The Chevrolet small-block engine was first introduced in 1955 and lasted till 2003. This amazing series of V8 automobile engines lasted half a century due to its simple yet efficient design using the materials and resources available at the time.
Small block engines come in several configurations, starting from 262 cu in (4.3 L) and going up to 400 cu in (6.6 L) in displacement. The most popular small block as the 350, followed by the 305. The small name block comes from comparing the engine block size to the Chevrolet big block engine series.
“Put a 350 in it!”
This was the buzz phrase in the 1980s, and yes, some of us were old enough to say it and do it too. Essentially, by the mid-’80s the 350 was filling up junkyards by the thousands, and youngsters are seeking ways to soup up their Malibu’s, and Monte-Carlos got this crazy notion that s 350 small blocks Chevy engine would do the job. Well, it did do the job for many.
The 350 lasted well into 2002 but appeared as a truck engine, and its final days saw it used as GM’s full-size vans engine block. The last model to come out was the Vortec 5700 which is known as the L31 variant. So many were made that you can still buy an original uncrated one from any number of distributors.
Apart from the classic 350, there was a 349.5 version, this came out in 1992, and it was called the LT1 variant, it sported the same 4″ bore as the classic 350, but it was a different engine. This variant didn’t outlast the original 350, and it was discontinued in 1996.
I can ramble on more about the small block, but let’s concentrate on the heads.
When considering ahead to buy, you can break the bank with overspending for something you don’t need. The best option for a budget head is a factory casting. However, you need to maintain the integrity of the combustion characteristics, the flow potential and the chamber volume must be small enough to get a working compression ratio without an abnormally high, plug-masking, piston crown.
For those seeking a lower budget option, always go for cast iron, the material is cheaper than the more expensive aluminum heads. It’s best not to take open chamber heads, even if it hurts the pocket. Always prefer closed chamber heads as the alternative for the budget-friendly cast-iron models.
If you can afford them, and also seek a performance upgrade then go for aluminum heads that deliver extra options for upgrading power and torque. Aluminum heads do last longer than iron and are less prone to crack.
List of Top-Rated Blocks for Chevy Heads Comparison Table:
| Product Image | Product Name | Block | Type | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Flotek 102505 Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Chevy | 350 | Cast Aluminum | More Information |
 | Edelbrock 5089 Cylinder Head | 350 | Cast Iron | More Information |
 | Replacement for Chevy Small Block Aluminum Bare Cylinder | 350 | Cast Aluminum | More Information |
 | Edelbrock 5073 Cylinder Head | 350 | Cast Aluminum | More Information |
 | Speedmaster PCE281.2010 Chevy SBC 350 | 350 | Cast Aluminum | More Information |
The Blocks for Chevy Heads Reviews & Buyer’s Guide:
Navigation
1. Flotek 102505 Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Chevy
This is a fully assembled racing performance head with every possible detail crafted into place to deliver extreme performance.
The 102-5050 model comes with 2.02″/1.60″ stainless swirl polished valves and 62cc exhaust runners. There are Hi-performance springs (.550″ lift hydraulic flat tappet) with Positive seals and a 3/8″ screw-in stud with hardened steel guide plates.
The locks are hardened and come with retainers, and the intake guides are manganese bronze. The exhaust guides are made from phosphor bronze, and there are 180cc Intake Runners with 64cc Combustion Chambers.
The single valve springs with flat wire inner damper have a seat pressure of 130 lbs. The springs are compatible with mechanical flat tappet or hydraulic flat tappet cams that deliver up to .550 lift.
Features
- Pre-1986 design small block Chevy cylinder head with a standard exhaust port design.
- Aluminum alloy cast block
Recommendations
If you are seeking that extra edge but want to retain the original design, then this is the model you would want in your Chevy. It delivers extreme performance conditions.
