Different 383/440 heads? Headers/manifolds? Which are best?

[MykeNytemare]

Loaded question, I know. I am looking to get a set of heads and manifolds/headers for the 67 383 that is in my R/T (original 440 long gone). My stock manifolds are rusty and the heads are stock lp 383 heads. I was thinking to get 915 heads so I could use them later even if I get a 440 block eventually.

I see that 915 heads aren't cheap and read somewhere that the Edelbrock heads are essentially aluminum copies of the 915 mopar heads. I also read that certain head/exhaust manifold combinations can affect space in the engine bay for other parts and spark plug changes.

Guess I'm looking to keep the car looking kind of stock or period correct. Any info from those that have swapped such parts on their engines would be great.

 

[Hemi Rebel]

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?74939-915-HP-heads

 

[mopar 3 B]

have them on a 9.5:1, 383 used 440 exhaust manifolds with 2.5" exhaust. Used Felpro .06 head gaskets so it would run on pump gas. Still pings at low rpm and heavy load.

 

[Meep-Meep]

915's are the best production wedge head and that even includes the Max Wedge when talking about the intake port shape difference. That said the 906 head is basically the same as the 915 but open chamber. Are they worth twice what 906's go for? Probably not. I have had great success with 915's on street cars but I also have been collecting them for 30 yrs and didn't pay $200.00 for them. So if you get a set that's in good shape and cheap then go for it, otherwise use the 906's. The later heads like 346 or 452 have a flat intake port floor and that design is not as good as the 915 / 906. The Edelbrock heads are not copies of the 915 but do share the closed chamber design. The ports are larger all around and are contoured differently.

 

[440 Cuda]

Head to Head

#2406516 Cylinder Heads

Application .......
* 1963 thru 1967 ~ {383/325 HP}
* 1964 and 1965 ~ {426/265 HP 'Street Wedge'}
* 1966 and 1967 ~ {440/350 HP}

Intake Valve......... 2.08"
Exhaust Valve....... 1.60"
Combustion Chamber ... 'Closed' {Factory CC Level = 79.5}

Not a top choice for Big Block performance, but these Heads can be made to work for general street performance with some 'bowl work', and opening the Exhaust Pocket {+.140"} to accept 1.74" Exhaust Valves.

With gasket/port matching, and some moderate smoothing of the ports, these Cylinder Heads will flow
fine for Street Performance.

If you're running the 'R/T' for general street performance, and not exceeding 5000 RPM's on
a regular basis, these Cylinder Heads are not as bad as everyone says.

For the street, the #2406516 Cylinder Heads with some work are more than an adequate functional unit with good power in the Low RPM Range {1500 to 4500 RPM's}.

 

[440 Cuda]

R/T

Difference in CFM Flow between the 'stock' #516 and #915 Cylinder Heads at .450" Lft

Cylinder Head............. #516 ............. #915
Intake ....................... 198 CFM ....... 223 CFM
Exhaust ..................... 136 CFM ....... 151 CFM