Ever feel like your classic Chevy engine is holding back? Maybe you’ve noticed it just doesn’t have the punch it used to, or perhaps you’re building a dream machine that needs serious power. The secret to unlocking that hidden potential often lies right at the top: the cylinder heads. Choosing the right Small Block Chevy (SBC) heads is one of the biggest decisions you’ll face. Get it wrong, and you’re stuck with wasted horsepower and frustrating tuning issues. The sheer number of aftermarket options—from classic cast iron to modern aluminum—can make your head spin faster than a high-revving V8!
We know you want performance that matches your vision, whether it’s for weekend cruising or setting lap times. That’s why we’ve broken down the noise. By the end of this guide, you will clearly understand the differences between the most popular SBC head designs. You’ll learn which materials work best for your budget and power goals, and how to match the right flow numbers to your camshaft. Get ready to stop guessing and start building with confidence. Let’s dive deep into the heart of SBC airflow and find the perfect set of heads for your engine.
Top Small Block Chevy Heads Recommendations
- Product type: auto part
- Package quantity: 1
- Made in united states
- Package dimensions: 24.1" (l) x 10.7" (w) x 8.6" (h)
- Perfect Fit: Replaces the original cylinder head assembly to resolve failure and damage issues. As a cylinder head for small block Chevrolet engines, it fits the following models: SBC 327/350/383 Corvette, Camaro, Z06. You will experience unprecedented smoothness in engine operation.
- Precise Manufacturing: Utilizes CNC precision machining for the combustion chamber, intake, and exhaust passages. Compared to standard casting, this cylinder head provides smoother airflow and high precision with excellent sealing. Ensures that all components (such as valves, threaded holes, etc.) are correctly positioned, sized, and angled, avoiding issues such as improper valve heights. Passed sealing tests to ensure correct installation and operation.
- Long Service Life: The cylinder head assembly is crafted from premium materials to extend its lifespan. Made with industrial-grade aluminum alloy, it offers excellent impact resistance, wear resistance, and rapid heat dissipation to prevent overheating. We also include manganese bronze valve guides and hardened valve seats to maintain engine performance stability. Upgrade from disappointing old cylinder heads with our reliable option.
- Fully Assembled: The cylinder head assembly comes fully assembled with all necessary components, including valve spring seats, inner springs, outer springs, valve locks, valve seals, valve seats, intake valves, and exhaust valves. This reduces the likelihood of installation errors and ensures ease of use. It is carefully packaged and ready to be delivered to you. Please keep the installation environment clean and have a professional perform the installation.
- Efficient Solution for Common Issues: If your vehicle experiences abnormal vibrations, severe oil leaks, aging or deformation, or excessive spark plug oil deposits, consider replacing it with this high-quality engine cylinder head. It will enhance horsepower, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions.
- 【Fitment】Compatible with Chevy SBC 302, 327, 350, 383 and 400 small-block engines manufactured in 1986.
- 【Specifications】Intake Valve Diameter: 2.020" | Exhaust Valve Diameter: 1.600" | Intake Port Volume: 200cc | Combustion Chamber Volume: 68cc | Intake Port: Square | Exhaust Port: Square | Spark Plug Angle : Straight | 23 Degree Intake & Exhaust Valve Angles | 3-Angle Valve Seat
- 【High Quality】High grade aluminum, bronze valve guides, hardened seats, advance port design for greater air flow. Lighter than Iron Heads, each Head weighs 10.33 kg. Dual pattern valve covers will accept either center bolt or perimeter bolt valve covers.
- 【High Performance】This head is 200cc intake runner with a 68cc combustion chamber, 68cc combustion chambers improve performance and retains stock compression on 1970 and earlier. This head has a thick deck design so they can be used on nitrous, turbocharged and supercharged applications.
- 【Note】This cylinder head does not have 400 stem holes. May require drilling if necessary. With pre-drilled accessory bolt holes. Valves, springs, retainers, hardware not included.
- Small Block Chevy 350 w/Hydraulic Roller Cam
- Assembled Head
- 64cc Combustion Chamber
- 205cc Intake Runner
- Angle Plug
- Included components as shown in product images
- Speedmaster creates unique and distinctive DNA items inspired by the blend of old and new technology. Its empowered work forced drives innovation not only in the products it sells but with the way it goes about doing it.
- TRACK PROVEN - Surviving the longevity of road, race and recreation is mandatory for all Track Proven products, Bringing you closer to product perfection.
- 12-Month Limited Worldwide Warranty
- Compatible with Chevy Small Block 283, 302, 305, 327, 350, 383, and 400 V8 engines up to 1986.
- Features an angle spark plug style.
- The intake valve diameter measures 2.020 inches, and the exhaust valve diameter is 1.600 inches.
- The combustion chamber volume is 64cc, while the intake runner volume is 205cc.
- Constructed from high-grade aluminum with bronze valve guides and ductile iron valve seats for durability.
