Anyone using aluminum heads?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (Johns vette)
Stick with a decent set of stock mildly worked over iron heads, they last longer and perform just as well in reality for a street machine....
I don't think my aluminum heads were worth the money, and surely not for the reliability costs....
GENE
I don't think my aluminum heads were worth the money, and surely not for the reliability costs....
GENE
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (Johns vette)
I'm using aluminum Trick Flows. I haven't used them long enough to make any comments about reliability. I sure hope that I will be able to defend them in the future when asked this question. :rolleyes:
I purchased them from Summit Racing Equipment for $850. I believe that the price has gone up to $900 now. From what I have read, the Trick Flow heads had some reliability issues during the early stages of production due to valve guide location / geometry but that has supposedly been corrected.
What type of driving is your car used for? For example, mine is ~70% cruising and ~30% "drive it like I stole it" :yesnod:
I purchased them from Summit Racing Equipment for $850. I believe that the price has gone up to $900 now. From what I have read, the Trick Flow heads had some reliability issues during the early stages of production due to valve guide location / geometry but that has supposedly been corrected.
What type of driving is your car used for? For example, mine is ~70% cruising and ~30% "drive it like I stole it" :yesnod:
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 39
From: North Brunswick NJ
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (MIKER)
Miker,
I have 8000 miles on my Edlebrock rpm heads and have not had a problem. They produce good power and are much lighter than the cast iron heads.
I would purchace them again.
Ed
I have 8000 miles on my Edlebrock rpm heads and have not had a problem. They produce good power and are much lighter than the cast iron heads.
I would purchace them again.
Ed
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (ED DINAPOLI)
Get the aluminum oval port heads - I have EDL's and they flow tremendously more . Plus aluminum is alot lighter and will conduct the heat better than iron . I wish i had done it much sooner than when i did - the performance improvement is alot. The EDL are very high quality and CNC.
Dave :conehead
Dave :conehead
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 10
From: cincinnati ohio
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (Rumpity Rump)
If you want to read an interesting and informative thread on iron vs. aluminum heads go to this link to the chevelle forum http://www.chevelles.com/forum/Forum4/HTML/006246.html
:yesnod:
:yesnod:
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (Johns vette)
No more iron for me! When you crack iron you throw them away. If you ever hurt aluminum you take it to the welder.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 9
From: Fairport NY
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (gkull)
I'm using Edelbrock RPM heads and have never had a problem. Saved 50lbs over stock heads. Any future engine builds I will always use aluminum heads.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (yellow 72)
I think the link posted by "yellow 72" makes for some interesting reading. I have to conclude that in my case the following points don't make sense for the extra expense of purchasing heads.
1. Cracked heads - aluminum can be repaired. I have never cracked a head in 40+ years of engine modifying. Warped - maybe once, because of blockage to a head water passage. But cracked no. If you port way-to-much, or enlarge valves oversize, maybe. But for the everyday guy, not likely.
2. Weight reduction of 50lbs. Well, maybe if he is trying to squeeze that last 0.1 sec time down. Otherwise he'd never notice the difference.
3. Running a point or two higher CR. Again, unless you are building for the strip, 11:1 is not going to "feel" any better than 10:1 on the street.
IMHO it's all mostly market hype, and for the average hot-dog street car, it will never make a BIG difference one way or the other.
1. Cracked heads - aluminum can be repaired. I have never cracked a head in 40+ years of engine modifying. Warped - maybe once, because of blockage to a head water passage. But cracked no. If you port way-to-much, or enlarge valves oversize, maybe. But for the everyday guy, not likely.
2. Weight reduction of 50lbs. Well, maybe if he is trying to squeeze that last 0.1 sec time down. Otherwise he'd never notice the difference.
3. Running a point or two higher CR. Again, unless you are building for the strip, 11:1 is not going to "feel" any better than 10:1 on the street.
IMHO it's all mostly market hype, and for the average hot-dog street car, it will never make a BIG difference one way or the other.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (Johns vette)
I went over to the Chevelle site just to see what they had to say. Years ago iron equivolent heads were more thermally efficient. My heads have been thermally coated to a certian extent. If I had it to do over again I would have had them totally coated. Thermal coatings in the ports, chambers, and valves and the oil repelant coating on everthing under the valve covers.
I will also build all my future street motors in the 11+ C/R range because they run fine on 92-93 octane gas.
I will also build all my future street motors in the 11+ C/R range because they run fine on 92-93 octane gas.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (gkull)
I'm using L-98's and there fine. They bump up the compression(58cc) and shave alittle weight. Becareful if you add alum. heads and manifold be prepared to replace your springs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 16
From: Gainesville, Florida
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (Budman78)
I have the Trick Flow 23 degree aluminum heads. I have had no problems, they perform well and IMHO are a great head for the money.
