dilemna, what do i do with heads
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
dilemna, what do i do with heads
Ok,
So I have been posting here lately about dropping a valve in the new edelbrock heads I installed.
Here is my dilemna. New crate engine is on the way. Like I have mentioned before it is the Class II 430hp/499ft/lb Jasper engine.
It has the iron GM oval port heads. 2.19/1.88 valves just like the edelbrocks. After taking the edelbrock heads apart I discovered that the bronze inserts did not get damaged. A new valve slides right in and out just as easily as every other valve on the heads.
Even the spark plug that was installed crooked straightend out.
Here is a few pics of the cylinder that dropped the valve, the valve that bend itself and a short little clip of a new valve going easily into the bushing.
bent valve
new valve inserted fully
bushings as well as fully seated plug
video clip of valve going in and out of bushing. you can see it slide in easily until the top of the valve hits the rubber valve seal and then seat right in
desktop dyno says a 30 hp/40 ft/lb gain with these heads over the cast iron gm not to mention the weight savings.
is it worth swapping the cast iron GM heads out of the aluminum edelbrocks now that i know that they are good. before i have the shop put the new motor in they said make a decision and let them know.
So I have been posting here lately about dropping a valve in the new edelbrock heads I installed.
Here is my dilemna. New crate engine is on the way. Like I have mentioned before it is the Class II 430hp/499ft/lb Jasper engine.
It has the iron GM oval port heads. 2.19/1.88 valves just like the edelbrocks. After taking the edelbrock heads apart I discovered that the bronze inserts did not get damaged. A new valve slides right in and out just as easily as every other valve on the heads.
Even the spark plug that was installed crooked straightend out.
Here is a few pics of the cylinder that dropped the valve, the valve that bend itself and a short little clip of a new valve going easily into the bushing.
bent valve
new valve inserted fully
bushings as well as fully seated plug
video clip of valve going in and out of bushing. you can see it slide in easily until the top of the valve hits the rubber valve seal and then seat right in
desktop dyno says a 30 hp/40 ft/lb gain with these heads over the cast iron gm not to mention the weight savings.
is it worth swapping the cast iron GM heads out of the aluminum edelbrocks now that i know that they are good. before i have the shop put the new motor in they said make a decision and let them know.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
gm oval cast iron heads are NOT the same as the edels......the same is true for the gm alu. heads.....both the edel. and the gm units are different runner configuration than the cast irons....plus they make a lot more power......
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
i know that they are not the same
that is why i am trying to make the decision as to wether or not to put the edelbrocks on or keep the gm cast iron.
i am not sure of the casting number of the heads that i am getting. only the valve size of 2.19/1.88 and that they are oval port.
desktop dyno says a 30hp improvement over the iron intake with the edelbrock. since it will void my warranty right out of the box is that worth the 30 extra hp.
Last edited by baxsom; Jul 24, 2009 at 09:37 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Either sell them or stick them on the shelf for when you get back. Since you're shipping out, don't leave your bride with a new engine and no warranty. Unless her dad is called "LOADED", As in loaded with cash. A good running BB, unless you're planning on some serious racing, you are not going to notice a 30 HP difference. And for 30 HP, if the guy that just kicked your azz on the street, it's gonna' take more than that difference to turn it around and kick his.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Run with the warranty. If you want more later, the heads are a weekend swap. Now I'm confused... are the alu heads a different port shape than the cast? If so your power will only climb if the intake/headers match the port shape/size. Mismatched ports steal power.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
Either sell them or stick them on the shelf for when you get back. Since you're shipping out, don't leave your bride with a new engine and no warranty. Unless her dad is called "LOADED", As in loaded with cash. A good running BB, unless you're planning on some serious racing, you are not going to notice a 30 HP difference. And for 30 HP, if the guy that just kicked your azz on the street, it's gonna' take more than that difference to turn it around and kick his.
they need a new intake valve from edelbrock and new valve locks since a few of them were messed up.
i think 900 bucks for the set now that i know that they are usable is reasonable.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
What are you going to do with the short block? I'm not asking for me, but if you pull that one rod and piston, get the rod checked and a new piston, that might be another place to offset some of your expense. Or sell "as-is". Didn't you just put a roller in there too?
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