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You want more power from your 350 small block, but the right heads depend on how much work you are ready to do. This guide covers eight very different sets — from bare castings that need assembly to fully loaded bolt-on pairs — so you can match the metal to your build and your budget.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Your choice depends on intake runner volume (the size of the passage that feeds air into the cylinder), combustion chamber size (the space where the air-fuel mix burns), and if you want bare or assembled units. 350 small block heads vary wildly in flow and finish, so we match each set to a specific build goal to save you hours of research.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 350 Small Block Heads
Heads are the lungs of your engine. The right set lets your 350 breathe at higher RPMs, while the wrong set chokes it before you even hit the gas. You need to match three core numbers to your cam, intake, and driving style.
Intake Runner Volume
This is the size of the passage that carries air and fuel from the intake manifold to the valve. Smaller runners (around 180cc) create high air velocity, which boosts low-end torque and throttle response. Larger runners (around 200-205cc) flow more total air at high RPM, pushing peak horsepower higher but often softening low-end grunt.
Combustion Chamber Volume
This is the space above the piston where the air-fuel mix is squeezed. Smaller chambers (64cc) raise your compression ratio, which adds power but demands higher-octane fuel to avoid detonation. Larger chambers (68cc) lower compression, which is safer for pump gas and retains stock compression on earlier blocks.
Bare vs Assembled
A bare head is just the casting — you supply valves, springs, retainers, and hardware yourself. Assembled heads come with those parts installed, so you can bolt them on, torque them down, and run. Bare heads are cheaper but require a machine shop or a skilled weekend mechanic to finish properly.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Intake Runner | Chamber Volume | Valve Diameter | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLO-TEK Assembled Heads★ Best Overall | Value Street Power | 180cc | 64cc | 2.02″/1.60″ | Amazon |
| Speedmaster Assembled HeadsAlso Great | Direct Bolt-On Power | 205cc | 64cc | 2.02″/1.60″ | Amazon |
| DNA Motoring LEPOW-038Budget Champ | Budget Bare Build | 200cc | 68cc | 2.02″/1.60″ | Amazon |
| DNA Motoring CYLH-SBC-350 | Entry Bare Casting | 200cc | 68cc | 2.02″/1.60″ | Amazon |
| IMOAA Angle Plug Pair | Modern Compatible Build | 205cc | 64cc | 2.02″/1.60″ | Amazon |
| VEVOR Assembled Heads | Complete Replacement | — | — | — | Amazon |
| JEGS Vortec Cast Iron | OE-Style Upgrade | — | — | — | Amazon |
| Edelbrock 5089 | Flat Tappet Reliability | — | 64cc | 2.02″/1.60″ | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. FLO-TEK Assembled Cylinder Heads
Our pick — over 4★ from 70+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The street-smart 180cc head that woke up an aging truck with a 20% horsepower bump.
The smaller 180cc intake runner here is the whole point — it keeps air velocity high for snappy low-end and mid-range torque, which is exactly what a daily driver or tow rig wants. The 64cc combustion chamber keeps compression respectable for pump gas.
These are assembled with 2.020/1.600-inch valves and straight spark plugs, ready for intake and headers. Buyers report the bolt holes line up perfectly for headers and accessories, and one truck owner measured a roughly 20% horsepower gain and called the install easy — a strong real-world return for the money.
The honest caveat is the cam match. This head showed no spring binding on a 470-lift, 279-duration cam, but it is not built for forced induction — one supercharged build blew head gaskets, and the machine shop pointed to the casting quality. Keep it naturally aspirated and it rewards you.
Street Cred
- Small runners deliver crisp low-end response
- Assembled with 2.02/1.60 valves and straight plugs
- Easy install with clean bolt-hole alignment
Know The Limits
- Not suited for supercharged or turbocharged setups
- An occasional unit arrives with shipping damage
Grab these for: a street 350 or truck build wanting an honest power gain without a custom cam dance.
