185 was a low performance head from the mid 70s. I had a 350 core that had some way back when. The heads are worthless, 1.72" intakes and 76 cc chambers. They were on a 010 block just like this one.
If it's '186' (and NOT 185- which I'm not familiar with either).. It's a GOOD head, as good as factory heads of the time can be. They were machined for either 1.94" or 2.02" intake valves (depending on the engine it was to be installed on). 1.94" went on 300 hp 327 and 295-300hp 350's, and the 2.02 went on 350-370 hp 350's, and Z28 302 ci engines. Need the date from the engine block. Don't change anything on the engine until we get it figured out. Get the date of the heads also (under the valve covers)... your engine *might* have some value there (to some people) if it turns out to be a HP or SHP engine (even if it's a warranty engine). Many people are restoring late 60's Camaros, Novas, Chevelles, etc.. and if they are missing their original engine, having a date appropriate correct CE engine is their next best choice!
Please take some overall photos of the engine, intake manifold, carburetor, etc... including exhaust manifolds, and heads under the valve covers (and another better photo of the back of the engine block which captures the cast date!).
On a new subject, I knoW this has been beat to death but my speedometer is not working when I disconnect the cable from the transmission it works with a drill up to 20 or 30 mph but bounces all over. I changed the cable but still it does not work I took out the gauge I cleaned and lubed it with the drill it would reach 10 mph it still will not work in the car. I changed the cable to no avail you can hear the cable spinning as I drive down the road. Any suggestions. Do I need a new Speedo.
thanks in advance
BamaNomad,
it is a 185 not a 186. The only other #’s are GM 48
and J12 8 attached are some photos of the #’s on the heads.
And engine I hope this helps. Thanks