Best off the shelf non ported stock head.

[charlief1]

I've got a set of 293 and 8445 heads. I haven't noticed any diff in the ports or anything else. Has anyone done a flow test on the factory heads to see which one has the most potential? I'd like to know before I start porting them so I'm not wasting my time.

 

[SHADOWII]

I believe ....

there has been several posts on this subject, over the years and I can not remember any differences mentioned. I have a set of each and didn't notice any differances either.

 

[dr_frankenstein]

I dont think there is much in the way of flow difference charlie, more a strength issue.

i dont know if one little "bridge" of cast iron across a water port adds a significant amount of strength, but I have noticed a reduced number of lost head gaskets since the swap too 8445s.

A.j.

 

[87buickracer]

I've got a set of 293 and 8445 heads. I haven't noticed any diff in the ports or anything else. Has anyone done a flow test on the factory heads to see which one has the most potential? I'd like to know before I start porting them so I'm not wasting my time.

Heads are petty much the same except for the water jackets.They 293's were the early design heads.If you turn the heads upside down and compare with the 8445 heads you with see the difference in design.The 8445 heads were design to cool the engine better for turbo application.I have a set of 293's ported/polished with big valves and have'nt noticed a difference in temperature..They are ported now so they definately flow better..