What did 882 Chevy heads come on?

The 882 casting-number Chevy heads were used on Chevrolet small-block V8s, most notably the 327 and 350 engines, in late-1960s production cars and light trucks. They appeared across a range of models and are a common find for restorers and enthusiasts studying that era.

Background on the 882 head casting

Chevrolet’s 882 is a cylinder-head casting number from the classic small-block V8 family. It represents a late-1960s design that several factory applications shared, depending on the model year and trim level. Like other casting numbers from Chevrolet’s era, 882 heads can indicate specific venturi configurations, chamber shapes, and valve sizes, but exact details vary by vehicle and production run.

Engines that used the 882 heads

Below is a look at the primary engine families that commonly shipped with 882 heads, illustrating the breadth of their usage across Chevrolets of that period.

327 small-block V8s (mid- to late-1960s)

In the late 1960s, the 327 cubic-inch V8 was offered across a variety of Chevrolet passenger cars and performance-oriented models. The 882 heads were among the casting options that appeared on some 327 builds during this era.

• Applications spanned several mid- and upper-trim Chevrolets and related models that offered the 327 V8.


• Usage varied by year and option package, making some 327s born with 882 heads while others used different castings.

Note: Verifying the exact casting number on the head is essential for confirming its origin in a specific vehicle.

350 small-block V8s (late 1960s to early 1970s)

The 350 became Chevrolet’s enduring small-block staple, and the 882 heads show up on a number of 350-based configurations from this period. They are commonly associated with late-1960s models and some early 1970s applications.

• Used across several popular Chevrolets, including Chevelle, Camaro, Nova, and light trucks, depending on the production year and option package.


• Often paired with factory performance or mid-level trim packages that employed the 350 V8.

As with any vintage engine, head casting availability varied by model and year, so channeling the exact build requires cross-checking the casting numbers.

Other applications

While the 882 head casting is most closely associated with 327 and 350 small-block engines, occasional cross-usage occurred in transitional years or fleet configurations. Always verify with the casting number and the vehicle’s original equipment records.

• Less common or transitional uses across GM platforms.

In practice, the dominant and well-documented applications for the 882 heads are the 327 and 350 small-block V8s described above.

How to verify an 882 head on your engine

To confirm an 882 head and its era, follow these steps to match casting information with production records and the engine’s original equipment list.

• Inspect the head for the casting number, typically found on the accessory pad or near the head’s outer surface.


• Cross-check the casting number with reputable reference databases or catalogs to confirm it is indeed 882 and note the approximate production year range.


• Compare date codes and other identifying marks to the vehicle’s year of manufacture and engine option.


• Evaluate the head’s features (valve sizes, chamber shape) in the context of the specific engine it came on, since variations existed within the same casting family.

Accurate verification helps determine compatibility for restoration or performance projects and reduces the risk of wrong-year or wrong-model replacements.

Summary

Chevrolet 882 heads are a classic small-block casting associated most strongly with the 327 and 350 V8 engines from the late 1960s. They appear across a range of Chevy passenger cars and light trucks from that era, with exact usage dependent on year and trim. For anyone restoring or evaluating a vintage Chevrolets, the key is to verify the casting number and cross-check it against the vehicle’s original specifications to understand the head’s role in that particular build.

What are 882 Chevy heads?

882 heads are a common cast-iron cylinder head for GM small-block engines, known for their large combustion chambers (76cc76 c c76𝑐𝑐) and popularity in the mid-to-late 1970s. While they have a decent flow for a smog head and were produced with induction-hardened exhaust seats, their lightweight casting makes them prone to cracking. They are generally considered a budget head for milder builds rather than high-performance applications unless extensively ported.
 
This video explains the differences between 882 heads and other heads, and their features: 1mMyvintageiron7512YouTube · Aug 25, 2013
Pros

• Plentiful and affordable: They were produced in large numbers and are widely available, making them cheap. 
• Hardened exhaust seats: Most 882 heads came with induction-hardened exhaust seats, making them compatible with modern unleaded gasoline. 
• Decent flow for smog heads: They have a reasonable flow rate for their era, especially for an engine not intended for high performance. 

