Hi. You might be better off looking for a set of newer heads from a mid-70's 400 or 440 (These will be the 456 casting #). The 516 heads, unless they have been redone, don't have hardened seats in them for unleaded gas use. The have closed chambers as well which is going to give you a 10 to 1 Compression ration, if not higher. This could be a problem with todays gas as well, especially if you are going to be doing towing and stuff. The 456 heads are open chamber and will give you about a 9:1 compression ratio. The 516 and 456 numbers are the last three digits of the head casting number. You can easily find it after taking off the valve cover when you start your search.

The engine otherwise is a great piece. BB Mopars are bullit proof. This engine will also have a forged crank in it. You will get torque nubers in the range of 450 lbs-ft. Don't go spend lots of money on cams and intakes either. If you want even more torque, go get a stock 440 HP cam from your local auto parts store. Look on ebay for a late 60's - early 70's 440 HP intake or just get an Edelbrock Performer. You will be totally blown away when you step on the gas the first time.

If you have any more questions, please ask.

 

Sorry, The casting number on the newer heads is 452 not 456. I always do that...Some kind of mental block.

I also just remembered that I have a set of these heads. The 452's that is. They are bare, but you could use the Intake valves out of your 516's and just get new 1.74" exhaust valves for them. I will take $50 for them. Let me know where you are located.

 

Mud, thanks very much for the good info, yep 10 to 0ne doesn't sound like what I'm looking for. I don't plan to start this project until next spring (two others ahead of it) and I got a little ahead of myself buying the 413, I need to check a couple of other resources ( I work part time at a parts store and may have a line on rebuilt with a core deal) but your offer sounds pretty good, especially since I'm going to rebuild the heads anyway. Let me get back to you in email. BTW I'm in the Kansas City area. Thanks again -T

 

No problem, I aim to please. I know what you mean about too many projects. I finally narrowed myself down to two..

 

A big block MoPar in a Waggie sounds like a cool project! Make sure to let us know how it goes. My future plans for my CJ-7 are to put in a late model 360 with MPI. I am a Dodge guy from waaaaaay back and would really like the same power in my Jeep that our Durango has!

 

Did you check out Novak Adapters' website? They have mounts now to put a Mopar SB into Jeeps. That is what I'm doing to my 80 CJ7! 360, NP435 Dodge trans. They have the adapter for the Dodge NP435 to Dana 300 transfer case. Gotta love it!

www.novak-adapt.com