A couple of cylinder head questions I need answered if possible

[mtnmankev]

It seems that everybody talks down 1.72 valves due to insufficient flow characteristics.
I certainly understand the theory of why larger valves are preferred.
I put my calipers on the intake valves of the spare set of 882's I have in the shed, and they measured 1.72.
I thought (for some strange reason) they would have been 1.94.
I am running a set of 882's on my 383 stroker, and that engine was never a dog due to lack of flow in the heads.
The engine has always been extremely responsive and when I would breathe on the throttle, it said "let's go fast" with zero hesitations.
Is there a chance the heads I have been running have the larger valves, or did I just get lucky with that set ?
I didn't check for that when the engine was built and put in service 20 years ago.
Could it be worth the expense of having the machine shop modify the heads to install 1.94's in the spare heads?
I can't justify spending a couple grand on heads that are not for racing purposes, it's strictly daily driver usage, fetch groceries from the city and haul a couple 55 gallon barrels of water once in a while.

 

[idahovette]

If that's your goal, I'd go ahead and run them. I am going to repower my K20 with the original 350,.030 over flattops and use some 1.72 heads on it. Not looking for horsepower just a smooth running engine. Just my 2 cents worth,YMMV

 

[bucket]

I've had a few sets of 882's, they have all had 1.94 valves.

 

[Vbb199]

I wanna say when I did have a set of 882 in my possession couple years back, I measured 1.94 as well.

They were heads taken off a alcohol 350 that was gonna be a 383.

 

[mtnmankev]

I am guessing they made them both ways.
Maybe depending if the application was a 2 or 4 barrel carb ??
The 383 will be taken apart soon for rebuild, and I will find out then what I used.
If the heads I have been running are 1.94's, I will find a way to save them.
If not, hope the spare set is good and have them machined for 1.94's as I know how good the engine ran.
Thanks for the responses, guys ........