Aluminum head thoughts

[ZGJim]

I'm rebuilding the 350 in my '78 C10 2wd. I'm definitely going with aluminum heads, just wondering if anyone has experience to share. New heads will be 180-195cc intake runner, 62-64cc chamber class. Trying to decide between Flo-tek, Speedmaster and Edelbrock heads in this class. There is a small price difference, but I have seen that there can be a substantial difference in the finish level as far as the machine work in the ports and chamber. Would love to hear of any real world experience with any of these heads.

Thanks

 

[bucket]

I put the 64cc Edelbrock RPM heads on my Camaro about 20 years ago. They are a great all-around head and are good quality. I have never regretted choosing them.

 

[Catbox]

I have my eyes on these ones, just to throw another option in the mix.

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[ZGJim]

Thanks for the tip on the AFR heads. Hadn't seen those yet. Looks like a good option.

 

[Juggernaut]

I picked up a set of Summit 162111 heads. They are USA made, and I am very happy with the quality. I haven't put it on a dyno yet, but I can really feel the difference in the truck from the 186 double hump heads I replaced. Also went from a Comp magnum 230/480 to a slightly larger Howards roller cam 231/533

 

[cstew47]

I'm rebuilding the 350 in my '78 C10 2wd. I'm definitely going with aluminum heads, just wondering if anyone has experience to share. New heads will be 180-195cc intake runner, 62-64cc chamber class. Trying to decide between Flo-tek, Speedmaster and Edelbrock heads in this class. There is a small price difference, but I have seen that there can be a substantial difference in the finish level as far as the machine work in the ports and chamber. Would love to hear of any real world experience with any of these heads.

Thanks

I have an older Brodix head that works well on my 383. I assume you are taking the piston configuration account. That will, of course, affect the CR. As a side note, if you're completely rebuilding your 350, for a few sheckles more you can convert it to a 383 and have a torque monster.

 

[Bextreme04]

I've seen a lot of people say the skip white ones are your best value for money available and have never seen anyone say they have had a problem with them. They are probably the ones i'll be going with if I end up upgrading the heads on my 350.
https://www.skipwhiteperformance.com/catalog/category/aluminum-cylinder-heads/sbc-heads_7751/

 

[scrap--metal]

I put the 64cc Edelbrock RPM heads on my Camaro about 20 years ago. They are a great all-around head and are good quality. I have never regretted choosing them.

I put Edelbrock E-Street heads on my Camaro 4 or 5 years ago. No regrets, but I'm not a machinist and can't speak to the quality of the finishing work. I looked 'em over and threw 'em on. They've been working well since.

 

[Grumpy]

Remember when installing aluminum heads to follow the manufacturer's recommendation for head gaskets, as a regular head gasket may not be compatible with your choice. All of the USA-based companies selling heads have tech lines with actual people and they know their stuff - the manufacturers spent good money having knowledgeable people to help you, so accept their help, as they want happy customers.

I will attest to USA-made heads and caution everyone about the offshore $h!t - bolt holes don't line up, valve spring pockets of varying cut depth and the list goes on. The money saved on those is quickly eaten up just making them work.

 

[ZGJim]

Thanks for the replies. I have decided to go with the AFR heads. Their tech rep was very helpful. Summit had them in stock, along with all the appropriate gaskets. One stop shopping. Should be here in a couple of days.

 

[SquareRoot]

You cant go wrong with AFR. If you have ever seen the Engine Masters show, they always perform at the top of the list.

 

[Rusty Nail]

I bought

C4 Corvette Aluminum Cylinder Heads Center Bolt L98 SBC​

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Flotek was the second choice - good luck!
(I spent HALF that sourcing and prepping mine!)

 

[bucket]

You cant go wrong with AFR. If you have ever seen the Engine Masters show, they always perform at the top of the list.

Have they run those cheaper ones yet? I can't remember. And by "cheaper", I mean "less expensive than previous AFR offerings".

 

[SquareRoot]

Yes. I think they were Patriot brand. But for outright bang for buck the AFR 195 for street use always seem to come out on top. If you mean a less expensive AFR head, I'm not sure.

 

[Rusty Nail]

Nah , they have intent to make a cheaper head m pritty shure.


Teh Enforcer Yo.

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