marky mark

As long as I am thinking about headers next spring I was wondering how much additional power you can pick up by installing a set of the aluminum oval port heads available from Edelbrock and G.M (are they one and the same)?

I am currently at 9:6 to 1 comp ratio with stock closed chamber heads (smaller valves) that cc'd at approx 103. If I went with a 100cc or 105cc aluminum head I don't think I would have any difficulty with running 93 octane gas.

The engine now has a Crane H272 with .216 int and .228 exh with .515 int and .510 exh lift. LSA is 112. A nice streetable combo with my 3:36 gears, 4 spd , low rise factory aluminum intake and quadrajet. Good power from 2000 to 5000 and done by 5300rpm. Race shop here says that intake is limiting factor in achieving any more power at higher rpm. But, I won't change intake as I would have to change to the L-88 style hood. Anyway, a step up to a slightly more aggressive cam might better take advantage of the power capabilities that the aluminum heads and headers would provide.

Any thoughts on: aluminum heads (worth the expense?) and new cam suggestion to complement headers and/or aluminum heads ???

Regards, Mark :flag :chevy


[Modified by marky mark, 3:52 AM 11/29/2001]

69Myway

Mark,

I bought the Edelbrock Aluminum big block oval port heads for my 454 in conjunction with the entire RPM package. They are 110 CC right out of the box. I am sure you will notice some improvement.

BTW, I also am going with the same exact .060 over TRW forged pistons they use in the 540 hsp engine. I ordered them months ago and still have nothing. There is some kind of problem right now with TRW. My fuel injection unit is also MIA. I ordered it at the same time. Summit claims the fuel injection will be here in a few weeks, Pistons...........who knows.

Flareside

Mark, all the oval port aluminum heads I've been looking at are between 110 and 118 cc chambers. This would lower your compression quite a bit, so you probably shouldn't use these in conjunction with a more aggressive cam (which would make your compression even lower) with your current pistons.

FYI, if you do buy a new set of heads, you could get small rectangular ports with around 310cc ports (Merlin iron or alum, Dart, Brodix, etc.) and then run the LS6 aluminum intake (#3963569, on Ebay all the time.) The GM/Edel ovals are 290cc. The LS6 will fit under the hood, and allow you to run a square bore carb (normal Holley, Demon, etc.) The rectangulars may be a bit much for a 427 though... This is my dream setup for the 540 in my future!

The aluminum vs. iron issue is a tough one. I personally love the look of aluminum heads and the light weight, but the price tag is up there. For performance for the dollar, I don't think you can beat a nice aftermarket iron head like the Merlins. You can get a set for $1200 ready to bolt on. Just paint them with aluminum paint :)


[Modified by Flareside, 8:56 AM 11/29/2001]

ImBatman

Is there a preferred head for a 454 street motor operating at 6500 or lowerer, Aluminum or cast that will run on pump gas? Any suggestions on brands and prices?

zwede

Edelbrock PN 6049 are the same as the performer heads but have 100cc chambers.

I'm using them on my 454 and they work great. Picked up 80hp compared to stock open chamber oval ports, but I also swapped a 219/229 flat tappet cam with a 224/232 roller.

marky mark

Thanks for all the good advice fellas!!!

regards, mark :flag :chevy

StrayDog

I Put a set/pair of Edelbrock heads on my 66 big/block approx 4 years ago ,very happy .....,my engine is a 427 .30 over , with TRW 2300 forged domed pistons compression approx 9.6 with 110 cc chambers....Edelbrock now has this head with 100 cc chambers would go with the 100 CC set up if i was doing it again.......as 93 fuel is plentilful in my area & have no pinging with 12 deg up front & 26 in distributor.....turned 13.7 @ 102 MPH , hydralic cam, With 3.08 gears & the 2.6 ,foot times reflect very poor traction ...it is my understanding the Chevy alum heads are mfg for gm, by Edelbrock & the specs are identicle ...also takes about 90 Lbs off the nose of your Vette... :cheers: they worked for me. :flag ,Again suggest 100 cc oval port heads :seeya


[Modified by StrayDog, 2:25 PM 11/29/2001]


[Modified by StrayDog, 2:26 PM 11/29/2001]

clem zahrobsky

69 myway,TRW is now part of federal mogul which is in financial trouble. i would try some other supplier if you are in a hurry. :chevy


[Modified by clem zahrobsky, 3:48 PM 11/29/2001]


[Modified by clem zahrobsky, 3:49 PM 11/29/2001]