454 Cylinder Head Replacements Regular Car Heads ok?

[joshuaand]

Hi Guys,

In my quest to spent every cent I will ever earn, I now have to replace my cylinder heads as they are completely shagged.

Im in Australia, and they want about $3000 US for new heads from a mercury dealer, to which I promptly had a heart attack and left.

My engine is a 93 model 7.4l 454.
The boat mechanic cant tell me what the difference between a Magnum and regular 7.4L engine is, so Im wondering if that matters at all? if so how do I tell which I have, cause boat mechanic cant tell me that either.

Back to my original question though, replacement heads for 454's here seem to be non existant, reminicant of my issue to find a replacement webber carby (Which I never did)

So, i'm wondering, can I just use regular 454 Big Block chevy heads that would have been used on a car, or do I have to pay 10 times as much for marine ones?

Also If anyone knows where I can get heads from the states that will do international shipping please let me know, im keen to find out!

thanks for the help (in advance)

 

[Bondo]

Re: 454 Cylinder Head Replacements Regular Car Heads ok?

So, i'm wondering, can I just use regular 454 Big Block chevy heads that would have been used on a car,

Ayuh,... Sure, But,...
There's been a Bazillion different castings over the years...
They're basically 3 different flavors,...
Peanut ports,..
Oval ports,....
And, the Big Square ports...
These are the Intake ports,.. The intake manifold should match the heads used...

Peanut ports were used in Truck applications for torque...
The Oval ports are kinda common in boats,+ cars...
The Big square ports are for the Hi-Performance stuff...

I know they're quite common over here, but I don't know who ships internationally....

 

[mariner1900]

Re: 454 Cylinder Head Replacements Regular Car Heads ok?

Hi Josh! For heads try Suburban Imports in Sydney. They import quite a lot of engines and parts from the States for marine engines. Just Google them.

As for importing heads from the Sates yourself i think you will fall off your chair once you see the cost of shipping. Expect at least a grand US for shipping depending on how they are sent.

Good luck finding some heads.

 

[joshuaand]

Re: 454 Cylinder Head Replacements Regular Car Heads ok?

hey mariner1900,

thanks for the heads up, have sent suburban imports an email now.

I know whatever I end up doing its going to hurt the wallet, didnt think it would be a grand for shipping for heads though, but hopefully suburban can help me out.

will let you know how I go.

 

[cr2k]

Re: 454 Cylinder Head Replacements Regular Car Heads ok?

Besides the port shape.

There are different size combustion chambers. So you would want to get one close to what you have now. Smaller and higher compression, good? maybe too much. Larger lower compression, less power.

But to generally answer your query, Yes automotive heads will work.
If they have any "freeze" plugs make sure to replace them with brass.

 

[mariner1900]

Re: 454 Cylinder Head Replacements Regular Car Heads ok?

Hi Josh hopefully Suburban will be able to help. Another company that might be able to help is based in Albury, NSW. Engine Masters Australia. Contact is named Mark.
They also import engines and parts from the States.

Cost of shipping for anything over about a kilo or 2 is horrendous unless you import by the container load. Here is example.
To ship 8 x pistons purchased from Iboats the estimate is US$206. 2 x BBC cylinder heads are a lot heavier than a set of pistons so you do the math.

But as mentioned if Suburban can't help then try Engine Masters.

 

[mkast]

Re: 454 Cylinder Head Replacements Regular Car Heads ok?

I now have to replace my cylinder heads as they are completely shagged.

These heads can't be reconditioned, because?

 

[achris]

Re: 454 Cylinder Head Replacements Regular Car Heads ok?

If you're still looking for a carbie, then try

Jason Sammut
Rocket Industries
Ph. (02) 8825 1900
Fax. (02) 8825 1957
jason@rocketind.com
www.rocketind.com

They do Edelbrock, which have a direct replacement for the AFB Webers. For the BBC I would think it would be a ED1410 (750 cfm).

Chris.......

THIS is a picture of it.

 

[joshuaand]

Re: 454 Cylinder Head Replacements Regular Car Heads ok?

Hi Guys,

Mkast - I am sure they can be reconditioned, but I didnt really want to wait, although I was told by the boat mechanic they might not be able to be rebuilt as they are very corroded around where the gasket seals with the block, only about 1mm left of metal in some places. Dont know much about heads so not sure if they can be rebuilt.

And mariner1900, thanks for the tip on Engine Masters Australia, I have spoken to Mark and I have decided to go with a reconditioned engine from them, instead of just the heads. No core charge was a plus so I can sell my old engine, and they were cheaper than the competition.

Mark also seems very knowledgable about marine engines so thats comforting to know I wont end up with a dud or something that doesnt fit.

The reason I went for a new engine (minus non wearable items, carby, water pump etc) is that I was worried what rebuilt ehads would do to the lower end, and didnt want to end up having to replace engine anyways 1 month down the track.

Hopefully should have her back up and running for easter.... hopefully.

thanks everyone for your tips, much appreciated.

 

[mariner1900]

Re: 454 Cylinder Head Replacements Regular Car Heads ok?

Hi Josh!
1mm metal thickness doesn't sound to great so the heads are probably knackered.

Glad Mark was able to help and great you went for a reco engine. That will come with warranty and you should not have to worry about much for a while.

Hopefully you will get it running for Easter which is just around the corner.