427 Cast Iron Heads

[55312]

My 1963 center oiler is headed to rehab. Is there any value to the low rise heads from this engine? Should I have them shipped back or let Keith use them as boat anchors?

Tim

[blykins]

It just depends on your stance on originality, horsepower, and being cost effective.

If you're looking for a decent amount of horsepower, factor in the cost of having them pressure tested/crack checked, milled, new seats, new guides, having the guides cut down for good seals, spring seats milled, and then ported....and you're probably way past the cost of a set of Edelbrock heads.

If you put a higher focus on originality and using factory parts, then maybe a new set of aluminum heads isn't in the cards.

[DanEC]

I used a set of similar heads that KC ported/polished/installed larger valves - they were 1961 390 High Performance heads. My motor made 470 HP with a mild hydraulic cam and 9:1 compression. I asked his dyno operator what difference he thought aluminum heads would have made based on his experience. He said probably 30 to 35 HP. Of course I would have saved about 40 lbs or so, also. But, I wanted the heads for nostalgia. You may be less inclined towards that.