K-code heads
 

I was thinking of buying some k code heads from a friend of mine..there complete and rebuilt. i dont think there ported though im not shure. What kind of power increase am a looking at with my current mods? I currently have a stock cam but i will upgrade that later. I currently have 2bbl 289 or 2 bbl 302 heads. ill have to check my paperwork to be shure..thanks.

I believe the heads have recesses for valve springs to permit heavier valve springs to support mechanical lifters. They also have screw in rocker arm studs vice pressed in to take the punishment of higher valve spring tension needed for high revs. I don't believe they'd produce higher hp unless used in connection with a performance camshaft. Modern heads are a better bet for high performance use with unleaded gas, GT40, ARP, etc. They flow a lot better which is the alternative to high compression ratio.

I agree with jeff65 100%. The hipo heads arnt worth nothin unless your restoring a K-code car.

351W heads
 

The 351W heads, milled some and pocket ported do very well on a 289/302. I used those on my 306 for several years before I went to TFTW heads. The 351W with 1.85/1.54 valves breathe plenty well for a mild/moderate 289 or 302 and will make good power with flat top pistons at about 9.5/1 CR.

Rev

camshaft
 

ok say i stay with the heads i have now...what would you suggest i get for a cam? i want to use the stock heads for now but i will probably get the 4bbl heads later. what would be the best cam for this? this is my everyday car and i dont need a really lumpy cam. stall converter is 2200.

268HE
 

I use a 268HE hydraulic flat tappet cam from Comp Cams. It's a good street cam for 300+ hp in a mildly modified 289/302. Good low end torque and up to 6000 RPM with heads, induction, headers, exhaust,etc.

Rev

is there a noticable difference at idle with that cam?
what would this do for my gas milage? would this help it get better or make it worse because of the valves being open longer? just wondering becuse a friend of mine has a stock baraccuda with a huge cam and he gets 20+ mpg with a 4bbl on a 318 engine. thanks rev

Mild lope
 

My engine has a very mild lope at idle but does idle at 650-700 RPM in gear with a C-4. Has about 14-15" vacuum at that idle. I get only 14 MPG without being really very careful.

Rev

sounds good...i have the same vaccume and idle rpm. so i guess that shouldnt change with the cam. Going from stock cam to the one you sugested should i see an increase in MPG?? or decrease assuming everything else is the same.