Donovan Vs 354 heads

Discussion of the 331-354-392 HEMIs.

Moderators: scottm, TrWaters, 392heminut

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392fever

Donovan Vs 354 heads

Post by 392fever »

Hi,
Can anyone tell me what has the most potential for HP and reliability, 354Heads with Aluminum stands, billet rockers, stainless valves or a 417 Donovan head. to run on a alcohol blown 392. Ill be pushing 1200hp.
Any inpuit would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
392
Moparlee
Posts: 144
Joined: Thu Jul 22, 2004 6:38 am
Location: Carthage, MO

Post by Moparlee »

Hello, I really can't give you any advice. Haven't been there, but I didn't think that Donovon was making heads anymore. I'm sure though if you could spend the money and buy Aluminum "Hot Heads" heads you would get the flow your looking for. That kind of horse I would think that you would want some true roller rockers also. Keep us posted. Are you going to have it dynoed? Is this a stock block or a Donovon block?

Lee
392 Hemi
354 cracked and needs a sleeve
241 or 270 the only running one I have
340/E-brock heads/six-pack/4-speed/mini tubed/spool-64 Valiant
392fever

392

Post by 392fever »

well, im planning on the cast iron block i have for now, bored 30over and a 671blower, should be nice but i have to decide on the heads for now. ill know for sure by monday.
Moparlee
Posts: 144
Joined: Thu Jul 22, 2004 6:38 am
Location: Carthage, MO

Post by Moparlee »

If you can't afford the aluminum "Hot Heads" then try and score the 555 heads. They say that those are the best. I wish that I could start spending some money on mine :roll: .

Lee
392 Hemi
354 cracked and needs a sleeve
241 or 270 the only running one I have
340/E-brock heads/six-pack/4-speed/mini tubed/spool-64 Valiant
41hemi
Posts: 78
Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2003 7:35 pm
Location: Elkridge, Maryland

heads

Post by 41hemi »

There are some of these heads for sale in the hot heads swap meet site and you occasionally see some on ebay. I would first try www.hothemiheads.com
41 Chevy with blown 330 Desoto / 32 Ford coupe with blown 392 Chrysler
firepower354

Post by firepower354 »

I've got some cleaned bare 56 354 heads on eBay right now. I believe the ports are the same as the pricey 555's, but the chambers are a touch bigger which would be good for a blown engine. Item number: 4540233828
Don Nicklason
Posts: 46
Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:49 am
Location: Roseburg, OR

Donovan Heads

Post by Don Nicklason »

Welcome to Donovan Engineering Corp.
Donovan Engineering in Southern California manufactures aluminum racing blocks and components for racing, street, and marine use.
(310) 320-3772www.donovanengineering.com -
Call them & get the straight skinny
But the head you mentioned was a factory cas iron head, reworked by them----- Long time ago.
55 Red Ram Powered 30 A Roadster
smitty127
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Apr 18, 2004 5:55 pm

donovan vs 354 heads

Post by smitty127 »

just my 2 cents on the donovan vs rest of the heads. keep in mind that a virgin donovan head is almost non- existent. they were NEVER used gently and always need a fair (read as $$$)amount of work to get them nice and reliable. for the amount that i have paid for donovan heads and the renovation, they may not be the best value out there, but they are cool old school and thats what i like!
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