3216090-1 Heads. Should I replace?

[rang-a-stang]

In my build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=185193

My heads have casting number 3216090-1. Google told me those are just run of the mill 401 or 360 heads but they don't have the dreaded bridged rockers. My engine will be slightly better than stock. I am not going crazy on it so I was going to port match the intake and exhaust and have them cleaned.

Any nay sayers out there on this head? Most of the google hits I see say they don't suck but no one seems to love them either. Seems they may be "good enough".

[rang-a-stang]

Obviously, this is assuming the head is not cracked/warped/not-serviceable....

[babywag]

If they're good just redo & run 'em.
Unless you plan on balls out WOT runs, wouldn't even bother w/ port matching.

[Ghinmi]

They are basically the same as the later bridged rocker heads with a few exceptions. First, obviously the stud mount rockers. The original studs only work with the stock non-adjustable rockers and will need to be replaced if you want adjustable rockers. They also have a true 58cc chamber, the later heads are listed as 58cc but are actually larger.

They are as good of a head as any regular production AMC head, run 'em. You just don't hear much about them because it's a very small year range that they were produced.

[rang-a-stang]

Perfect! Thanks guys.

[jcisworthy]

090 castings are a good casting

[fulsizjeep]

[rang-a-stang]

Originally Posted by jcisworthy

090 castings are a good casting

Any idea what castngs you used on this build:
http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=183070
I see your intake valve is bigger but the exhaust is a little smaller. When you say “Street Ported”, how was that done? Just by raising the runner roof a bit? How much work was done to it?

That chart is awesome, fulsizjeep! What a great tool! thank you!

[jcisworthy]

I do not remember what casting I used on that build. Any iron head can be ported to that level and more.

Even 304 small valve heads if larger valves are installed.

My street ported heads have a lot of work done to them. They have stock entrance size and no epoxy where race heads will have pushrod tubes, raised roof and a little more work in the runner and more time on the flow bench.

I am using 2.055/1.650 8mm Ferrea 8mm ID bronze guides and Ferrea 6000 valves from an LS1 application in all my iron heads now.

The heads for that build had 11/32. I am also using PAC racing dual springs, locks, retainers, and spring seat locators on all my heads.

[440sixpack]

No AMC heads are anything to brag about but as has been said these are as good as any for all practical purposes. if they check out run them.


There is nothing wrong with the bridged rockers for normal use. if you know what you're doing make sure everything is straight and shim the preload right I prefer them.

[FSJunkie]

If you mean to ask if you should replace your 090 heads with 291, the answer is "No".

The 291 casting developed a reputation as the head to have because of it's lower CC combustion chamber volume that produces higher compression with the same pistons. The caveat is the smaller combustion chamber shrouds the valves more and the reduced flow counteracts power gained by increased compression.

You are better off having a more open combustion chamber like the 090 heads and achieving increased compression with piston selection. That way you get both higher compression and better flow.

[rang-a-stang]

Good to know! I just dropped them off at the machinist today for rebuilding and blueprinting.