Newbie big block question

[Goose]

I just scored a 454 and th400/np203 combo (with spare np208) for $500 and got some questions.

The casting is 3999289 which mortec showes as a 454 71-79, 2 or 4 bolt.
the date casting comes out as Nov, 28, 1972.

The head casting is 353049, mortec as 73-84 oval, open, 454
with 122cc chambers and 255/119ccc ports
date casting shows Dec 06, 1972

Okay, I know nothing about big block heads other than some are oval and some are square.
Which are better and how are mine??

thanks in adance

 

[ryan22re]

Oval ports are what you want. Rectangular ports are for drag racing and all out motors.

 

[mike n]

Rectangle ports are for high rpm use, while oval ports are better for low end grunt.

049's are about the best factory oval port head you can get, with 781's being the next best.

 

[nvrenuf]

Your 353049 heads, commonly referred to simply as "049's", are EXCELLENT heads for wheeling. They flow nicely upwards to about 5k or so which is much better than the later peanut port heads. They'll support all the power you want to make with a "normal" wheeling motor.

 

[Goose]

Sweeet!

The engine came with an Edelbrock Perfomer 2.0 and
Holley "4160" rated at 750cfm. (#3310-4)

The engine hasn't run in an unknown amount of time, so I'll prolly at least take the heads off along with checking maing and rod bearings.

I'm a little curious to what is inside. Looks like the previous owner may have
known what he was doing with it.