Dart Angle Plug Heads: good or bad?
 

I found a set of very lightly used Dart angle plug heads on CL for $550. They have the 2.02 intake valves, 1.90 exhaust, and 76cc chambers. I have heard good things about Dart heads and I thought this was a pretty good deal, but I figured I'd better ask around before shelling out the cash. What are y'all's opinions

Re: Dart Angle Plug Heads: good or bad?
 

Angle plug heads can be a complete and total PITA to get headers to fit. Also what size are the intake runners? What are the rest of the specs of your engine. Heads that are too big will completely kill performance. Dart makes a good head but before buying any used head I would have them checked by a machine shop for cracks. Also would pull all the valves and check the guides. 550 is a good price for pretty much any head dart sells BUT if they need work or are cracked it suddenly isn't a good deal anymore.

Re: Dart Angle Plug Heads: good or bad?
 

The intake runners are 165cc on the heads listed. As far as my engine specs, I have a mostly stock 350 with an Edelbrock Performer aluminum intake, 600 cfm Edelbrock 1406 4 barrel. My current ears are 76cc with 1.72 intake and 1.5 exhaust (smogger heads from the 70s). The plug on cylinder no. 2 likes to foul up after a while, making me assume the shop did a bad valve job thus making me want to get better heads.

Re: Dart Angle Plug Heads: good or bad?
 

I would do a compression test and make sure it isn't the rings on that cylinder. If the plug is getting oil fouled I would suspect either valve seals or rings. Those heads are good upgrade from stock and will make good torque. The only nuisance will be finding headers to fit.

Re: Dart Angle Plug Heads: good or bad?
 

Before I took that route, I would buy a pair of NEW Vortec heads (assembled) from Jegs. $309 each with free shipping. I had a pair of used ones, but one was bad, so I just bought one to replace it. Best deal for the budget IMO.

Re: Dart Angle Plug Heads: good or bad?
 

Id get a smaller chamber head for mostly stock application. I agree with econman, check vortec heads out.

Re: Dart Angle Plug Heads: good or bad?
 

If you use Vortec heads, it will require a Vortec style intake. Summit has one that is the same casting as the Weiand 8121 and it's about $35 cheaper.

Re: Dart Angle Plug Heads: good or bad?
 

I can't afford the vortec heads and a different intake manifold right now (broke and in high school). Also, GM-power, I'm looking to keep my 9:1 compression so I can run 87 octane

Re: Dart Angle Plug Heads: good or bad?
 

I like Vortec heads but they are not a deal by the time you get all the extras. Finding used parts will knock it down alot but new runs them up to the price of a good set of alum heads from Jegs. $618 for the pair of heads, and another $200 for an intake. Don't forget the gaskets and valve covers. Now you are about $100 under a new set of Jegs heads that will reuse the factory parts. Just call and make sure they are not D port exhaust or you will need headers. I would personally avoid the Summit intakes. Most are made by profesional products. These are cheap imports that tend to have alot of casting and sealing issues.

Re: Dart Angle Plug Heads: good or bad?
 

I'll contact summit on the intake supplier. Thanks for the heads up.

All I had was the stock Q-jet intake, so I was going to have to invest in one regardless.