I have a 76 440 rv motor, would a set of 516 closed chamber heads help if i use bigger valves and the hardened seats? or would I be better off using aerohead cylinder heads I already have the 516 heads and i am trying to do this on a budget.Not sure if it would be worth rebuilding the 516 heads or not.

I would think would be pretty close on costs to get your heads machined or to get a set of aero. I'd just make sure on whatever you may choose to have hardened valve seats.

What are you planning to do with the motor?

I've been running unleaded in my '64Dog since I bought it in 1984 with no valve seat recession in over 70,000 miles. I don't agree that hardened seats are necessary. I'd be tempted to put a decent valve job on the 516s and run them while saving up for better heads and pistons.
I haven't been back to the board in a while but the last memories I have of Aerohead heads was that you couldn't just buy them and bolt'em on. Workmanship had been an issue. Maybe it's better now?

R

actually I may do a stroker motor in a few years, but right now I want more torque with the parts I have. .I plan on using a aluminum dual plane manifold,headers and a 750 holley.Do you think this would be a good combo with the 516 heads?

despite the "expert" comentary you are sure to recieve, that combo will work just fine.the hardened seats are not a neccesity,and honestly,if you are going to go a whole new package route later,i wouldn't dump alot of money into the 516's. just a fresh valve-job and maybe .010/.020 off to ensure flatness.
Are you planning a cam change as well? the hughes whiplash series are a good choice, or a comp XE268 would do wonders for that combo.

Thanks, I was planning a cam change when I rebuild the motor.The car is in the paint shop now so my budget is destroyed for a few years. So the goal is to have a strong running good sounding car and add more
H.P. later.

Sent you a Email.


John