Thread: Anyone running 487 Heads

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These heads were Low Mile castings but they got wet at one time and most of the valves rusted badly . That is why I went with the New Valves . The Factory Springs Looked to be re-useable but at $30.00 dollars for the Z/28 Springs it was a great up grade . Good stock springs set up right are said to work with up to 450" Lift without problems . Max Lift Clearance I would say 500" but any thing over 480" I would check them . But no these early heads do not have the clearance problems Like the stock Vortec Heads do . If your heads are in really good shape I would run them with one of the many 454" Lift Camshaft Brands out there .

I'm building a similar combo. "010" two bolt block, .030 over-bore, flat tops, etc...

The 487 heads are actually pretty decent heads with lots of meat to work with. They can be ported pretty easily for nice results. I'm having mine decked .025" which should drop chamber volume to about 71-72cc. I'm also doing a three angle valve job. As for porting, I don't have a flow bench so I don't go crazy, I clean up the short side radius, knock down any casting imperfections, smooth any noticable bumps and do a little pocket work. I think I have maybe 4-5 hours in both heads.

I'm going with the HD "Z/28" style springs for additional clearance for more lift and a bit more spring pressure.

I'm also going with a dual pattern cam, .465" intake/.488" exhaust. Basically the most cam usable with "stock" springs and no spring seat machining.

With the port work, flat tops and cam, I'm hoping for/expecting a reasonable 350hp. My limited budget won't allow for dyno time, and the final number isn't really all that important, but it should be a nice sounding, good running lump.