427/425 stocker engine

[Jesse Knapp]

If one wants to build this engine for stock eliminator is the 3933163 aluminum intake available new or would one have to look for an old one? Of the head castings listed, 840,291, 858, and 391are any of these available new? Which is the better head castings? Is the bow tie block significantly better than a regular block? I know in superstock there are advantages to using them, but in stock there is only so much one can do. I did hear the Holley is available new. I would appreciate an answer. Thank you, Jesse

[Alan Roehrich]

Originally Posted by Jesse Knapp

If one wants to build this engine for stock eliminator is the 3933163 aluminum intake available new or would one have to look for an old one? Of the head castings listed, 840,291, 858, and 391are any of these available new? Which is the better head castings? Is the bow tie block significantly better than a regular block? I know in superstock there are advantages to using them, but in stock there is only so much one can do. I did hear the Holley is available new. I would appreciate an answer. Thank you, Jesse

No, the 163 is not available new. It is commonly found on the Internet for sale. It has been superseded by the 359 intake (it is available new from GM), both at GM and by NHRA in most cases. No, none of the cast iron heads are available new. The last 291 heads were cast 8 years ago. Be prepared to search for a nice set, and pay $1800 or more, BEFORE you have $1500 (or more) of work and parts put in them. In most cases, the iron heads can be replaced by the 401 casting aluminum head for a 10HP penalty, a few cars have done this successfully. Yes, the BowTie block is better. However, it will still need the same amount of blueprint machine work as a production block. You don't WANT a new Holley. You want an OLD 3310, and you want to send it to Clark Holroyd (you want to buy his rocker arm system as well, do not race without it).

[Jesse Knapp]

Thanks Alan. I appreciate your help. I've raced superstock (ss/ha4899) for a few yrs. and followed class racing for many yrs. I've also read many of your threads here. I built my own superstock engines, but I've only dealt with smallblocks. I know very little about bigblock stuff. I sold my superstocker, a 69 camaro, a couple yrs. ago. Thinking about building something for A/SA, probably another 69 camaro. So I am going to be searching. Too bad I have so many old head/intake castings for smallblocks and nothing for the big blocks. If you have any other info my email is SSHA4899@AOL.COM. Again, thanks.... Jesse

[laura Parker]

Jessie the 359 intake was also worth .03 to .05 over the 163. Don't skimp with anything if your looking to go fast. There are a bunch of fast A and B cars. Just take a look at Vegas. Alan is right about Clark. His carbs are very good and it would be tough to find one better. He is also very helpful. Good luck with your project. Barry Parker

[Geerhead55]

Clark Holroyd's rocker arm system?? Alan would you care to elaborate? This is the first time i've heard of this. Thanks for the info...........................Danny Durham

[Jeff Lee]

9/16" rocker studs and late model 8.1L BBC rockers. This is the more cost effective approach to durability issues than allowance of roller rocker's in Stock Eliminator.

[Jesse Knapp]

A few follow up questions. Does anyone know the superseded intake part number? I've gone through this before armed with only casting numbers for smallblock stuff. Dealership wanted a part number. I have an old GM performance parts book (1998) and this replacement piece is not listed. According to that book the 291 heads were still offered back then. Also, can Mr. Holroyd supply a carb. or do I find one and send it to him?Anyone have his phone number? Unrelated to this thread but curiosity on my part begs the question.....has anyone ever seen a set of 041 heads without the boltholes in them? I have a few sets of 041 heads and one set is blank. All my books show this head to have the three bolt holes. Date codes are June 10 and 17 of 68. I assume they were for the 69 yr. 350/300 engine. Thanks in advance. Jesse

[bsa633]

Originally Posted by laura Parker

Jessie the 359 intake was also worth .03 to .05 over the 163.

And you can buy'em over the partscounter...It goes very well with the "approved" aluminum heads and thats probably the real reason it was lobbyed in..not shortage of them...it may not show that much gain on a 427 though...

[Jesse Knapp]

Hi Rick. I didn't know you lurked around on this site. I am doing fine. All this started with my going to the Sportsnationals and some divisional races as of late. Should have stayed away. More importantly, how is that hugger orange camaro? Are you treating her well? I hope you are having fun with it. If it wouldn't have been backhalved for superstock I'd have kept it. Good to hear from you. Jesse