Cylinder Head Replacement

[oakley144]

So I pulled an amateur mistake. I have never taken an engine apart and drop one of the cast iron cylinder heads while I was taking it off and cracked it. Now I have a few questions about my options.

1. What are the pros and cons of going with cast irons again? What do I need to look for with getting some at the yard?

2. What are the pros and cons of going with aluminum? What are the best brands?

3. I don't know how to size valves based on my camshaft. As far as I know it is the stock one.

Thanks!

 

[Rustytruck]

This will get you in the ball park.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...:&selectedPartNumber=&qty=1&ship2HomeClicked=

 

[Pa PITT]

Well since you have cast iron that's what I'd go back with.. Unless you want to buy yourself a big ole Christmas present.
.. Get on the internet since your in New Braunfels.. Look for a place in Grand Prairie Tx.
Look for Cylinder Head Exc. When I was in business it was the best place to get replacement heads. You call them give them all the description & numbers you have . They will charge your credit card and in so many days when you ship the used head back to them. They'll refund your core. OF course since yours is cracked it may not core.
... Now after this post runs a short while someone may offer you a set from our membership. Good Luck.

 

[needabronco]

What's the head casting number? I have extra heads, and I'm sure lots of us have a stash laying around too.

 

[bronconut73]

What an opportunity to go with higher flowing heads.
It is amazing what just typical performance heads, cam, intake, headers, and carburetor can do for a sbf.
You can do alot of it in stages so the cost doesn't hit you all at once.

 

[broncnaz]

1. Nothing wrong with cast iron just mak sure you get a head that has the same specs as the one your replacing. Ie mainly cumbstion chamber size.
2. Aftermarket is great but dont expect the actual gains they claim. Stick with the smaller valves ad cumbustion chambers. Also consider that you will have to spend money on rocker arms and pushrods on tiop of the heads.
3. As was siad good time to upgrade. camshaft will gain you the most overall for the cost. Valve size well for a stock engine no bigger than 190/160's.
Overall unless your going to build the engine up good. Stock heads will be fine.

 

[hadabronco]

if you go aluminum on the heads buy bare sets and have a GOOD shop put in GOOD parts even the Chinese heads will work for daily, crawling, racing. stay under 190CFM and under 64cc combustion chamber rating with a stock piston/block. even on ebay there are a couple of sellers that build heads for an extra 2 bills the right way. then you'll have more options for a cam and intake. I know the comp cams 4x4 hydraulic ones are an all around good cam. ask around there are members here that will have useable parts for sale

 

[PaveBronco]

I have a set of heads you can have,if you come pick them up, I pulled them off just because...and I got a good craigs list deal on same casting number ported ones..