Don Terrill’s Speed-Talk

Looking at building a smallish (440cube) BBC, spec heads are either GM 14044861 W port or the 12363410 later head. Just looking for opinions or preferences to either one & if anyone has worked with these & what kind of flow/power is acheivable & head men for the job. The engine will have around a 4 1/2" bore, single 4 barrel,any help much appreciated thanks.

I dont know about the 2nd P/N .The 861 was a std head we used during the late 1980s and early 1990s. We used them on 475[approx] size engines. Our application required good torque @ 3800 to 5400 RPM. They were WAY TOO BIG in the Int. Port. Spec @ 380ccs Had To putty them uo/down to approx 335 ccs to work. Also the ex seats had to be replaced[very hard] to use TIT. valves The int was also not too compatable with th TIT. valve. The Guides were std GM and had to be sleeved /wish we would have put in stepped [Brodix] style. They sometimes slipped/ also pinned them later on. They are LIGHT castings. That is why we went to the Brodix casting later along with the cnc porting. Also be very careful if you put a JESSEL system on. The inst. sheet from jessel will have you cut the trough TOO deep. They must have thought that stock length valves were all that was used. [you may break thru into the int port roof!!!]

Give us some more data on what you are doing with this engine. The Bowtie heads can be made very good, but they are may pop heads, at least the older castings are. It would have to be a high rpm engine also with those heads. If rules dictate those heads I can make them go.

Thanks for the replies, great info. The engine will be for a SuperStock application around 15:1comp,must be flat tappet,cast manifold , will be short stroke,ultra light internals ect. 4sp 7.5lbs. thanks again

A/MS eh?