593 vs. 302 Heads on 318 ?

[392Mopar]

I recently got a 72 Duster with a 318, 4 speed. It has an Edelbrock performer cam and intake, Holley 600 carb, and headers, but other than that I think its a stock rebuilt (around 1980) block. The heads are # 4027593, would going to 302 heads bump compression over the 593's? And would the 302's be a better performing head? Are 593's any good, what are they from?

I'm looking at going with a different cam, and trying to bump compression if posible without a complete rebuid. Its a good running motor with good power but I'm sure I can get more out if it. I was also thinking about doing some light porting(I've done a full port jof on a 440 with great results), wheather these heads are worth it or getting a set of 302's to bump compression. Thanks

Butch

 

[fstfish66]

im intrested in hearing about the 302 heads my self,,

 

[tobysoldblue]

in fact,you might want to try them with the cam you already have.They will wake up your 318 by them selves,with what you already have.Of course a good bowl blend will help them out a lot,Along with gasket matching the intakeports of the heads and intake to gasket size.It also helps to cut some of the pushrod pinch a little,to open the port some,but dont go too far!The cam im using now is a little larger than the performer,i think.Its a chet herbert cam http://www.dougherbert.com/hydrauliccamlifters-p-9670.html?cPath=83_84_85_623 bottom end is very good,mid range is awsome!You can also go with the thin mopar head gasket,to bump the compression up a little more.

 

[392Mopar]

Thanks for the input, do you know anything about the 593 heads? Just trying to figure out if the 302's would boost compression or not and by how much. Yeah the cam your using looks nice, the Edelbrock is only 204 Duration at 50 and 420 lift, very mild. My 318 seems like a stong motor but I have a 4 speed and 2.91 gears which are killing me. I have plans on running 3.91's as well as some engine work to get it some more kick. I eventually plan on building a 408 Stroker but not for a year or 2 so I want to hop up the 318 till then.

Butch

 

[tobysoldblue]

the 593 heads are open chamber,theres no compression with them and stock pistons.302s will really help with compression,and flow better than any stock 318 head,except for the magnum heads

 

[392Mopar]

Nice, thats what I wanted to know, thanks!!!!