Wanted GM 083 heads

[Jeff Niceswanger]

The scarce heads are 87-92 Camaro and Firebird with the optional 350 cu in L-98 engine. I went to the dealer and purchased a new set in 2014. Inside the box was casting # 217. GM had replaced the 083's with 217's. Same GM part number on the box, but different casting inside the box. Real bummer when the 217's were even thinner and more scalloped than the original. If you notice in the NHRA guide the 217 is indeed listed as an option. After running thru the hoops to get the superseded pts approved and built, they only lasted a few weeks before being sent back to Rays Crack Service for leak repairs. After the 3rd repair in a couple months Ray hated to tell me a new set of 6000 dollar heads needed to be junked, but he was right. Every few runs they poked holes the size of pencil erasers in them.