Speedmaster®
Pontiac 389 400 455 215cc 72cc Ram Air Aluminum Bare Cylinder Head
Product Information
Specs
| Brand: | Speedmaster |
| Part Number: | PCE281.1800 |
| Part Type: | Cylinder Head [Bare] |
| Cylinder Head Style: | Bare |
| Cylinder Head Material: | Aluminum |
| Cylinder Head Finish: | Natural |
| Combustion Chamber Volume (cc): | 72 cc |
| CNC-Machined Combustion Chamber: | No |
| Intake Runner Volume (cc): | 215cc |
| Exhaust Runner Volume (cc): | 175cc |
| CNC-Machined Intake Runner: | No |
| CNC-Machined Exhaust Runner: | No |
| Intake Port Shape: | Ram Air IV |
| Intake Port Location: | Standard |
| Exhaust Port Shape: | Ram Air IV |
| Exhaust Port Location: | Standard |
| Spark Plug Style: | Standard |
| Comp. Valve Job: | No |
| Intake Valves Included: | No |
| Intake Valve Diameter (in): | 2.11 in. |
| Exhaust Valves Included: | No |
| Exhaust Valve Diameter (in): | 1.660 in. |
| Valve Springs Included: | No |
| Damper Spring Included: | No |
| Retainers Included: | No |
| Locks Included: | No |
| Valve Stem Seals Included: | No |
| Rocker Arm Studs Included: | No |
| Rocker Arms Included: | No |
| Rocker Arm Nuts Included: | No |
| Guideplates Included: | No |
| Valve Cover Mounting Style: | Perimeter Bolt |
| Accessory Bolt Holes Drilled: | Yes |
| Intake Valve Angle: | 14 deg. |
| Exhaust Valve Angle: | 14 deg. |
| Valve Guides Included: | Yes |
| Valve Guide Material: | Bronze |
| Valve Seats Machined: | No |
| Valve Seat Machine Style: | N/A |
| Valve Seat Material: | Ductile iron |
| Steam Holes Drilled: | No |
| Oiling Style: | Through pushrod |
| Machined for O-Ring: | No |
| Heat Crossover: | No |
| Quantity: | Sold individually. |
| Note: | Valve guides on these heads must be reamed to 11/32" to accept the recommended valves. Recommended valves PCE273.1074 - Intake and PCE273.1075 - Exhaust. |
Description
Speedmaster Pontiac heads include valve sizes at 2.11" Intake, and 1.66" While the 2.11" valves are standard issue, the valve seat can be machined to accept a larger valve with minimal work. CNC Ported heads in this application will soon be available.
Speedmaster CNC ported cylinder heads are machined on dedicated 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining centers to ensure accuracy and cost effectiveness.
On the CNC ported versions, combustion chamber, Exhaust and Intake Ports all fully CNC machined for better flow. CNC combustion chambers offer superior control over flame travel and quench area. CNC Ported heads eliminate human error and variation from port to port. Unsurpassed repeatability from one cylinder head to another that is commonly found in “Hand porting & Polishing”
Combustion chambers are exact in volume - so every cylinder has the same compression ratio. Each port is the same cross section - so every cylinder can reach higher true RPM potential. CNC machining produces ports and chambers to within tolerances of no more than .002"; in turn every cylinder can reach the same power potential and accurate tuning.
HEAD GASKETS
The head gasket we recommend for our Pontiac heads is PCE348.1042 (4.200" Bore)
INTAKE GASKETS
Our heads are manufactured with the Ram Air IV pattern which requires PCE349.1030 gaskets.
PUSH RODS
Please measure for exact pushrod length once heads and rockers are fully installed. Deck machining, head gasket thickness and rocker arm style will all affect pushrod height.
SPARK PLUGS
All Speedmaster Pontiac heads use standard 14mm. x 750" reach, 5/8 hex, gasket seat sparkplugs like NGK R5671A-7, Autolite 3924, Champion RC12YC, etc. Remember that higher compression/ boost require a colder heat range sparkplug.
HEAD BOLTS / STUDS
Our Pontiac heads utilize standard Ram Air Iv head bolts or studs.The ARP head bolt part number is 190-3605.
EXHAUST GASKETS
We recommend the use of Speedmaster exhaust gaskets PCE355.1019
Warranty Information
Prop 65 Warning
Installation Guide
Our AI assistant generates a step-by-step guide for this product — covering installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
This AI-generated guide is for general reference only and does not constitute official Speedmaster product documentation. Always verify fitment, torque specifications, and safety requirements before installation.