max valve size on 1962 small block heads?

blackstallion12

New Member
Dec 13, 2009
40
0
0
I have a set of 62 heads that i might be rebuilding in my class and i was wonering what is the largest valves i can install? I saw on ebay some guy put 194s in a set but i thought that was too big. i know i can get away with at least 174s but i would like to go as large as possible. the heads are off of the 221 or 260 motor. im not sure which one but they have very small valves... i think like 164s and very thin valve stems. just let me know what you think.

thanks
 
  • Sponsors (?)


That would depend on what motor you're putting them on. The 221 (3.50") and 260's (3.80") had smaller bores than the 289/302 (4.00") If you're just experimenting with these heads and not using them on a 221/260, then that's really a shame to ruin the heads, they'd be worth something to someone who had one of these engines.
 
That would depend on what motor you're putting them on. The 221 (3.50") and 260's (3.80") had smaller bores than the 289/302 (4.00") If you're just experimenting with these heads and not using them on a 221/260, then that's really a shame to ruin the heads, they'd be worth something to someone who had one of these engines.

+1.

It would be a shame to ruin any 221 parts. They only made that engine for 2 years, 62 and 63.

As the owner of a 63 Fairlane with a 221, I am now finding how just how difficult it really is to find some of these parts.
 
what would bore have to do with anything? would larger valves hit the cylinder walls? also im not "experimenting" thats why i was asking a quetion so i dont ruin these heads.

Yes, if the valves come far enough down, they'll hit the bore. Especially on a 221. Lesser so on a 260. Installing larger valves will ruin their value. Put em on ebay if you get no offers here. If you want heads with bigger valves, then just get a set of 65-up small block heads.