According to an online identification website, the heads that are on my car are a "smog head" They are marked with a number 8. Im wondering how much does that impact the motor? Ive noticed poor powerband charactoristics but I haven't fine tuned anything yet. Thats a winter project. So just wondering what anyones thoughts were. keep them, junk them? Ive got a 455 Im building also but Im taking my time on that one. The 350 just for getting the groceries.

 

Well in 1972 the heads would have been 7A, not 8. If you have 8 heads then most likely the engine has been swapped. Most people wont go through the trouble of installing 8 heads.
There is potential in them, they just need some port work. Mainly on the exhaust side.

 

If your building a 455 don't worry about the 350. Those heads suck but not worth changing if your building a 455. Just focus on the 455.

 

is he right or is he right

 

Thanks for the help. I think the previous owner got scammed, Ive got a receipt for the crate engine he purchased. Says 72 350, they most have sold the good heads and gave him the junk ones.

 

Matt Im looking forward to seeing how it does on the street. Thanks for the writeup, Ive been looking forward to see how the heads work out for you.Jay

 

I ended up getting a pair of number 5 heads off of ebay for 75 bucks. Anyone think its worth my time to port them a little before i sent them in to have the seats done?