edelbrock heads

[aarons428]

I have a set of off the shelf assembled edelbrock 72cc heads that I have ran for 4 or 5years now. Is there anything I need to worry about or look for? The motor (428) is disassembled right now getting ready for a 462 stroker kit. any help will be great

[jayb]

The valve springs on the off the shelf Ed heads are not the greatest.  I assume you will be updating the cam along with the stroker kit, so just make sure you get the correct valvesprings to work for the cam and install them.  Other than that, there really isn't anything to worry about; the Edelbrock heads are pretty solid pieces.

[aarons428]

Thanks Jay!!I am up for suggestions on camshaft. I would like to stick with a hydraulic flat tappet. I do drag race a few times during the summer but mainly it is just for fun on the street. 

[66FAIRLANE]

You might want to have a look at the oil drain backs and open them up a bit.

[cammerfe]

Every Ebrock head I've ever looked at had rather rudimentary machining with clearly delineated edges showing where the cutting tool stopped. Spending the time to blend these edges into the 'as-cast' areas seems to me to be a good idea.

I doubt that for a street engine you'll gain 50 HP but it's not hard work and should produce satisfaction!

KS

[ScotiaFE]

If they were mine and going on a 462 incher,
I'd swap out the intake valves for a 2.1" and cut the seat at 45*. 
If your springs are getting up there in K factor then a drill and tap of the rockers stud holes for heavy duty inserts is not a bad thing.
Unless your driving it to work everyday cam that sucker up.
You want the kids with the fart cans to pee themselves. 

[aarons428]

This is far from a daily driver! I need help from you guys that have done this a time or two. The last cam was a well that looks neat lets go with that. I need more direction this time.

I have one of the few fe's in my area and want to put on a good show!

[jayb]

Do you have a horsepower target?  What compression ratio are you shooting for?  It would help to have some more details on the engine before making a cam recommendation.

[aarons428]

I would like to be around the 500hp mark if possible. I believe with my heads I will be around 11:1 for compression. I should be able to run premium fuel yet I hope.

[bluef100fe]

Aaron... is your build is going in your 65 f100? If that's the case.... how much quicker do you want the truck to be? Your running 11.90's @ 110 with the old 428? If you Can give us some more details the forum can give better answers. One question I have is what does your truck weigh with driver? Curious to your current horsepower because if your truck is near the weight of mine I don't think your too far from 500hp now unless you were using a power adder to get to your 11.90's? Sounds like a cool truck you got there

[aarons428]

I was using about a 125hp shot of nitrous when I ran that 11.96. My truck weights about 3450lbs. I would like to run in the upper 11s.
A buddy of mine run a 600hp 460 in a 66 f-100 lwb that weighs 4300lbs and he runs a 12.07. So I figure if I can get around 500hp I should run upper 11s.

[jayb]

If you want to run a hydraulic cam I'd be looking at this one:

http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/cam-specs/Details.aspx?csid=944&sb=2

Should get you to 500 HP.  A solid cam would be better, though...

[bluef100fe]

Well that explains it then... my iron headed 390 was dynoed at 450hp a couple years ago when it ran a best of 12.35 around 106 mph... my f100 weighs between 3800-3900 lbs. With me in it....Depending if the tank is full or not. Anyway I don't see a problem wiTh your goals. Im with Jay though I wouldnt run a hydraulic flat tappet cam unless you have to... keeping control of heavy valvetrain with a hydraulic lifter can be problematic... good luck have fun..

[plovett]

and cut the seat at 45*. 

This is key for getting good flow out of the Edelbrock heads.  You can gain over 20 cfm at higher lifts from this mod alone.

Also, any money you spend on good portwork for the heads is money well spent.   You'll be able to reach your hp goal with a much smaller cam if your heads and the rest of the induction system are working good. 

JMO,

paulie

[John Krag]

With any aftermarket head you'd better go thru them to make sure the machine work is done right. Remember these are production assembly line parts and you wouldn't believe the screw ups you'll find. As with anything parts are punched out like bottle caps to make a quick buck so I'd have reputable machine shop carefully go thru them..............