Head choices

[ChiefDanGeorge]

I'm still in the parts research and gathering phase of my build and I am starting to look at original heads. I'm trying to keep a budget and I'm not doing a hi-power build so I think aluminum heads are overkill for me. I've been using Barry's book reading the Cylinder Heads chapter. It looks like the C6AE-R ones probably would be what I search for.
Does this sound like a good choice? Are there other series heads that might be a good choice?

Thanks,

Dan

[blykins]

It's always a nice thought to aim for a low-budget build, but it seldom turns out that way.   Using (reusing) cast iron heads seems like a cheaper route to take, but unless you have a primo set of heads laying around, I would call your local machinist and ask what he would charge to 1.  Pressure test/magnaflux 2.  Mill deck surfaces 3.  Do a valve job 4.  Replace guides  5.  Install seats 6.  Price for valves

When you start adding up the cost of finding a set of cores, making sure they're good, buying valves, paying for machine work, etc., you'd probably be equal to or over the price of a new set of Edelbrocks/BBM's/Survival heads.  Even a set of Edelbrocks out of the box would most likely net better performance for equal or less money. 

[ChiefDanGeorge]

Brent, you're right. I do need to call a couple of machine shops to find the costs.

It's always a nice thought to aim for a low-budget build, but it seldom turns out that way.   Using (reusing) cast iron heads seems like a cheaper route to take, but unless you have a primo set of heads laying around, I would call your local machinist and ask what he would charge to 1.  Pressure test/magnaflux 2.  Mill deck surfaces 3.  Do a valve job 4.  Replace guides  5.  Install seats 6.  Price for valves

When you start adding up the cost of finding a set of cores, making sure they're good, buying valves, paying for machine work, etc., you'd probably be equal to or over the price of a new set of Edelbrocks/BBM's/Survival heads.  Even a set of Edelbrocks out of the box would most likely net better performance for equal or less money.

[Yellow Truck]

And it is a LOT easier heaving around the aluminium ones. Used aluminium intakes come up surprisingly often. I missed on a few good ones before my buddy turned up with a Street Dominator. Cost me a beer. Saw a few less than valuable ones too. Many thanks to Jay for helping me avoid a few poor choices.

[chris401]

I have not used a local man who charges $450 but I do know a shop who does them right for $800 as Brent listed.

[e philpott]

by the time you have a set of old heads refurbished you'll be close to aluminum price  providing they do a good job on the iron , like mentioned you can probably get a set of used Edelbrock's fairly cheap if you look around or catch someone up-grading to Survival or BBM

[ScotiaFE]

Do you have a set of heads now?
FE heads in general are pretty tough and even though most are in there
40's and 50's you can find a good set of irons ready to go for a reasonable price.
Since this is a budget build and for powering a land yacht a standard set of
irons will do nicely. C8's or D2's
A new set of Ed's are close to 2 large, it's not going to cost that to find or
have a set done up for you.
It can easily turn into a money pit if you want.



 

[ChiefDanGeorge]

No, I don't have a set of heads now.

Do you have a set of heads now?
FE heads in general are pretty tough and even though most are in there
40's and 50's you can find a good set of irons ready to go for a reasonable price.
Since this is a budget build and for powering a land yacht a standard set of
irons will do nicely. C8's or D2's
A new set of Ed's are close to 2 large, it's not going to cost that to find or
have a set done up for you.
It can easily turn into a money pit if you want.



 

[ChiefDanGeorge]

I found a set of D2TE-AAs that have had the machining done on them. According to the ad:
"They have been burned, blasted, and mangafluxed. All bolt threads that needed repair have been repaired with Time-Serts. Exhaust manifold side has been surfaced for trueness. Head gasket deck has been surfaced as well. They have received a 3-angle valve job. I have new SBI stock replacement valves to go with them."
Asking price is $350.

[ScotiaFE]

Yup, that's what I'm talking about.
Pretty sure Ross "Bad427Stang" He runs a set on his small stroker with some modest rubbing and says they work great.
I ran a set of D2's on a 390 years back and for the mild build they were good runners.

[My427stang]

I do run a set of D2TE-AAs on my 445 truck, and I do like them, but they do have some money in them.  Full porting to get to just under 280 cfm, aftermarket CJ valves with undercut stems, new guides, etc

Unfortunately they only flow about 218 cfm as cast, so not much to write home about other than the ability to run a GT or truck header

I will say though, that truck hauls the mail, just ask the NP435 that is going to be on the floor in pieces by noon tomorrow

[machoneman]

I'll add that even if you get fair-good shop prices, be sure to check on the quality of their work by asking questions and seeing some examples.

Finding a good shop is becoming increasingly hard even here in our huge Chicago, IL metro area.  I asked my neighbor who is the #1 seniority mechanic at our biggest Car-Max store why this is so. His answer should have been obvious. In today's world most modern cars get brand new heads as the turn-around time and cost of refurbishing old heads can't compare to the slap-them-on mindset of most repair and dealership shops. With the big drop in volume, pretty much only gearheads like us drag in old heads for re-work and as such, many head shops in particular have closed. That and the need for some fancy (read: expensive) machinery has older machinists turning away from said work. 

[ChiefDanGeorge]

No doubt I'll have to check up on quality for sure. There's a really good exhaust shop here I am going to go and talk with to see if they have any machine shop recommendations.

[turbohunter]

That's a good price on finished heads (tho' I might have my own guy take a peek at them).
I have a fair bit more into my D2s in labor and parts (sorry I haven't had the time to find the sheets yet).

[ChiefDanGeorge]

No worries, it seems like quite a few sets of heads are in craigslist near me lately. Found another ad for a set of C8AE for sale.

That's a good price on finished heads (tho' I might have my own guy take a peek at them).
I have a fair bit more into my D2s in labor and parts (sorry I haven't had the time to find the sheets yet).