2. Edelbrock 5089 Cylinder Head
This is a high-performance replacement cylinder head engineered to deliver extra performance in the Chevy engine. It features a 64cc Combustion Chamber Volume that has an air intake of 2. 02cc Intake/60cc Exhaust Runner Volume for efficient and reliable performance. It’s 2. 02 in. Intake/1. 6 in. Exhaust Valve Diameter allows for maximum air intake and exhaust gases escape thus increasing the performance of your engine. What’s more, this equipment features premium grade metal construction and precise machining that allows for enhanced cylinder closure and longevity of the engine.
Features
- Premium-grade metal construction
- Complete Pair For Hydraulic Flat Tappet
- 2. 02 in. Intake/1. 6 in. Exhaust Valve Diameter
- 0. 562 in. Deck Thickness
- 64cc Combustion Chamber Volume
- 2. 02cc Intake/60cc Exhaust Runner Volume
Recommendations
The Edelbrock 5089 Cylinder Head is designed for those who want to give their chevy engine its optimal performance and enhance its durability.
3. Replacement for Chevy Small Block Bare Cylinder Head
Are you looking to enhance the efficiency of your Chevy engine? Well, the Auto Dynasty cylinder head is the gadget to use. Its construction features high-grade aluminum, bronze valve guides, and an advanced port design that enhances airflow. With a 200cc intake runner and a 68cc combustion chamber, this head enhances the performance of your engine and retains stock compression. Also, it has an intake valve of 2.020 inches diameter and an exhaust valve1.60 inches diameter, which enhances airflow and exhaust gas elimination for combustion efficiency. This improves the performance of your engine and provides added horsepower.
Features
- High-grade aluminum construction
- Bronze valve guides 200cc intake runner
- Angled spark plug
- Intake Valve of 2.020 inches in diameter
- The exhaust of valve 1.60 inches in diameter
Recommendations
Enhancing airflow using this cylinder head is a great way of improving your small block chevy engine’s efficiency, performance, and horsepower.
4. Edelbrock 5073 Cylinder Head
The Edelbrock® E-Street™ Complete Satin Cylinder Head Set delivers a combustion chamber design that optimizes the combustion process with a larger than the stock intake. The exhaust ports efficiently flow more air through your engine, together, the combined upgrade features deliver a highly successful, powerful and serious performance upgrade for your 1955-1986 applications.
On closer inspection what you find is an as-cast port system designed for entry-level street performance for use with hydraulic flat tappet camshafts only. This model is not compatible with hydraulic roller camshafts.
These are all dyno tested and showed gains of 16 hp and 11 ft-lbs of torque over the competition.
This model comes with a choice of 70cc or 64 cc combustion chamber the intake runner volume is 185cc, and the exhaust runner provides 60cc of volume.
The intake and exhaust valve diameters are standard, 2.02”/1.60” and there is an 11/32” diameter valve stem. To assure continuous performance, the valve guides are made from manganese bronze.
The deck thickness is 9/16,” and there is a 3/8” rocker guide plate made from hardened steel.
The valve angle is 23°, and the pushrod diameter is 5/16” with a stock exhaust port.
Features
- Modern combustion chamber design
- Improved engine’s efficiency
- Delivers more horsepower and torque
- A356 aluminum castings
5. Speedmaster PCE281.2010 Chevy SBC 350
The Speedmaster PCE281.1471 is a one-piece cast aluminum body that has a 68cc Combustion with 270cc intake runner. This part is produced using standard gravity casting for precision products using special cast aluminum alloy to reduce porosity and improve thermal coefficiency.
This model comes with a full set of individual O-rings around each port that is designed to seal the Intake manifold to the cylinder head.
The Head Gaskets use 100% stainless steel and these aid in sealing, where both outer layer Gaskets are treated with a high-temperature coating.
This single piece comes with a CNC-Machined oval intake and oval exhaust runner. The 15° intake valve diameter is 2.165,” and the 15° exhaust valve diameter is 1.59”. There are bronze valve guides and a 3-angle machined valve seat made from ductile iron.
Features
- Cast Aluminum Alloy Header
- OEM style
Recommendations
This is a classic OEM replacement for your 2007-2009 350 small block Chevy applications.