speedmaster top end kits for 454

[cdub2010]

Looking to make my '88 tbi 454 more fun to drive. Im going to swap it into a 71 truck. Going carb and found this kit to replace the peanut port heads. This is a crazy low price, i realize its off shore stuff but I dont want to spend 5 times more. Any one use them or have experence with them?

https://speedmaster79.com/Chevy-BBC-...ne-Combo-Kit_3

[truckster]

This is a comparison for small block heads, but it might give you an idea:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJK5p24_-ZE&t=426s

I will say this, though: If you don't pick the right cam, you can waste a lot of money on parts.

[mattfranklin]

I really enjoy that Richard Holdener video channel. I just discovered it this summer. So much great dyno information. BTW, he does cover some BBC and Speedmaster stuff, too, sometimes. Not sure about that specific kit, though.

Originally Posted by truckster

This is a comparison for small block heads, but it might give you an idea:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJK5p24_-ZE&t=426s

I will say this, though: If you don't pick the right cam, you can waste a lot of money on parts.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Watch some of the videos this guy puts out. https://www.castheads.com/

While not a supplier of items your interested he shows you some of the pit falls of lesser quality items. Or gives you ideas of how to tell good from bad in cylinder head work.

Also I like oval ports for the street.

[Mike C]

Compression is the issue with late model big blocks. The 119cc heads from Speedmaster don't help. The aftermarket Edelbrock hi compression 454 heads have a 100cc chamber and give a 9:1 compression ratio. The 119cc heads would be more like 7.2.

I'd try and find a complete L29 to swap in and change the cam to something just a little better.

[weq92f]

.

The heads in that kit you reference are mentioned to be rectangular port. Don't think you want that.

Here's a discussion you might find interesting:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=478866&page=4

That same 1100-1200 bucks for that kit would likely net you a set of oval port cast iron heads with around 100cc chambers all machined/refreshed with all new parts ready to rock with your chosen cam. Then you'd need an intake to go with.

hth,

-klb

[Tom]

It amazes me people will use chinese made cylinder heads, or anything else for that matter, on engines. Too much money to waste on cheap parts.

[AussieinNC]

As far as I understand, PCE (Pro Comp Engineering) started in Sydney and grew rapidly as they offered a quick to market product that was excellent quality....the company was sold out in 2013 and issues began with product quality issues etc.

I personally would not buy any PCE product nowadays...the quality of true USA made products far surpasses the import junk....

Spend your US dollars on US built products...

Just my ten cents worth...

[57taskforce]

I’ve got a set of speedmaster 190 cc runner 64cc chamber small block heads that are going on the vortec 350 short block I’m building. They seem to be decent quality to me. My machinist has used several sets of these heads on customers’ budget builds with 0 issues. I got the set I have for free, new in the boxes. I am going to change the springs out when I get my cam chosen.