ebay alu heads
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 600
Likes: 6
From: Key West Florida
ebay alu heads
im looking for a set of alu heads to wake up my L48, I found a set of ebay p/n WPM 272 A SBC. they look good and if the flow numbers are correct they should make power, any ideas on these, Im a firm believer in you get what you paid for. any input would be great!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WPM-272-A-SBC-CHEVY-383-ALUMINUM-HEADS-FULLY-ASSEMBLED-64CC-200CC-ANGLE-PLUG-/190779954970?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c6b5f171a&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WPM-272-A-SBC-CHEVY-383-ALUMINUM-HEADS-FULLY-ASSEMBLED-64CC-200CC-ANGLE-PLUG-/190779954970?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c6b5f171a&vxp=mtr
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
Indeed, you do get what you pay for.
Before I made a purchase, I'd like to know: What brand name and level are the "best components" they use for the head? I'd also like to know what grade of aluminum they're cast from. High-grade aluminum is vague and it may be fine for lawn ornaments but not durable enough for automotive use.
How much of a bargain would you get if a valve seat fell out or the guides slipped or the casting was porous?
There is a reason quality heads cost nearly three times more than this example.
Before I made a purchase, I'd like to know: What brand name and level are the "best components" they use for the head? I'd also like to know what grade of aluminum they're cast from. High-grade aluminum is vague and it may be fine for lawn ornaments but not durable enough for automotive use.
How much of a bargain would you get if a valve seat fell out or the guides slipped or the casting was porous?
There is a reason quality heads cost nearly three times more than this example.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 600
Likes: 6
From: Key West Florida
I know, but also im not making even 400hp, and not turning 6k. I mean these should be good for 350 flywheel hp, right? ive been reading feedback on the seller and cannot find anything about the heads people have baught
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
Which has nothing at all to do with what I wrote. The air flow numbers might be close to the numbers he posted, but without him stating what flow bench was used and what was the pressure drop, one can only take him at his word. But, again, that wasn't the point. A really ****-poor quality head might make good power, but it may not last very long.
And to your other point on making 350 hp: If your engine is otherwise healthy, it's not getting anywhere near 350 hp without a cam to get you there. If the heads are good and your engine is sound, you might see 20 hp from just a head swap.
And to your other point on making 350 hp: If your engine is otherwise healthy, it's not getting anywhere near 350 hp without a cam to get you there. If the heads are good and your engine is sound, you might see 20 hp from just a head swap.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
You wont hear about a guy installing a quality head only to find the rocker tip wont line up with the valve tip once the pushrod is installed.
In overseas stuff you just might.
Takes your chances.....
In overseas stuff you just might.
Takes your chances.....
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
IMO, you would be better off just keeping what you now have. At least, those parts have given the owner(s) of your car 40+ years of reliable service.
There is no way anyone can cast, manufacture and finish assembe a set of GOOD SBC aluminum heads for less than $600. That said, my conclusion is that the aluminum used for the heads is NOT a quality grade of metal and that the other steel parts are likely made from recylced beer cans.
They MUST come from China and they certainly "look" fine in that little photo. But, you can't [visually] see the type of metal used...nor the long term reliability of these parts.
For safety related (suspension/steering/brakes) parts and "working" engine parts, I make sure that I know what brand/mfgr of parts that I am buying and how they are made. And I wouldn't buy those heads for my worst enemy....
There is no way anyone can cast, manufacture and finish assembe a set of GOOD SBC aluminum heads for less than $600. That said, my conclusion is that the aluminum used for the heads is NOT a quality grade of metal and that the other steel parts are likely made from recylced beer cans.
They MUST come from China and they certainly "look" fine in that little photo. But, you can't [visually] see the type of metal used...nor the long term reliability of these parts.
For safety related (suspension/steering/brakes) parts and "working" engine parts, I make sure that I know what brand/mfgr of parts that I am buying and how they are made. And I wouldn't buy those heads for my worst enemy....
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
With these, who knows what you'll get?
This Chinese car looked fine too until it was crash tested...
Last edited by zwede; Aug 22, 2013 at 01:50 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Exactly. Noone wants to spend more but youll at least get quality
Same old thing everyone wants cheap.
How much is your bottom end worth to you?
There is plenty of good American made stuff but youll have to pay for it.
Same old thing everyone wants cheap.
How much is your bottom end worth to you?
There is plenty of good American made stuff but youll have to pay for it.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 600
Likes: 6
From: Key West Florida
I don't have that kind of money, im half temped to take the L82 882's I have here at the house and let my machinist do some work on them then put those on. but I really would like the weight saving alu offers and 64cc heads so I have a compression bump. idk how much you can mill 882's but I don't think I can get them safely to anywhere close to 64cc's
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
If you have L-82 heads that are not cracked, have an engine builder take them apart, do a good 3-angle valve grind on them, install new valves, springs, seals and keepers and throw 'em back on.
The only disadvantage to doing so is that they will weigh a bit more than the aluminum heads you were considering. But, you will spend less and get more, in terms of reliability, decent performance, and a LOT of peace of mind.
The only disadvantage to doing so is that they will weigh a bit more than the aluminum heads you were considering. But, you will spend less and get more, in terms of reliability, decent performance, and a LOT of peace of mind.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Picking between a set of smog era big valve heads and an offshore head, IMO that's a rock and a hard place.
Unless this is your only car I'd plant some seeds, sprinkle some water, sit on your butt and let the money tree grow.
Unless this is your only car I'd plant some seeds, sprinkle some water, sit on your butt and let the money tree grow.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 600
Likes: 6
From: Key West Florida
the money tree is hard to grown when im in the coast guard, 25 years old, and have 3 project cars, 69 chevelle im trying to sell, 74 monte carlo with a 525hp 427 big block in it, and my 77 vette. looking for a quick turn around, and the 882's aren't bad heads from what ive read, the cracking problem never seen to happen to people but peoples friends/ relatives.