My decision to go with aftermarket heads in the first place was that it was going to cost me almost as much to rebuild and modify the stock iron 186s to compete on a performance and feature perspective with the Trick Flows. They would have required pocket porting, installation of hardened valve seats, new bronze guides, screw-in studs, guide plates, valve springs, etc. etc.
I went with the TFS' and did a basic rebuild on the 186s and put them in storage.
Mark
My decision to go with aftermarket heads in the first place was that it was going to cost me almost as much to rebuild and modify the stock iron 186s to compete on a performance and feature perspective with the Trick Flows. They would have required pocket porting, installation of hardened valve seats, new bronze guides, screw-in studs, guide plates, valve springs, etc. etc.
I went with the TFS' and did a basic rebuild on the 186s and put them in storage.
Mark
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (mdsmith)
Running aluminum AFR heads and would not go back to iron. By the time you modify the iron heads you are close to the aluminum cost. You can run more compression with aluminum.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (Johns vette)
Here is a link to an earlier discussion about Vortec heads. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=129450
$700 is a pretty good price and the Vortec heads are great if they fit your needs.
I just read that whole thread on the Chevelle forum and it is pretty good. I didn't buy my Trick Flows because they were aluminum or for the weight savings. The price vs. the potential performance advantage is what sold me. Aluminum vs. cast iron expansion rates causing head gasket failure is a concern that I have. Also, I do worry about cross threading or siezed bolts and spark plugs. I don't regret purchasing the Trick Flow heads, I gott'em and I'm going to run the HeII out of 'em till something gives up. Plus, to the semi-knowledgable enthusiast that takes a peek under my hood, there is the WOW! factor associated with an "aluminum head hot rod motor";)
This "GM performance Quest" article is also a good source of the gains that can be had by using Vortec heads or Trick Flow heads. http://personal.bellsouth.net/clt/m/...in/chp/chp.htm
TTop Tony
There is a website that advertises a Vortec conversion kit with heads, rockers, an intake, bolts, covers and gaskets for $700 and change.
There is a website that advertises a Vortec conversion kit with heads, rockers, an intake, bolts, covers and gaskets for $700 and change.
Yellow 72
If you want to read an interesting and informative thread on iron vs. aluminum heads go to this link to the chevelle forum http://www.chevelles.com/forum/Forum4/HTML/006246.html
If you want to read an interesting and informative thread on iron vs. aluminum heads go to this link to the chevelle forum http://www.chevelles.com/forum/Forum4/HTML/006246.html
This "GM performance Quest" article is also a good source of the gains that can be had by using Vortec heads or Trick Flow heads. http://personal.bellsouth.net/clt/m/...in/chp/chp.htm
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 29,745
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
CI-VIII Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (mrvette)
I don't think my aluminum heads were worth the money, and surely not for the reliability costs....
I wouldn't think that reliablilty would be an issue if all the leading car manufactures have switched to aluminum heads and still offer warrenties up to 10 years.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 14
From: CA
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (Johns vette)
I just bolted up a set of Dart Pro 1's to my new motor.
The weight savings are: Alum heads: 56 pounds
Intake: 18 lbs. Water pump 5 lbs, Alum Dist & shielding removal : 2lbs
Mini starter 7 lbs, Air cleaner: 1 lb, lighter fan 1 lb
Est weight reduction 90 lbs.
I let you know when I get it running :yesnod:
[Modified by 71coupe, 8:53 AM 8/23/2001]
The weight savings are: Alum heads: 56 pounds
Intake: 18 lbs. Water pump 5 lbs, Alum Dist & shielding removal : 2lbs
Mini starter 7 lbs, Air cleaner: 1 lb, lighter fan 1 lb
Est weight reduction 90 lbs.
I let you know when I get it running :yesnod:
[Modified by 71coupe, 8:53 AM 8/23/2001]
Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 1
From: Oak Park, IL USA IL
Re: Anyone using aluminum heads? (Johns vette)
I'm in my second season with a set of Edelbrock RPM heads and I've had no problems so far. I tend to push this motor to 6000+ rpm and so far so good. The extra point on CR makes a bit more power on pump gas.
The real trick though is to create a package where all the parts compliment each other. Otherwise just bolting a set of aluminum heads to your block will not do much of anything for you.
-harry
The real trick though is to create a package where all the parts compliment each other. Otherwise just bolting a set of aluminum heads to your block will not do much of anything for you.
-harry
