Peanut Port Heads?

[Robs71Nova]

Hello all. I recently acquired a 454 to drop in my Nova. I pulled the 454 out a running '86 suburban with 80k original miles, and I paid 325 for the complete motor, minus the carb (yes it was carbuerated). As of now I have the motor COMPLETELY tore down, with just the block sitting on an engine stand. The pistons and rods are in excellent shape, so I put a new set of rings on the pistons and will be using the same pistons/rods that came out of it. Here is my question: Is there any way to look at the heads and tell if they are the "Peanut port" heads that chevy put on their big block trucks? I ran the numbers on the heads, but I cant find much information on them. I am really hoping that the heads are NOT peanut port heads, because these type of heads make awsome torque/low end power, but dont run worth anything on the top end. I had planned on getting the heads shaved, cut for bigger valves, etc, but if they are peanut port I am going to be looking for a new set. Any info would be appreciated.

Rob

PS When I ran the casting numbers on the heads, the only info I found said that the heads were open chamber, oval port heads.

[GTStang]

One bit of adivce if using the stock con-rods would be to rebuild them with ARP con-rod bolts easy money and easy thing to do.

[Robs71Nova]

Thanks for the advice. I will use it. I am really just trying to get this head situation straight though. I already have the valves/springs/locks/retainers to go on the heads, and I had planned on bringing them to the shop tomorrow, so I can put the bottom end while the top end is being built. But I strictly done want to use "peanut ports" They are great for lowend torque and towing stuff, but not all that good for go fast stuff. I really dont think they are Peanut ports because the heads are open chambered, and the block is marked "HP" in two different spots, and is marked "Hi Perf" on the back by the casting numbers, and I really dont think they would put peanut ports on a high performance block. I am just tyring to find out for sure. Im pretty sure the machine shop will tell me when I bring them over there, but its a 45 minute trip both waysand I dont really want to make it for naught. Thanks for the info though.

Rob

[GTStang]

I understand ya deal with the heads... I can give general adivce about engines and such but when it comes to specifics like stock heads/casting numbers etc.., I'm bees a Ford man.... Hopefully a Chevy guru here can help ya out.

[Deadcarny]

Pretty sure almost all BBC blocks not labled with a cast in T (truck) had Hi Perf cast into them. I have a book 'how to rebuild your Big Block Chevy' that has tons of info. However, the book is at my Dad's house where my 396 was. the book has a lot of casting info and description to tell what parts you ahve.