- [Fitment: ]: Replacement for General Hummer 5.7L 1996; Replacement for Yukon 5.7L 1996-1999
- [Replaces part number]: Replacement for 12528913, 12558062, 10239906, 12528913, 12558062, 10239906
- [Strong and durable]: The engine cylinder head has stable characteristics, professional performance and high reliability, ensuring its excellent performance and long service life
- [Package includes]: A Pair Engine Cylinder Head - Iron
- [Note]: Please confirm the model before purchase to improve your shopping experience
- Vehicle Compatibility - Cylinder Head Compatible with SBC engines 302/327/350/383/400 small block chevy engines up to 1986. Not compatible with Vortec style intake manifolds
- High-Performance - Featuring a 200cc intake runner, this cylinder head enhances power while retaining stock compression for 1970 and earlier models
- Optimized Combustion - With a 68cc combustion chamber and square intake and exhaust ports, this design ensures efficient airflow and optimal performance
- Lightweight Design - Lighter than iron heads, each head weighs just 10.33kg. Featuring a 3-angle valve seat and a straight spark plug angle, this design ensures superior performance and efficiency
- Product Specifics - Intake Valve Diameter: 2.020inch | Exhaust Valve Diameter: 1.600inch | Intake Port Volume: 200cc | Combustion Chamber Volume: 68cc | Intake Port: Square | Exhaust Port: Square | Spark Plug Angle : Straight
Small Block Chevy Heads: Your Essential Buying Guide
Choosing the right cylinder heads for your Small Block Chevy (SBC) engine makes a big difference. These heads control how your engine breathes. Better breathing means more power and efficiency. This guide helps you pick the perfect set.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for SBC heads, several features matter most. You need to match the heads to your engine’s goal, whether it’s street driving or racing.
1. Intake and Exhaust Port Design
- Port Size: Bigger ports let more air and fuel in. Small ports are good for low RPM torque (street driving). Large ports are best for high RPM horsepower (racing).
- Runner Shape: The shape inside the port affects airflow speed. Smooth, well-designed runners improve performance.
2. Valve Train Components
- Valve Size: Larger valves generally flow more air. Make sure the valve sizes fit your bore size and intended use.
- Springs and Retainers: Check the quality of the valve springs. Strong springs prevent “valve float” at high engine speeds.
3. Combustion Chamber Volume (CCs)
The chamber volume affects your engine’s compression ratio. Smaller chambers raise compression, which adds power but needs higher octane fuel. Larger chambers lower compression, making the engine safer for lower-grade fuel.
Important Materials Used in SBC Heads
The material directly impacts weight, durability, and cost.
Aluminum Heads
- Pros: Aluminum heads weigh much less than iron. This reduces the weight over the front wheels, which improves handling. They also dissipate heat very well, helping control engine temperature.
- Cons: They cost more upfront.
Cast Iron Heads
- Pros: Iron heads are very durable and much cheaper. They are a great choice for budget builds or stock replacements.
- Cons: They are very heavy. They do not transfer heat as quickly as aluminum.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all heads are made equal. Some manufacturing choices boost performance, while others cut corners.
Quality Boosters:
- CNC Machining: Heads that are fully machined using a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine have the most accurate and smoothest internal passages. This ensures consistent airflow across all cylinders.
- High-Quality Seats and Guides: Hardened valve seats and bronze valve guides last a long time and handle high heat.
Quality Reducers:
- Poor Casting: Rough, uneven internal casting surfaces create turbulence, which slows down airflow.
- Weak Components: Cheap valve springs or low-grade rocker arms wear out fast under stress.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you will use your car. This dictates the best head choice.
Street Performance (Daily Drivers)
For street driving, you need good low-to-mid-range torque. Look for aluminum heads with moderate intake runners (around 190cc to 210cc) and smaller combustion chambers (64cc). These heads offer a nice power bump without sacrificing street manners or requiring exotic fuel.
Serious Racing/High Horsepower
Racers need maximum airflow. They usually choose large aluminum heads (220cc+ runners) and often use roller rocker arms. These heads require professional tuning and usually run on high-octane race fuel.
Small Block Chevy Heads: 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the biggest difference between iron and aluminum SBC heads?
A: Aluminum heads weigh less and cool the engine better. Iron heads cost less money.
Q: What does “flow rate” mean for cylinder heads?
A: Flow rate measures how much air the head can move through the intake and exhaust ports at different valve lifts. Higher flow usually means more power.
Q: Should I buy assembled or bare heads?
A: Assembled heads come ready to install with valves, springs, and retainers. Bare heads require you to select and install all internal valvetrain parts yourself.
Q: How do I calculate my compression ratio?
A: You calculate it using the piston dome volume, cylinder bore, stroke, and the combustion chamber volume (CCs) of the head. You need this number to choose the right fuel.
Q: Can I use aftermarket heads on a stock SBC block?
A: Yes, most aftermarket SBC heads fit standard SBC blocks (like 350 or 383 strokers). Always check the bolt patterns.
Q: What is the best intake manifold to use with performance heads?
A: You should match the intake manifold port size to the head’s port size. A good match ensures the best airflow efficiency.
Q: What is “intake runner volume” measured in?
A: Intake runner volume is measured in cubic centimeters (cc).
Q: Do aluminum heads wear out faster than iron heads?
A: No, modern aluminum heads are very durable. They handle heat well, which can actually reduce wear over time if cooling is an issue.
Q: What is a “stud girdle” used for?
A: A stud girdle keeps the rocker arms stable and properly aligned, especially when using high-lift camshafts or heavy valve springs.
Q: How much horsepower can I expect to gain by switching from stock iron heads to aluminum heads?
A: Gains vary widely, but a good set of aftermarket aluminum heads can often add 30 to 70 horsepower over tired factory heads on a typical 350 engine.