Pass if: you plan to add a power adder — the casting is not up to that stress.
2. Speedmaster Assembled Cylinder Heads
Bolt-on horsepower with zero assembly guesswork for the 350 builder who wants to run this weekend.
These arrive fully assembled — springs, retainers, locks, valves, and seals are all installed, so you skip the machine shop trip entirely. The 205cc intake runners deliver a high-velocity charge that builds strong mid-range and top-end power, matched to aggressive hydraulic flat cam profiles.
The 64cc chambers and stainless valves keep compression lively for street-strip use. Owners running these on a dual-plane Victor Jr. intake report the combination works exceptionally well, though you will need to verify pushrod length and intake manifold port match before bolting down.
Precision-cast aluminum cuts weight and sheds heat faster than cast iron for high-RPM runs. Hardened seats accept stud-mount rockers, and the pair ships matched. Buyers consistently call this a budget-price set carrying high-end features, which is exactly the value equation to look for.
What The Builders Love
- Fully assembled pair ships matched and ready to torque
- 205cc runners pull hard into the top end
- Precision-cast aluminum with hardened seats
Plan For These
- Requires quality head gaskets and larger matching port gaskets
- Torque in steps with new studs and bolts — aluminum needs care
Reach for these if: you want big flow and a straight bolt-on installation without sourcing separate valve parts.
Look elsewhere if: you are on a strict budget where bare castings and DIY assembly make more sense.
3. DNA Motoring LEPOW-038 Bare Angled Heads
The bargain 200cc bare casting that undercuts a premium brand by a meaningful margin.
This bare head clears tight engine bays better than the DNA Motoring CYLH-SBC-350 above because its angled spark plugs (plugs set at an angle rather than straight) fit certain headers and chassis layouts. It matches that head runner-for-runner at 200cc intake runners (the passage size that feeds air) and 68cc chambers (the space where fuel burns), so you get the same flow potential at a similar price point.
High-grade aluminum, bronze guides, and hardened seats boost durability. The 68cc chamber is the forgiving choice: it retains stock compression on 1970-and-earlier blocks, so you are not forced into premium fuel just to run it.
Owners mention it comes in at roughly cheaper than an AFR bare enforcer, which tells you the value story. The trade-off is finish work — expect to grind passages and clean up the ports before assembly, and wear a respirator while you do it. The machining itself is reported well done, and it is drilled for both SBC and Vortec intake patterns.
Who it fits: the budget builder who already owns a valve spring compressor and wants AFR-style flow without the AFR price tag. The recurring theme is simple — decent machining, some port cleanup needed, and a price that leaves room in the budget for good hardware.
Pick this if: you want a 200cc bare head with angled plugs and you enjoy finishing work.
Think twice if: you want a ready-to-run head — this one demands your labor before it fires.
4. DNA Motoring CYLH-SBC-350 Bare Heads
A 200cc bare casting with a thick deck, purpose-built for nitrous and boosted 350s.
This bare head rewards builders who plan ahead. It shares the 200cc intake runner and 68cc chamber with the LEPOW-038, but the thick deck (the surface that seals against the engine block) is built for nitrous, turbocharged, and supercharged setups — the manufacturer designed it to take the abuse a power adder dishes out.
Each head weighs 21.3 pounds, which is a full 0.7 pounds lighter than the FLO-TEK assembled head above — every pound saved off the nose of the engine helps handling. The casting runs 2.020-inch intake and 1.600-inch exhaust valves with a 3-angle valve seat, and dual-pattern valve covers accept either center bolt or perimeter bolt styles.
The catch is the classic bare-head caveat: valves, springs, retainers, and hardware are not included, and it lacks 400 stem holes so a 400 block may need drilling. Customers note the deck is flat within 0.0015 inch and installed height measures 1.70 inches — strong machining for the money — but one owner had to source 0.100-inch longer valves than the “direct replacement” claim suggests.
