360 heads

[935guy]

The original 318 is still in my '70 W-200. I have heard that 360 heads will bolt up to the 318 block and will yield better performance.
Any truth in this ?
Thanks in advance,
Woody

[sweatybetty]

it depends...........................

[935guy]

Okay, I'll bite, do the 360 heads have ;
Bigger valves ?
Bigger intake and or exhaust porting ?
Better combustion chamber flow ?
Thus making more power or in my case more bottom end tongue ?

[Jhollett]

The 360s have basically all you listed. But. BUT they will lower the compression on an already lacking motor....

[Duh]

Hola Woody

If --- you have a reason to keep your RPM's over 3,500 RPM's - then a set of LA-360 Heads ( Or Intake Manifold ) has an
slight Dyno benefit.

The Large Diameter Valves and for sure The Lower Compression of what is going to happen is --- "going back-ward's".


Even though the current cost of gas is going down --- your Fuel Expense will be like "an home sick angel".



Rodger & Gabby
FltSgt@outlook.com
COS

[Johninky]

I won't go the 360 route. Your stock heads at the very least need some work done on them. 1970 heads didn't have the harden valve seats. The exhaust valves in your engine have to be well sunken into the head by now.

[Jhollett]

Sorry for hijacking the thread, but we're 69 heads treated? I've heard that 69 heads weren't treated either, but my engine builder never mentioned it.

[marklein]

I've always heard that the beginning of the hardened seats was in 73. If you want to add a little hp, find a set of tbi heads from 88-91, they will bring the compression up a little and are supposed to flow better.

[935guy]

Thanks guys all for the help and advice on the 360 heads.

My goal would be to get the 318 to breath/flow smoother and get a bit more torque.

I am already running a modern/newer carb, high rise intake manifold, RV cam, headers and (I think) higher compression pistons.
Any other suggestions ?

It sounds like the best route to take is;
Stay with my stock heads and existing setup.
Maybe a bit of porting and polishing ?
Have the valve seat work done.

Thanks again,
Woody

[Johninky]

Pretty sure late 1980s 318 cylinder heads flow much better than the 70 heads. May want to research this.