Aftermarket Head Installation

[Red66GT]

Just got my Edelbrock Performer RPM heads from UPS today (great service and price from Summit).

Anyway, reading about the installation it says that if you have an early 289-302 block (mine's a '66_289 A code) you have to drill 1/8" steam holes next to the head bolt on the deck of the block.

Has anyone had to do this w/ their Edelbrock heads or any other aftermarket aluminum heads? Did you have to take it to a shop or were you able to do it at home (I have a drill, but not sure if the drill bits can penetrate cast iron)?

Is it possible that my block is not one of the early ones? I won't be taking my old heads off for a couple days, the suspense is killing me.

Please share your experiences.

 

[Red66GT]

Anyone?

 

[coolblue65]

I had to drill the holes in my block, 8 in all- it took awhile but i was able to drill it myself, I bought a few extra titanium bits for the job.

 

[Red66GT]

About how far down did you have to drill? and do you know if little metal particals falling in the water jacket will hurt anything?

 

[Ronstang]

You only have to drill about 1/2" at the most to get through the block deck and the shavings are going to come out on top and not fall into the jacket but do not worry about the few that do.