Can you put 1980-1985 350 heads and intake on a 1996 CHEVY engine?

No, you cannot directly put 1980-1985 350 Chevy heads and intake manifold on a 1996 Chevy engine. The 1996 engine is a small-block, but it's a significantly different design from the earlier generation small-blocks of the 1980s. Key differences include:

* Bolt Pattern: The cylinder head bolt patterns are different. The 1980-1985 heads won't bolt onto the 1996 block.

* Intake Manifold Bolt Pattern: The intake manifold bolt patterns are also different, preventing the older intake from fitting.

* Valve Cover Design: The valve covers won't be compatible.

* Other Differences: There are other subtle differences in lifter design, pushrod length and possibly even the camshaft, making direct swapping impossible.

While both are technically "small-block Chevys," the internal architecture and external dimensions are sufficiently dissimilar to preclude a straightforward swap. You would need significant modifications, or entirely different heads and an intake designed for the 1996 engine.