Bolting on aluminum e-brock heads

[Steve R]

I posted this in shop talk, but did not get much of a response, so I'm posting it here:

My fellow gear heads,
I'm not new to building engines, So I have the basics down pretty good, but I have always dealt with cast iron heads. The new aluminum E-Brock heads for my S.O. showed up yesterday.
Any wisdom, tips, cautions, or experiences you guys are willing to share as to installing these heads would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

[Ibr8k4vetts]

The only thing I can add is make sure you use the the gaskets E-brock says too. Mike

[FFR428]

Double check the oil drainback holes from the heads to the block. The Edel drainback holes are smaller and sometimes don't line up that well. You can port the holes slightly in the heads if you feel it might be a problem. Some have found this to be a problem and some not so it's worth a look. Not sure if it's know or has been corrected by Edelbrock or not. Perhaps someone else might chime in as well. G.

[Steve R]

Mike,
Thanks. Yes, I did get the recomended gaskets.


FFR 428,
Man, I mocked up the heads on my engine yesterday to check valve clearance, geometry, spring bind ect..... I thought I covered it all pretty well. It didn't even dawn on me to check that.
Thanks guys!
Steve

[mr0077]

Steve, I was gonna mention the oil drainback holes but ffr beat me to it...also look into installing some oiling restrictors for your use (street or race); I recommend you use studs for the rocker assemblies rather than the bolts, but if you use the bolts, be careful that you put the long bolt in the correct location, or you'll punch through into the intake port runner; and gasket match the intake and heads if necessary.

[Steve R]

Ken,
I am going to use studs for the rocker shafts. When comparing the new heads to my cast iron CJ units, I noticed the oil supply galley to the rocker shaft is about half the diameter of the one in the iron heads. (it seems they have addressed the over oiling issue to some extent) What drill size should they be restricted to?
Steve

[slithering]

Steve,

Don't skimp on the head gaskets, George at Gessford Machine turned me on to a better gasket, you might give him a call.

Chris

[mr0077]

Steve, while you're talking to George and his guys, ask about the restrictor tubes (0.060" diameter for street, 0.090" for race?)...I got my restrictor tubes from them. Ask about the right intake manifold gaskets too, I think they recommend the Victor over the Felpro.

[Cracker]

All of the above plus...

Prime the oil pump with the valve covers off (one at a time) and verify that the rocker shafts are getting oil. I had a set of Edelbrocks in which the head stud for the oil galley would pinch off supply when torqued down to spec completely cutting of the oil. Rare but I'm proof that it does/can happen. My restrictors are also from Gessfords. Best wishes!

Are your heads from Kieth Craft?

[Steve Jones]

Also,
Make sure you have adequate head to pushrod clearance, especially if your using heavy duty (3/8) pushrods. I had to take mine back off and die grind some clearance on all holes.

Steve