817 or 333 Heads for 348 280HP

[348ShoeBox]

I just learned from a Edelbrock Tech. Rep. that their new Performer Aluminum340/409 Heads will not work on my 61'348 280HP motor. The Exhaust Valves might come in contact w/Block. Will 817 OR 333 Heads work? How about Valve sizes? I have read that it is not feasible to spend any money on the Stock 379 Heads and finding 1147's are few and far between. I am keeping Standard Bore & Stroke. THANKS.

[Tom Kochtanek]

I think both the 817s and the 333s will work up top your stocker 348. The latter (the 333s) are easier to find and less costly, and evidence shows that you can get OK performance out of the 333s.

I also think you might be wrong about those 379s, I've seen some performance oriented 379s (Fatride's former setup is a good example, but they were heavily modified) that rival the output of those 817s.

If you are just trying to make around 300 horses, those 379s might do the trick. Is your 280 horse engine a tripower setup? What are you trying to accomplish in terms of performance?

Good luck!
TomK

[Ronnie Russell]

Shoe, You might want to check with a different Edelbrock tech. guy. The Edelbrock heads use 2.19 and 1.72 valves. They state that the heads will work for a 348 up to a .550 lift cam. I would be concerned about intake valve to piston clearance. Not sure if the 348 pistons have sufficient valve reliefs for the 2.19s. I guess they do,,, Edelbrock is not concerned.

[348ShoeBox]

Thanks for the information
My 348 is 61' 280HP 3X2 Carbs. It will be in my 55' Chevy 210 2Dr. Sedan w/4Speed and 3:50 Gears. I'm 60 Yrs, old and am building a Car similar to what I had in 1966, hopefully much better( More money & time now). From what I have learned from this site(Joined today), maybe my 379's will do the trick. I have an article from 1961 that said not to put money and time into them. I want to drive and enjoy when I complete this project,so an honest 280-300HP is what I'm looking for. I enjoy this Site and have been a W Motor fan since the 60's and have learned alot today. Thanks again for the help
Dwight

[petepedlar]

Hey Dwight,
I think the 379's will work just fine, probably without any porting. Just clean up the bowls properly, put in some new SS valves, 10 to 1 forged pistons, have it balanced, a modern day cam, springs, & roller rockers and you should easily get the HP you're looking for.

Just today's camshaft will make a huge difference !!

Dave