the correct answer depends on your budget and goals.
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From Sallee-Chevrolet:
SBC Corvette Aluminum Cylinder Head Assembly
(This is also the ZZ4 350 HO Cylinder Head).
This aluminum cylinder head assembly for small-block Chevrolet V8s is ideal for street rods, fresh-water power boats, and high-performance applications. GM Performance Parts’ aluminum cylinder head assembly combines the benefits of light weight, advanced design, and an affordable price. This complete head assembly includes valves, chrome silicon heavy-duty valve springs, retainers, 3/8†screw-in rocker studs-everything an enthusiast wants in a high-performance cylinder head package!
GM Performance Parts aluminum cylinder head assemblies are based on brand new Corvette light alloy castings (P/N 10088113). The Corvette cylinder head’s advanced design features include D-shaped exhaust ports that enhance the flow of burned gases, high-velocity intake runners that provide crisp throttle response, and centrally located spark plugs that improve combustion efficiency. Valve seat inserts for 1.94†diameter intake valves and 1.50†exhausts are installed in the 58cc combustion chambers. Raised rocker cover rails with machined sealing surfaces virtually eliminate rocker cover gasket oil leaks.
This high-performance cylinder head assembly is used exclusively on High Output 5.7-liter small-block V8 engines. Unlike production Corvette cylinder heads, it is outfitted with special heavy-duty valve springs (see part number 12551483 for technical specifications(JIM: These are the same LT4 springs as the Hot Cam Kit). A pair of aluminum cylinder heads offers a weight savings of approximately 50 pounds over comparable cast iron cylinder heads. (A bare aluminum casting, less valves and springs, weighs 19 pounds, versus 44 pounds for a bare cast iron head). This reduction in total engine weight of 25 pounds each can improve handling, acceleration, and fuel economy.
Part Number ... Description.
12555269 ......... Stamped steel rocker cover.
10229162 ......... Corvette screw-in oil filter cap.
12342056 ......... Chrome screw-in oil cap with GM logo.
12338092 ........ .Valve cover hold-down bolts (8 required).
14094717 ......... Hold-down bolt washers (8 required).
14088793 ......... Hold-down bolt gaskets (8 required).
14088564 ......... Neoprene rocker cover gasket.
12557236 ......... Composition head gasket, .051†thick.
12495499 ......... Head Bolt Kit.
12495490 ......... Rocker Arm Kit.
Technical Notes: This casting does not have intake manifold heat riser or EGR passages. The exhaust port exits are approximately .100†higher than production cast iron heads; exhaust manifolds and aftermarket headers may require modification to maximize airflow. The spark plug holes are angled; check for adequate exhaust manifold or header clearance. Use 3/4†reach gasketed spark plugs with 5/8†hex heads (AC FR5LS), 904, or MR43LTS. In Rapid Fire use #8 plug. Both ends of the head are machined for alternator, power steering, and air conditioning compressor mounts. No push rod guide plates; use rail type rocker arms P/N 10089648. This aluminum head assembly requires valve covers with central hold-down bolts and extra-long bolts with washers. A composition head gasket with stainless steel fire rings is recommended to prevent galvanic action between the head and a cast iron engine block. This head assembly is the same as P/N 10185087, except valve spring and retainer change.
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engi ... heads.html
http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/ChevySm ... 8s/355.cfm
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techa ... index.html
http://www.chevyasylum.com/chp/