96+ head interchangeability/performance

[dohcfiend]

this is strictly for my information at the moment but i have heard that the 96+ heads have smaller combustion chambers than the previous years and the cams specs are different. are these heads interchangable with the previous years(mainly a 94)? also what possible gains would come from them and what would the final cr be? as far as cams go, if the heads will work which set of cams would perform better and would there be any clearance issues(as far as valves hitting pistons or the deck on the different heads)?

i really want to hear about this one because at the local pick and pull 2 weeks prior to me knowing this stuff sat a 96/97 lumina or mc. and when one pops up there will be more and i could possibly score the stuff for penuts and sit on it till i have enough $$$ to machine it properly.

[dykz34]

It is true that they have a slightly smaller CC. They are interchangeable, but you also need the exhaust manifolds because the exhaust ports are shaped differently. Gains from them? No one knows... As long as you run stock cams (in one form or the other) you shouldn't have to worry about clearance. I'd say go pick up the whole motor if you can get it for cheap. I'd be willing to buy the upper, lower intakes, fuel rail, and a few other misc. items.

[dohcfiend]

cams

thanx. which set of cams in your opinion would yield more power the pre 96 or the post?

[Lyle's GTP]

The combustion chambers are a clover leaf style in the 96'+ and hemispherical in later years, other than the higher compression I don't see the benefit..........????

Lyle

[pocket-rocket]

The combustion chambers are a clover leaf style in the 96'+ and hemispherical in later years, other than the higher compression I don't see the benefit..........????

Lyle

Flow on the exhaust side because of the much wider port vs the pre 96.