455 heads

[skylark65310]

I was offered a 1972 455 from a Centurion that doesnt have heads but has other new stuff on it. I am looking at two rebuilt heads that will fit the 455 but not this year which one will work better for the engine?
Head number 1: http://www.engine.com/root/rebuiltte...-sw765389.html
Head number 2: http://www.engine.com/root/rebuiltte...-sw764489.html
They are both 1 year off and I don't know which one will work better. HELP

[bob k. mando]

buick heads from 71 to 74 all have the same size combustion chamber (71cc) so there's no advantage there unless you can find Stage (large valve) heads.

later model years will have more emissions stuff on them.

73 and up have oval instead of round water holes ... which MAY cause water leaking problems if used with the original metal gasket.

all in all, i'd take the 71 heads. 1970 (69cc) if you can find them.

http://www.buickperformance.com/idblock.htm