Author Topic: Cylinder heads  (Read 7845 times)

cjm465

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Cylinder heads
« on: May 10, 2007, 12:57:17 AM »
 A friend of mine looked at a pair of aluminum big block heads and the only number he got off them was 3946074. He also remembers the winters snowflake marking on them. Are these valuable heads and what were they used on. I know it's not alot of info but we may take the couple hour ride to look at again over the week-end. Any thoughts?

1968RSZ28

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Re: Cylinder heads
« Reply #1 on: May 10, 2007, 01:37:32 AM »
According to "Chevrolet by the Numbers 1965-69" the 3946074 casting number was used on these applications:

1969 Camaro 427/430 (ZL1)
1969 Corvette 427/430 (L88 & ZL1)

The footnote says this head was also used in 1971, but doesn't list the application(s), so be sure to check the casting dates.

Paul

cjm465

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Re: Cylinder heads
« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2007, 10:52:19 AM »
 So is it safe to say they are of some value? What would be a good price for them if they are from 1969  (ZL-1 or L-88)? What if they are from 1971 what would they be worth?

CNorton

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Re: Cylinder heads
« Reply #3 on: May 10, 2007, 01:30:27 PM »
The NHRA blueprint sheet lists the last three digits of that aluminum head casting as applicable to the 1971 Corvette, 425 horsepower, 454 cubic inch engine.  I wouldn't describe this source as definitive since its previously reputable standing has been compromised over the last twenty years (right, Jerry?) but the presence of that number on the list is at least supportive of the earlier information.  Value?  I would suppose that a 1969 casting date would make them more desirable but then, I don't know how many (if any) Corvettes actually got this casting number in 1971.  This is probably one of those instances in which they're merely interesting to most people but absolutely priceless to a few.  Obviously, the trick is to find the few.

JohnZ

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Re: Cylinder heads
« Reply #4 on: May 10, 2007, 02:37:45 PM »
LOTS of those heads were also sold over-the-counter, in addition to the production usage on L-88/ZL-1 and the '71 LS6.
'69 Z/28
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Jerry@CHP

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Re: Cylinder heads
« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2007, 12:12:53 PM »
The casting dates on these heads would determine the valve and there will be a big difference in value for castings made in 69 verses the early 1970s.  Also important is if they've been destroyed or milled to death.  Then they are not worth much.

Jerry

Flowjoe

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Re: Cylinder heads
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2007, 02:06:54 AM »
I had a set of 074 heads they were dated 1974...

Jerry@CHP

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Re: Cylinder heads
« Reply #7 on: May 17, 2007, 02:35:53 AM »
Seems like most of them were made during the early 1970s.

Jerry

cjm465

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Re: Cylinder heads
« Reply #8 on: May 17, 2007, 12:47:16 PM »
 As usual you guys were right. They were dated from 1972 (over the counter part?) and have been milled before. The guy selling them wanted $1500 for them. He said they needed to be checked and may need some work. Even after an attempt to clean them up they just looked beat so my friend passed on them.