Builder’s take: buyers describe this as a quality bare head that “wakes up” a small block, with solid flatness and clean guides from the start. The value is real — one owner called it the same casting as an AFR “As Cast” at a third of the price — but plan on port cleanup and verify your valve lengths before assembly.
Choose it for: a boosted or nitrous 350 build where the thick deck is worth its weight.
skip it if: you expect a literal direct replacement — this one needs builder attention and the right parts.
5. IMOAA Angle Plug Head Pair
A 205cc bare pair built for the widest small block range — 283 through 400 — with angled plugs.
This new player covers the entire small block family: 283, 302, 305, 327, 350, 383, and 400 V8s up to 1986. The 205cc intake runner and 64cc chamber are the same flow numbers as the pricier Speedmaster set, which makes this an intriguing value for a mid-range street build.
High-grade aluminum, bronze guides, and ductile iron seats ensure durability. The angled spark plug style is the defining feature — it clears modern headers and tight chassis layouts that straight-plug heads will not fit.
Buyers are honest about the casting quality: there is small amounts of flash inside the intake runners, and the rocker studs are drilled through into the intake runners. The good news is a small die grinder or Dremel cleans it up quickly, and sealing the rocker studs should not affect performance. As one owner put it, “the price is super low” and the quality holds up for the money.
The Appeal
- 205cc flow at a budget price point
- Fits the broadest range of SBC engines
- Angle plugs clear aftermarket headers
The Work
- Casting flash inside runners needs cleanup
- Rocker studs protrude into intake ports
Reach for this if: you have headers that need angled plugs and you are comfortable with port cleanup.
Pass if: you want a clean, ready-to-run casting with zero prep work.
6. VEVOR Assembled Cylinder Head Kit
A fully loaded, CNC-machined replacement head that bolts onto a 1978 Camaro 350 without drama.
VEVOR skips the bare-casting route entirely. This head ships fully assembled with valve spring seats, inner and outer springs, valve locks, valve seals, valve seats, and both intake and exhaust valves installed. The goal is simple: reduce installation errors and get you running fast.
The manufacturing uses CNC precision machining on the combustion chamber, intake, and exhaust passages, which gives smoother airflow than standard casting and ensures all components are correctly positioned. Industrial-grade aluminum resists impact and dissipates heat fast, with manganese bronze guides and hardened seats.
Reviewers point out a straightforward bolt-on for a 1978 Camaro 350. The honest fitment notes: guide plates need to be filed to fit pushrods, no 3/8-inch drain plugs are included, and the 5/8-inch head bolt room is tight — a 12-point socket was needed to torque the heads. One buyer flagged that the listing picture does not match what arrives, so set expectations accordingly.
Replacement focus: this is an efficient solution for common issues like abnormal vibrations, oil leaks, aging, or spark plug oil deposits. It enhances horsepower and improves fuel efficiency, but measure the deck and check pushrod clearance before final torque.
Pick it for: a daily-driven small block needing a complete, ready-to-install replacement with new valvetrain parts.
Be cautious if: you demand exact visual match to listing photos or need a true performance-casting upgrade.
7. JEGS Vortec Cast Iron Heads
The factory-inspired cast iron head that fits every GM small block from 1955 to present — except LT and LS styles.
This is the classic Vortec upgrade in cast iron. Fast-burn chambers and high-velocity ports wake up stock 350s right from the start.
You can mildly port and mill these up to 0.040 inch for extra flow without compromising the casting. The cast iron construction is heavier than aluminum — at 47.4 pounds, this is the budget-friendly weight class that many street builders prefer for durability.
The big compatibility note: this requires a Vortec-style intake manifold to complete installation, so you cannot reuse your standard small block intake. Fast-burn chambers deliver power, but fitment requires a Vortec intake. Some buyers received damaged units and had to wait on refunds, so inspect the boxes carefully on delivery.
Who it serves: the builder doing a stock-style refresh who wants Vortec flow without aluminum pricing. The cast iron shrugs off heat and abuse, and the fast-burn chambers make it a proven performer on a mild 350.
