Casting code on 454 heads

[Don C.]

I have two heads for 454 block,both have same numbers 353049 driver side head has another number L 5 72 and passenger side head has k 9 72 What year block do these belong on? What does the L 5 72 and K 9 72 stand for? Thank you, Don

[Jack H.]

Re: Casting code on 454 heads

Those are the date codes associated with when the heads were physically cast at Tonawanda. L= December and K= November....

[Don C.]

Re: Casting code on 454 heads

What year block are these heads for? Thanks don

[Joe L.]

Re: Casting code on 454 heads

Don----

They were used for 1973 big block applications, including Corvette. The casting dates you mentioned are completely consistent with the 1973 model year usage, too.

[Mark #28455]

excellent street heads

The 049 and 781 casting heads are likely the best street heads for vintage engines as they breathe significantly better than the older closed chamber heads. Just select a piston to get about 9:1 to 9.75:1 compression and use a SHORT duration cam like the stock 390 HP cam and you'll have a great running engine! (that will run great on pump gas)

Mark