1970 291 rec port heads
 

Hello, i have a 05a built l78 nova. What would you members consider a good date code for a set of rec port heads built pre car build?
Thank you Todd

What's the Tonawanda assembly date on your engine block?

rec port heads
 

Mr 70, Thanks for getting back to me. The nova has a CE block in it dated 1971.

A CE block could have been a shortblock or longblock replacement depending on what the damage was to the original engine. In my opinion, you might as well save some money and buy 71 dated 291 heads as well.

Jason

rec port heads
 

Jason, I am trying to keep all parts as closely date coded as possible. That is why I am curious as to the best build date for the 291 heads.

291 heads...
 

The CE replacements were typically due to valve train failure on the solid lifter big blocks. Our 70 Marine Corps Nova had a 1972 CE block, but retained the original February dated 291 heads...in this case, I believe the original owner had an oil pressure failure, and the heads were OK.

**our car was a 4th week of February build and the heads were dated early February...hope that helps.

-wilma

Ref ports
 

Wilma, it does. Thank you. So my 05A car would be best with an April dated pair of heads.

291 heads...
 

I'm sure there were common production dates for the heads...might help to compare with another May built car. Sully has a May L78 Nova...maybe he has the dates from his cylinder heads.

As a general rule...30 day window is ok...there are exceptions. Keep in mind that by May of 70 most of the 291 heads were being used for the L78 Nova and LS6 Chevelles...and a few for the L78 Camaro, though I'm not sure of the production windows for those cars.

I think I have either March or April 291's, 1 head was replaced on my engine prior to me getting it, Be aware that late 70 production 291's can be somewhat hard to find. my orig block was actually cast very late January for an early May 70 build, I have seen this scenario a few times. As 1970 came in, only L78 Camaros and Novas were still being built as I believe LS6 Chevelle production took over as the sole solid lifter BB available in that car (could be wrong) and have to figure that 854 block production was winding down/in stock inventory being used up

My 4-70 built 375 Nova original block was dec 69 for the april build. I can't remember the date-code on the heads, but I can check if it's that important...