i have a 383 with 516 cylinder heads i know they are closed chamber with poor design my question is ,is it possible to make them work with a dual 4 manifold and a low lift long duration cam and good set of headers and electronic dist.
heads use
- Thread starter moparsquid
- Start date
66Satellite47
Well-Known Member
I have done a number of 516 heads & for a moderate performance applications. You can make them work fine. Change the exhaust valves to the larger 1.74 size (906 style) or the larger 2.14/1.81 package & do a basic pocket port job.
rolling_Thunder
Well-Known Member
I ran some 516 heads on my old 383 build - seemed to work well overall - I did take the overall advice of getting rid of the stock 1.60" exhaust valves and went to 1.74" - other than that I just cleaned up the castings with a little blend work in the runner and pockets - didnt take much out - just smoothed it out. I figure with the 383 and a mild build the smaller port would increase port velocity compared to a larger runner... I ended up running a MP purple shaft (six pack grind) and some headers with a 4bbl and edelbrock performer intake - made 333hp at the wheels... not really a screamer but was a nice street engine with great reliability and good street manners with the mild cam.
I got an old original set of 516's taking up space on the shelf if anyone needs them...
heres another option i have a set of 915,s on a 67 440 hp motor its a correct 67 block (10-67) with correct heads and intake is this is this worth more together or can i use the heads
66Satellite47
Well-Known Member
I would guess that a block cast in 10/67 is a '68 motor. The 915's may not be original to that block or it's a low perf '68 motor. A 915, if it's the HP version(1.74 ex valve) would save you the trouble of up-sizing the ex valves.
your right i made a mistake with my fingers its 10-66 with a stamp on the pad of c440 hp
have a few pics looks like original chrome style valve covers
66Satellite47
Well-Known Member
A numbers match '67 440 HP seems valuable. The 516's would work fine if you're not racing & looking for best ET.
I'd still pocket port the 516's & put the 1.74 valves in them. I've done them for a 383, .500 ish lift cam, 69 Charger mostly stock, 12.80's.
I'd still pocket port the 516's & put the 1.74 valves in them. I've done them for a 383, .500 ish lift cam, 69 Charger mostly stock, 12.80's.
maybe a pass or two but mostly street use im pulling the 500 and putting into a 64 polara race car from back in the day trying to have fun and keep mopar history going
The thing is unless you do your own head and valve work is it worth spending the money to work them and put the larger exh valve in them ? When you can buy modern aluminum heads for $1000 to $2000 dollars. You may spend almost as much money working 55 year old heads as new aluminum heads may cost ? Just something to think about. Ron
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