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Crusader 454 heads

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rickr

New member
Didn't want to hijack an e

Didn't want to hijack an existing thread so I'll start my own.

I have a pair of 1988 454's that's now on my radar for a rebuild/reman so looking at options.

My question is about the heads on my 1988 engines. I see the term "Oval Ports" and "Peanut Ports". Are they one in the same? If not which ones would I have and are they basically interchanable? Is one better than the other?

Thanks

Rick
 
"Mine ('86 vintage&#41

"Mine ('86 vintage) came from the factory as "peanut port" castings. I'm positive yours would be the same (casting 14081045 CFD).

My opinion is that they are "best" for general use with cruising done only on the primaries (of the carb). The oval ports are much larger and will flow more air but really aren't needed (unless you prefer higher RPM operation).

During our major overhaul, the machinist (much to my horror) provided a "bonus". He "port matched" the intake ports to match the manifold. I was expecting a noticable drop in economy which he said shouldn't be impacted as he only changed the entry to "smooth it out". Turns out my fears were unfounded and the old boy was right.

If you are entertaining changing the heads, things like chamber volume and type will likely be bigger concerns, especially with the variables a rebuild provides."
 
The intake ports on the cylind

The intake ports on the cylinder heads were "tiny". I wouldn't describe them as "square" but their width was about equal to their height with the 'corners' being very rounded (vs 90 degrees).

The 'port matching' was done to a gasket set obtained by the machinist for the oval ports.
 
"Well, I learn something every

"Well, I learn something every day. I'll bet they are likely responsible for your quick acceleration to cruise speed, no?"
 
"So if my current engines have

"So if my current engines have the peanut port heads and I get a long block with the oval heads will the intake and everything else work Ok?

And what about the rectangle port heads, would my intake be ok with those also. I just don't want to make any big mistakes."
 
"DD:

I think it's a bun

"DD:

I think it's a bunch of little tweaks over time. I'm positive I don't want any more volume in the intake runners, that's for sure.

Rick:

If you get original oval ports, they should be compatible with the factory intake, as would the rectangle port heads. My vote would be to put your money in the factory heads provided they check out ok. Second would be original ovals and last would be the rectangular ports. I've only seen them on the high performance application were WOT was never fast enough.....The choice, like the money to get there, is yours."
 
"The best way to replace your

"The best way to replace your heads is go match the casting number. The number is found under the valve cover.


377233.jpg



This head is off a 1990 Crusader 454. It is oval port."
 
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