Edelbrock Performer RPM FE

gjcomb · #1 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 12:37 AM

I am having my ol' FE 427 sideoiler rebuilt and in the process of replacing my cast iron FE heads. I am looking at picking up a set of Edelbrock Performer RPM FE heads (427 Low-Riser/Medium Riser p/n 60079) and wanted to hear comments from anyone who has purchased these heads for their FEs how they are/have been performing.

Or are there other recommendations on other brands (i.e., Dove)?

Thanks for the comments/suggestions.

George

undy · #2 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 05:46 AM

Eboks are "OK" off the shelf but if you really want to wake 'em up get a set of Keith's (Keith Craft, board sponsor)stage II CNC'd heads or Barry's (Survival Motorsports) ported offerings. I know I'll get blasted but FEs have about the most restrictive heads around for a big block, Ford or Chebby (250 CFM intake flow and less). To really get good HP numbers they need some serious porting, around 330 CFM +/-.

As a point of reference, my factory unported OEM LS7 small block heads flow 365 cfm @ 0.600" lift on my 07 Z06.

Dave

496fe · #3 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 08:36 AM

I think spending the money for the E-boks is a waste of money... unless they are ported. The cheapest, easiest HP gain for an FE, especially the strokers, is CFM. Undy is correct. After porting, I was happy to get the flow that a bone stock BB Chevy starts with. Those LS7 numbers are awesome!

The only way to prove this to yourself is to buy a computer dyno program and start plugging in flow numbers. You will see the HP gains in black and white. I went from 525 HP to 608 with ported heads and big valves - dyno sheet and flow test in my gallery).

Good luck

Brian

Burgs · #4 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 08:45 AM

I agree with Dave regarding Keith's, Or Bary R's, stage 2 heads, but I would add a matching cam from them, as long as you're rebuilding.

Brad

gjcomb · #5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 08:18 PM

I agree with 496fe - the heads would have to be ported. Thanks for the comments, guys...George

jdog · #6 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 09:25 PM

I agree they need to be opened up by someone good!

These make 600hp!

jdog

gjcomb · #7 (**permalink**) 01-20-2008, 04:02 PM

Jdog - looks good! I agree with your comment on someone doing a good job on the heads. Chris Dawkins (Chris Dawkins Engineering - Seaside, CA) is doing my engine and going to rework the Edelbrock heads.

TerrysSPF · #8 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 07:08 PM

I have Edelbrocks on my side oiler and agree with the above; they need to be "massaged" at the very least. Stock intake/exhaust on the Ebrocs are 2.09 / 1.66. The best thing to do is order the barebones Ebroc heads and have all the valve stuff custom done. Mine are ported with SS oversized valves massaged 2.19/1.73 to 2.25/1.75, port matched to my Ebroc intake. -They breathe pretty well.

To get more, you could send them out to Keith Craft for some of his magical port work. -He simply does the best head work out there today, largely due to his $375,000 digital CNC milling machine. I've considered sending him my heads to get me into the 600+hp range that a lot of Cobra folks seem to be looking for these days (I'm currently around 540hp - which was a lot back when my engine was built in late 2001). However, you really need to consider a CAM change as well when doing extensive head work (IMHO). -But Keith can help you with that as well.

-Best of luck.

cobrajam · #9 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 09:32 PM

Here is a link to a webpage I ran across once upon a time.
Stan Weiss' - Cylinder Head Flow Data at 28 Inches of Water
It shows not only stock head flows, but aftermarket and reworked heads as well. In addition, you can launch from there to the home page which has some cfm requirement, horsepower, etc calculators.

As far as the Edelbrocks, they are a good starting point. Consistent quality castings and machining. When I first swapped my iron heads for them, I did a basic port match, some basic cleanup, and reduced the bosses a bit. I agree, get them bare, and build to suit your needs.

Then I bought another pair of iron heads to put back on my iron block, so I could use the Edelbrocks on my aluminum 427. But first I had KC put big, pretty holes in them

KCs stage III w/ 11/32" valve stem diameters. 2.25/1.75 valves. I would recommend KC from start to finish, as he provided and installed the valves, springs, titanium retainers, etc for not much more than what I would have had in parts alone.

I guess the point I am trying to get across, is get them, they are relatively easily to modify for your application. You will also want to compare combustion chamber sizes vs. what you currently have.