American Motors: AMC 360 Heads, angle valve job, flow characteristics

Question
QUESTION: I'm rebuilding a 360 I have in my 73 CJ5.  Would the earlier closed chamber heads give it a boost in power?? I've heard it should raise the compression about 1.0, Thanks for any help.

ANSWER: When you say earlier, are you are talking about pre 1970 heads? If so, no. The gains you might get in compression will not out weigh the superior flow characteristics of the 1970 and late heads.
There were some post 70 heads, not many, that would improve compression and still have the good air flow. If you can find them with the 360/401 valves, go for it.

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QUESTION: The numbers on the head are 3196291C  from a 70 or 71  I think.

Answer
You, my man, have a great head, actually two of them. Very rare. Small chambers (50.6 cc) and large valves (2.025"/1.625") They were found on 1970 & early 1971 360/401 engines.
Have a quality 3 angle valve job performed, make sure they're not cracked and you should have no problem getting more HP from your 360.
Good luck.