396 325 combo

[philbilly]

Whats the best heads to run on the 396? does any of youins have any you want to sell. I want good ones..
How bout casting numbers?

[philbilly]

063,215,280,290. Is the four I think out there anyone know which is best? How bout a set ?? Anyone ??

[Grant Eldridge]

According to the NHRA blueprint specs, the '290 small plug heads have a few more more cc's in the ports. Perhaps the small tapered seat plug is located slightly more efficiently in the chamber? I've used the '063, the '215 and now the '290 but never done a back to back test to directly compare. I've never seen or heard of any '280 castings anywhere except in the NHRA guide, do they actually exist?? Let's hear from someone who knows these head castings, I'd also like to learn which are considered the best to use.....

[philbilly]

Anyone know a company or individual that would might have a set laying around I would be interested.

[Mike Fuller]

Lots of the 290's on Ebay. Just do a search for 3964290.

[Gary Parker]

I have a set of 215 gparkman28@yahoo.com or 413 519 6354 $350.00 plus shipping

[bert powell]

I have a set of 215s and 2 sets of 290s. The 215s are rough but the 290s are nice. $250 for the 215s and $350 a set for 290s or $600 for both sets. All plus shipping.

[MAURICE BLENDHEIM]

Originally Posted by Grant Eldridge

According to the NHRA blueprint specs, the '290 small plug heads have a few more more cc's in the ports. Perhaps the small tapered seat plug is located slightly more efficiently in the chamber? I've used the '063, the '215 and now the '290 but never done a back to back test to directly compare. I've never seen or heard of any '280 castings anywhere except in the NHRA guide, do they actually exist?? Let's hear from someone who knows these head castings, I'd also like to learn which are considered the best to use.....

I also have never heard of a 280 head (maybe a type error). In 1965 you could have 208's, but they were square ports. In 1967 802's were oval port and in 1971-72 you'd have 820 oval port, but they were open chamber. Some time back CHEVY HI-PERFORMANCE magazine had a supplement issue that rated comparatively all production big block heads (may still be able to get it online) I do remember reading that the later model small plug heads, being the 063 and the 290 had slightly larger intake runner volume. The 290 seems to have the highest core value for an oval port and is the hardest to find hardest to find ...there must be a reason. I have found them on 390hp 454's and on 402's and they are the last of that combustion chamber era. That cylinder head made the 454 with the larger bore and stroke over a 396 quite a strong combination. I would say the 290 is the best one to look for.

[Gary Parker]

OK the 215 heads for $225 plus shipping....

[Brian Hummell]

is this for a stocker motor?
the 3964290 were 1970 402/330 454/390hp
the 280 are a rectangel port head