817 heads

[60biscayne]

Recently, my son and I purchased a decent pair of 817 heads to put on our 409. Can these heads be safely machined up to the 2.19 valves withour breaking into the water jackets???? Also, this engine has 11 to 1 pistons, any suggestions for a good sized hydraulic cam, which won't be banging the valves into the pistons?? Thanks!!:D 60 Biscayne.

[Ronnie Russell]

60biscayne, The 817s will accept 2.19s with no problems. As far as a cam goes, It depends on the depth of the intake valve reliefs. If int. duration is kept at 230 dg.@ .050 or less, you should be okay. It would still be wise to check int. valve clearance before final assembly. You should keep valve lift at .520 or less with the 817s, assuming this will be a street motor. All the major cam mfg. offer a variety of cam grinds for your motor. Isky, Comp Cams,Crane, etc. Good luck

[Ronnie Russell]

60biscayne, I should have suggested that you "search" camshafts in the 348-409engine section. This would provide you with suggestions, opinions, and facts from many. That way you would have much more information to use to make your decisions.

[60biscayne]

:doh Thanks a bunch, Ronnie, for the good info. Like I had mentioned, I'm just learning these engines, and I've never built one B4 with compression this high(11-1). I will also look in the cam sections you mentioned! Brian.