I have 3 heads to choose from for my upcoming 292 build. I can't seem to find any info on these casting numbers.

3847990-this is the head that came on the 292 I have.

331184-this head came off a Mercruiser 250.

3895080-this is the head I have been running on a 230.

I'm just wondering if any of these are anything other than run-of-the-mill. All are in good shape, as far as I know.

Thanks.

If they are all the same size chambers,they should pretty much all the same.

MBHD

Not familiar with the 5080 head.
The other two are a toss.
Do either of them have exhaust passages for EGR? I like all the 230-250-292 heads. The latest Mexican heads are heavier by far.

Whichever head you use, what is the intended purpose?
I suggest 1.84-1.94 intakes, 1.60 exhaust and perform a bolt in lump installation and then port the head. Tom

Without walking out to the shop to make sure, I think the 5080 head is the only one that don't have the EGR plugs. That is the one that came on the 230 that was in my '68 Panel when I bought it.

I want to build a 292 for some power, but nothing toooo outragous.

Than take the best looking head and work it over.
Use bolt in lumps, install larger valves, hardened exh seats, port it, mill it .030, pull the studs and get the boss's milled down for screw in 7/16 studs. I use BBC roller rocker arms.

Doing these steps alone will add tq/ power to the engine.