Choose for: a daily driver or truck needing a reliable, proven-flow upgrade with cast iron durability.
Skip if: you already own a standard SBC intake and do not want to buy a Vortec-style manifold to match.
8. Edelbrock 5089 Cylinder Heads
The name brand answer for hydraulic flat tappet builds, with a 0.562-inch deck for serious boost or nitrous.
Edelbrock needs no introduction, and the 5089 delivers the trusted performance you expect. This is a complete pair designed specifically for hydraulic flat tappet cams, so it is a direct match for a traditional street 350 build. The 64cc chambers keep compression in the pump-gas-friendly zone.
Strength comes from the specs: 2.02-inch intake and 1.6-inch exhaust valves, plus a 0.562-inch deck thickness — the same thick deck that made the DNA Motoring head stand out, but here with Edelbrock’s satin finish and machining pedigree. Buyers confirm it works great for flat tappet builds (a camshaft with flat-bottom lifters), and one notes a retrofit roller setup should be fine with the right springs and pushrods.
The honest caveats: the guide plates drew a mixed reaction from one owner, and another received a pair with slightly off head bolt bores that needed cleanup. There is also a single report of a valve dropping after a week, with advice to consider stock Vortecs instead — but that runs against the majority who report solid performance. Inspect yours on arrival and you should be fine.
Trusted build: this is the set you reach for when you want a recognized brand and a proven flat tappet match. The 0.562-inch deck gives you real headroom if you ever add boost, and the assembled configuration saves you the assembly work.
Reach for it if: you value brand reliability and want a flat tappet-ready pair with a thick deck for future upgrades.
Look elsewhere if: you are on a tight budget — the Edelbrock name carries a premium that the DNA Motoring castings undercut.
Understanding the Specs
Intake Runner Volume (cc)
This number tells you where the power lives. A 180cc runner moves air fast at low RPM, building strong torque for street driving and towing. A 205cc runner flows more total volume, shifting the power band higher for track work and top-end pulls. Match the runner to your cam: a small cam pairs with a small runner, a big cam needs the big runner.
Combustion Chamber Volume (cc)
Chamber size sets your compression ratio. A 64cc chamber raises compression, which makes more power but demands higher octane fuel to avoid knock. A 68cc chamber lowers compression, which is safer for pump gas and preserves stock compression on older blocks. If you are not sure, the bigger chamber is the forgiving choice.
Bare vs Assembled Heads
A bare head is just the casting — you supply valves, springs, retainers, and hardware, which means a machine shop or a confident DIY build. Assembled heads come with the valvetrain installed, so you bolt them on, torque them, and run. Assembled costs more upfront but saves you the labor and the risk of assembly errors.
Spark Plug Angle
Straight plug heads angle the spark plug straight down, which clears stock manifolds and some headers. Angle plug heads tilt the plug to the side, which clears tight header tubes and improves combustion chamber access. If you are running aftermarket long-tube headers, angle plugs often fit better — but check your chassis clearance first.
FAQ
Will these heads fit my stock 350 intake manifold?
What is the difference between a 64cc and 68cc combustion chamber?
Do I need to buy valves and springs separately for bare heads?
Can I use these heads with a supercharger or nitrous?
What does “assembled” mean on a cylinder head listing?
Will a 205cc runner head hurt my low-end torque?
Do I need new pushrods with these heads?
Are cast iron heads better than aluminum for a daily driver?
What is the difference between straight plug and angle plug heads?
Can I install these heads myself or do I need a professional?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the 350 small block heads winner is the Speedmaster Assembled Pair because it delivers 205cc of flow with the valvetrain fully installed, so you bolt on and run. If you want proven street torque on a budget, grab the FLO-TEK with its 180cc runners and easy install. And for the builder who loves finishing work, the DNA Motoring CYLH-SBC-350 is the bare casting to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gadgets Feed earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.