1968 472 Cylinder Head - Driver Side

[Highwayman68]

I may be in need of a drivers side cylinder head for a 1968 472, will know better when we get the head off. To be prepared and to limit down time should I need one I am looking to see what is out there so I can order it immediately if needed. I can take either one that has been sitting around and needs to visit a machine shop first or one that is ready to go all based on the pricing.

What recommendations do you have for where I should be looking?

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Mark,
The only difference in cylinder heads between 1968 and 1973 is whether or not they have a smog rail or not, and whether they are tapped for the heater supply port used from 1971 onward.  "Small chamber" heads are now at a slight premium since they are more popular for engine builds.
I would suggest finding something local because the shipping on a 65 pound block of cast iron can be a bit pricey.
The idea of being pro active is a good one.  I always have replacement cylinder heads ready when I do a valve job, since you never know what the Machine shop timeline will be until you are in the line.
Greg Surfas

[hornetball]

This place lists reman'd 500 cylinder heads for $230.  No affiliation and no personal experience, but it just goes to show that if you are after a stock rebuild, might not be too hard to find.

https://cylinderhead.com/find-your-head/gm-cylinder-heads/

[denniscaddy]

I probably have one.  Please give me the casting number on the head when you know if you need one.
Thanks,
Dennis
dennis@caddyparts.com

[Highwayman68]

To close this out both heads are fine, thanks for the offers to help if I needed it.