2+2GT

The intake ports in the 289 iron heads were pretty decent, but the exhaust ports were a disaster. The design was OK, but they typically have bad flash problems.

The shaded part in the photo must be trimmed, but you only need to go into the port 1/2-3/4". If they are smog heads the smog bumps need to be removed, too. Doing just this will make it feel like you put in a better cam, and if you do upgrade the cam, you'll be able to take good advantage of it. That upgrade cam will also need screw in studs, for peace of mind. I like the C9OZ-6250-C hydraulic version of the 289 High Performance cam.

You can do the port matching yourself in a couple of hours.

1966-FASTBACK

thanx 4 the input. i talked to the shop i am going to probably have the heads done at and i found out just like one of the previous posts explained it will be too expensive to use a roller cam in this motor because i would need retrofit roller lifters that would probablt run over $400 just for the lifters. so now i'm going to go with a nice custom ground flat tappet cam with a nice set of roller rocker arms and a little headwork.

Starfury

Remember, you still need screw-in studs and new springs if you do anything fancy with the cam.

Honestly, I think the money is better allocated towards new heads than a custom cam. You can get an off-the-shelf Comp Cams grind that will get you where you need to go, then put the saved money towards a set of Edelbrock or Trick Flow heads. That way you take care of the head machine work and springs in one shot, and save big bucks in labor costs.

1966-FASTBACK

i'm actually going to stay away from comp cams. nothing personal but i actually have 2 seperate friends that have lost lobes off there comp cams. i'm going to go with the Claysmith custom grind.