Cylinder Heads?

[Timbo]

What are the benifits of Aluminum heads over Cast Irion one's That would justify the price differance? Rebuilding my engine and thinking about going with aluminum!

[Chaplin]

The two advantages that have made me decide to go with aluminum are weight savings and better heat dissipation which means that you can effectively run a slightly higher compression ratio than you could with cast iron head without the risk of detonation. Not to mention that you average modern aluminum cylinder head will have a better design and flow much better than a factory cast iron head.

Anyone else?

[Excaliber]

Chaplin,,,,,,
You nailed it!

Ernie

[aumoore]

Aluminum heads are as mentioned lighter, usually better designs and yes you can run about 1/2 point more compression.

Iron heads are heavier, less expensive, and retain compustion heat which may offset the higher compression on the aluminum heads.

One thing with Aluminum heads is due to better heat transfer they can overtax you cooling system. If your radiator is marginal with Iron heads Aluminum heads may transfer enough heat to boil over.

There are a few good Iron Heads out there like the World Products, GT-40 and GT-40p's.

I am tunning the GT-40p heads and I like them

[Jack21]

Dinky little valves, and dinky little ports on smallblock Windsor Fords have been a problem since they first rolled off the assembly line. The aluminum aftermarket heads let the motor breathe with better ports and bigger valves. And they're a lot lighter.

There are also some good iron aftermarket heads from World Products, and Jack Roush with the 2.02/1.60 valves and good port designs.