[Steve Barcak]

This 455 engine project for my '61 Safari is definately evolving. Last week it was going to be a 6X 068 1.5 rocker deal. Now am leaning toward a set of small valve heads and trying a tiny cam like the 066 or even the '59-'63 2bbl cam.
Of course, these things can all be changed if I am not happy with it.
On the early heads being closed chamber- true. However, I can modify them to an open chamber design and get a more attractive chamber size too for my displacement. I opened and cc'd chambers on 670 heads in the mid 80s and also opened the Super Chiefs on my Fueler.
A few days back , I brought in a pair of #15s. They tore them down and one head had a 30 intake seat, the other had a 45 seat! uh.
Now going to look around my yard tomorrow for a pair of small valve heads. Will pull them off and get them into the machine shop. I'd prefer not to have to buy a new set of valves for the little buggers. We'll see.

Also would like to try a sp2p as well.

This wagon will use a 2.56 rear gear with a 700r4 and headers. It is the same combo I have my GTO and I really like it. I do not use the lock up. Engine runs between 1,200 and 1,800 rpm most of the time and has decent vacumn. 455, 6X heads, 068, 1.5 rockers, 3 tube headers.
I use headers on almost everything. I like them.