey had a couple different ones. Are yours 20 or 23 degree. The 20 degree wasn't that bad of a head. For a 450/450 383, they wouldn't be a terrible choice if you have them. Of course the latest AFR and other heads are certainly better. But I've seen them dyno 450/450 on a 383 with a little bowl cleanup. Some local guys here go mid 11's with them on street cars.

HP fan · Post by **HP fan** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:30 am

Thanks Doug thats the sort of info I was after,

I know there are lots of better options, but these dont owe me anything and they are not that old, so im happy to do some mild porting, if I can end up with a genuine 450 ish we do me fine.

Solid LT1 · Post by **Solid LT1** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 3:18 pm

If the heads have freeze plugs in the ends they should be Canton racing heads, not a bad piece they will easily make 450HP on a 383 with a little tuning up.

EDC · Post by **EDC** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 4:39 pm

Solid LT1 wrote:If the heads have freeze plugs in the ends they should be Canton racing heads, not a bad piece they will easily make 450HP on a 383 with a little tuning up.

I think you mean Canfield..

automotive breath · Post by **automotive breath** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 10:51 pm

I have a set of 20 degree valve angle SBC Holley heads, whoever designed
the ports did a very good job, the ports are a little small for a 383, will work
just fine with porting.

They have potential for more power than what you are looking for. The
biggest problem with these heads is the valve guide boss is huge, it fills
up the small port limiting flow. Fix the problem there, work the bowl, work
the short turn and open the push rod pinch.

Can post pictures ported when I get home in a couple of weeks if your
intrested

HP fan · Post by **HP fan** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 6:28 am

Thanks automotive breath, that would be good to see some picks.
That does sound interesting as Iam more than happy to rework them to suit if they will work

Ron Miller · Post by **Ron Miller** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 11:51 am

automotive breath wrote:I have a set of 20 degree valve angle SBC Holley heads, whoever designed
the ports did a very good job, the ports are a little small for a 383, will work
just fine with porting.

They have potential for more power than what you are looking for. The
biggest problem with these heads is the valve guide boss is huge, it fills
up the small port limiting flow. Fix the problem there, work the bowl, work
the short turn and open the push rod pinch.

Can post pictures ported when I get home in a couple of weeks if your
intrested

The Holley heads both SB & BB Chevy are Brodix castings.

EDC · Post by **EDC** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 11:58 am

Ron Miller wrote:
automotive breath wrote:I have a set of 20 degree valve angle SBC Holley heads, whoever designed
the ports did a very good job, the ports are a little small for a 383, will work
just fine with porting.

They have potential for more power than what you are looking for. The
biggest problem with these heads is the valve guide boss is huge, it fills
up the small port limiting flow. Fix the problem there, work the bowl, work
the short turn and open the push rod pinch.

Can post pictures ported when I get home in a couple of weeks if your
intrested
The Holley heads both SB & BB Chevy are Brodix castings.

Are you sure? I had a set of their BBC a couple years ago and I swear they were identical to the Canfields... So confusing when bean counters run (ruin) a company...

Ron Miller · Post by **Ron Miller** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 12:18 pm

EDC wrote:
Ron Miller wrote:
automotive breath wrote:I have a set of 20 degree valve angle SBC Holley heads, whoever designed
the ports did a very good job, the ports are a little small for a 383, will work
just fine with porting.

They have potential for more power than what you are looking for. The
biggest problem with these heads is the valve guide boss is huge, it fills
up the small port limiting flow. Fix the problem there, work the bowl, work
the short turn and open the push rod pinch.

Can post pictures ported when I get home in a couple of weeks if your
intrested

The Holley heads both SB & BB Chevy are Brodix castings.
Are you sure? I had a set of their BBC a couple years ago and I swear they were identical to the Canfields... So confusing when bean counters run (ruin) a company...

Canfields are casted by Brodix, Holley is casted by Brodix.

Also what is meant by your quote ?? So confusing when bean counters run (ruin) a company...[/quote]

EDC · Post by **EDC** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 12:26 pm

Ron Miller wrote:
EDC wrote:
Ron Miller wrote:

The Holley heads both SB & BB Chevy are Brodix castings.
Are you sure? I had a set of their BBC a couple years ago and I swear they were identical to the Canfields... So confusing when bean counters run (ruin) a company...

Canfields are casted by Brodix, Holley is casted by Brodix.

Also what is meant by your quote ?? So confusing when bean counters run (ruin) a company...

When Holley was purchased by an investment firm things when to crap! (re: WR Grace and Mr. Gasket)

BEARCAT · Post by **BEARCAT** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 12:37 pm

THE CANFIELD ALUMINUM HEADS WERE CAST BY CANFIELD CYLINDER HEADS IN OHIO. BRODIX ONLY CASTED THE SMALL BLOCK CHEVY AND SMALL BLOCK FORD HOLLEY HEADS IN THE FIRST FEW YEARS THEY WERE MADE.

67RS502 · Post by **67RS502** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 1:52 pm

I’ve wondered if the Holley 20deg SBC heads would have some potential and enough
material in them to make it worth doing a port for a 400cube deal. If they were cast by
Brodix I would think they would have plenty of meat in them to make the csa correct.
If not (anymore) does anyone know if they have enough meat to be really worked?
automotive breath if you could post some pics that would be great.