cast vs aluminum heads

[h2ojet001]

I am in the process of obtaining new heads. Just wondering if the increase in performance for aluminum heads justifies the cost difference. The BBC engine I am building will be targeted for 550-600 hp range. If the block checks out ok I will end up with a 468 ci engine. So far I have checked out the edelbrock and dart heads. It appears that the dart iron eagle and pro 1 heads have almost the same flow numbers. Is this correct? Just looking for everyones .02 worth on this subject.
Barry

[LeE ss13]

As any Super Stock engine builder will tell you, the major advantage with aluminum heads is that they weigh less. Iron heads easily make more power. On the flip side, iron heads are less forgiving for too much timing, bad gas, etc. Aluminum heads are easier to repair.

[hulshot]

With that said you can buy my set up merlin d-ports with big valves and some intake work done. 1500 complete with big valves and titanium keeprers. yew they havethe ability to make more power, one is due to the even heat retention in the head. These heads have never been hurt or machined and have made well over 1000 hp. Pm me if interested

[Fiat48]

More debate on aluminum heads: http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=36309&highlight=heads
Flow of different heads: http://www.centuryperformance.com/afr/AFR_BBC.pdf

[HOSS]

Heat makes power on low comp only.

[HammerDown]

Since weight is a BIG factor in any Boat...then why not Aluminum?
If Iron gives better performance due to retaining heat that inturns aid's power...then how about bumping up the compression with Aluminum a smig?
Sounds like a win-win situation...no?

[77charger]

For race only use go alm due to less weight
for lake and rec use go iron.can make just as much power or more plus no corrosion worries.or worry about overheat and warpage(not likely to overheat but if you do there is a chance of head warpage)

[Fired Up]

I started this very topic about six weeks ago. Received alot of good info from many different people. Lots of good perspectives regarding different head brands. Try doing a search.

[schiada96]

Go iorn and save the money for better bottom end parts. Aluminum heads every time you take one off after running you have to surface it. How many times do you want to do that. Iorn is a better deal for a non race app. I don't see 75 lbs making that big of a difference. But if you got the bucks and don't mind the xtra work buy the aluminum.

[GofastRacer]

For an all around lake boat wheather it's a stocker or a blown deal, the iron's are the way to go!..:cool:

[canuck1]

aluminum dart pro 1

[Squirtin Thunder]

Heads ??????????????????
Ok here is the deal cast heads hold heat = Good for power
Cast are a whole lot cheeper= Good on wallet
Cast are a whole lot tougher= Good for reliability
Aluminum heads are Light= Good to go fas Aluminum heads flow better right out of the box= Good for HP
I always go cast its safer and 700hp+ capable

[h2ojet001]

Thanks for the input I think I am going to stick to the iron heads for now and save the extra $$$ for the bottom end. I am planning on using a roller cam and some good forged pistons probably the SRP low dome. The block hasn't been maged yet so I am hoping I don't end up getting a new block also. :frown:
Barry

[RedRocket]

heads holding heat makes detonation not power. Aluminum heads can run one full comp. point higher than iron and make more power on the same fuel because they dissipate heat. 75lbs. in my jetboat gives me a couple mph., worth the few hunded extra bucks for me. Also ,I've had mine off a couple times and never had to resurface them, just good gaskets and no warpage yet.

[gnarley]

Originally posted by schiada96
Go iorn and save the money for better bottom end parts. Aluminum heads every time you take one off after running you have to surface it. How many times do you want to do that. Iorn is a better deal for a non race app. I don't see 75 lbs making that big of a difference. But if you got the bucks and don't mind the xtra work buy the aluminum.
Sorry I can't agree with much you are saying. You should ONLY need to resurface aluminum heads if you have a warpage problem. If you have a constant warpage problem every time you lift an aluminum head you have other problems. And as far as weighing less with aluminum need you forget what a HP to weight ratio is? The less you weigh with a given HP the faster you should go.

[HOSS]

If you are building low comp motor go iron. High comp, aluminum.
Bang for buck? Iron wins. Dependabiltiy, iron. You also need to look at the water you run in. Whats easier to sandblast? Iron or aluminum? Running a closed cooling system? Aluminum all the way `cause if you got that much money in it then you can splurge for aluminum. Or you could always do what I am going to do and find all the junk that`ll bolt to it and run it till it blows. Then buy someones boat off this site that they spent all the money on already. The wagon sucks during Superbowl. Can`t be the usual asshole that everyone`s acustom to.