Folks underestimate the potential of the small valve heads and still seek out big valve versions.
In many cases a small valve head will be a better bargain, and you can always put big valves in them anyhow.
Years ago we had a 455 short block ready to finish but the custom CNC ported KRE heads and roller cam coming with them were not going to make it in time to get the engine finished and in the car for the Norwalk race.
I reached under the work bench and grabbed up a set of 1969 #46 small valve heads. Did a quick seat and valve grind on them, better springs and screw in studs. Went to the parts room and grabbed up an older Crower flat hydraulic cam and finished the engine and got it installed in time to make the race.
The car was an 1981 Firebird, TH350, Continental converter and 4.10 gears with pretty tall DOT's. Right off the trailer it ran high 11's in the heat of August and it was pretty hot that year. I wasn't expecting much more than low to mid-12's out of it to be perfectly honest. You just never know with these things......FWIW......Cliff
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a Veteran!
https://cliffshighperformance.com/
73 Ventura, SOLD 455, 3740lbs, 11.30's at 120mph, 1977 Pontiac Q-jet, HO intake, HEI, 10" converter, 3.42 gears, DOT's, 7.20's at 96mph and still WAY under the roll bar rule. Best ET to date 7.18 at 97MPH (1/8th mile),
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