Cons

• Prone to cracking: The lightweight casting design makes them susceptible to cracking, especially between the exhaust ports. 
• Large combustion chambers: The 76cc76 c c76𝑐𝑐 combustion chambers result in low compression ratios, which can negatively impact performance unless paired with appropriate pistons. 

Best suited for

• Budget builds: Their low cost makes them a viable option for basic engine builds. 
• Truck and mild-performance engines: They are a good choice for a stock or mild performance engine where longevity and a good seal are prioritized over peak horsepower. 

Not recommended for

• High-performance builds: Due to their propensity to crack and low compression, they are not ideal for high-horsepower, high-RPM applications without significant modification. 

This video demonstrates how to port 882 Chevy heads: 1miowadiyYouTube · May 26, 2021

Are GM 862 heads good?

Yes, 862 heads are good for an affordable, high-performance budget build, particularly in mild builds for daily drivers or tow/haul applications. They offer a good balance of cost and performance, especially compared to more expensive aftermarket options, and are known to provide good compression for a modest power bump. 
Benefits of 862 heads

• Budget-friendly: They are a great economical choice for a high-performance build. 
• Good for compression: When swapped onto a 5.3L or 6.0L engine, they can increase compression, leading to a noticeable power gain. 
• Versatile: They work well for mild builds and are popular for daily drivers and trucks that need good low-end torque. 
• Performance improvement: Even without porting, they can make a significant difference in performance, especially when paired with a new cam. 

Potential drawbacks to consider

• Lower flow than premium heads: While good, 862 heads generally have lower airflow than premium alternatives like 243/799 heads, which may be a limiting factor in high-horsepower builds. 
• Casting concerns: There are some reports of cracking issues with the 706 and 862 Castech castings, though many users report long-term success with them. 
• Manufacturing process: 862 heads are sand cast, while the very similar 706 heads are often semi-permanent mold (SPM) cast, which some consider superior. However, many consider them to be nearly identical in performance for most applications. 

Are small block Chevy 882 heads any good?

882 SBC heads are considered decent for a mild street build, especially if you need a cheap and plentiful stock option, but they are not ideal for high-performance applications due to their lower compression and susceptibility to cracking. They have a 76cc76 cc76cc chamber, which results in low compression unless paired with flat-top pistons, but they were manufactured with hardened exhaust seats for unleaded fuel. Their main drawback is the lightened casting, which makes them prone to cracking, particularly around the exhaust seats, especially if the engine overheats. 
Pros

• Plentiful and cheap: They are readily available as used parts. 
• Hardened exhaust seats: They came from the factory with hardened exhaust seats, making them compatible with unleaded gasoline. 
• Decent stock flow: They have a decent flow rate for a smog-era head. 

Cons

• Prone to cracking: The lightened casting makes them susceptible to cracking, especially around the exhaust ports if they overheat. 
• Low compression: The large 76cc76 cc76cc combustion chambers result in low compression ratios, which hurts performance unless compensated for with other engine components like flat-top pistons. 
• Limited performance ceiling: They are a "smog head" and will limit the performance potential of a high-horsepower build. 

Who are they good for?

• Mild street builds: They are suitable for mild, "grocery-getter" type engines where budget is a primary concern and high performance isn't the goal. 
• Budget builds: They can be a good budget option if you find a crack-free set and are willing to address the low compression with pistons, suggests this YouTube video. 

Who should avoid them?

• High-performance builds: Enthusiasts aiming for high horsepower should look at better-performing aftermarket heads, as they will get more power and durability for a similar or lower overall cost than porting 882s to their maximum potential. 
• Engine builders who don't want to worry about overheating: The risk of cracking is a significant concern, so they are not a good choice if you plan to push the engine hard or are worried about overheating. 

What year did Chevy use 882 heads?

Beginning in '71, the 882 head was also used on the 330-hp 350 and the 400 small-block. The 493 head was most often used on the '71 400 small-block, as identified by the steam holes drilled between the chambers(arrows). This head can be used on any small-block, regardless of the steam holes.