heads heads heads

[roadrunner69440]

here is another head topic , but it doesnt stop there. I want to build a 440 stroker , 500-550 ponies . First I want to ask about heads. there are a million pages on this topic and depends on who sponsored the article the answer you get.you guys have been there done that, at least most of you , so I am looking for advise and guidance. I have a set of 906 and I think 452? heads already done and ready to bolt on( no port work)I have heard a lot of negative thing on the906s can I even achieve the hp numbers I am looking for with this head? here are my plans 440 block 0 decked? , with 440 source 500'' kit heads 906 induction six pack exhaust tti headers cam??????????? probably something from hughes or comp like a lot of guys I am looking for best bang for the buck as it is too easy to get lost in the wants/needs shuffle. it would be really easy to just throw the best of everything at it but I am not a millionaire , just average.I would also like to know thoughts on cam, roller, hyd,or solid, good rocker combos, thanks guys for your input and expertise!

 

[Meep-Meep]

A 500 stroker can work really well with a 114 LSA cam. In other words use the displacement to it's advantage to build a relatively milder engine to get the same end result. That end result might be a low ET but with the benefit of a broader power band, less wear and tear and even with the A/C on! Ever hear of a 500 inch Cad?

That said some very well prepped 906 heads can do the job if you don't look for a lot of RPM (but then again why would you with a stroker?), however, you might be money ahead with some aluminum aftermarket types.

 

[benno440]

stealth heads are cheap and good for about 700hp if ported.

my cousin has stealth heads on his 68 barracuda drag car, 9 sec car

 

[66Satellite47]

The 906 heads need some amount of work to make good power. Pocket porting, opening the area under the valves gives the most for the least time & $. Bigger valves (2.14/1.81) make that easier and better. You can make pretty good power with the 906's or 452's but it takes porting. From what I see the aluminum heads, Edelbrock, Stealth, etc, produce better airflow out of the box. But they seem to have some quality issues, (guides, valve job quality). I was running 10.50's at 127 MPH w/452 in 3550# '65 Coronet with 906's. But I took a lot of iron out of those heads, widened the intake ports to require epoxy & offset rockers and they would crack after a while. 500+ HP is doable with 906's without getting carried away, but the new heads are a lot easier and cheaper than paying someone to port them.

- - - Updated - - -

Take a look at the thread from IQ52 on his ported 906's. "906 Heads, 280 CFM @.500" ". Lots of advice there.

 

[super-bee_ski]

My Pseudo (CLONE) 440 Max Wedge engine going into the 63' has 452s ported.
Excellent job, excellent flow etc.

My point: "One" does not need High Dollar aluminum heads. (Edelbrock, Marsh, Stealth)

Now, considering ALL the "DATA", and we must remember, there is "Truth in testing" (Data), a good set of Aluminum heads done properly is a great addition to a build.

 

[IQ52]

When I hear 440 stroker I start thinking in 500ci sizes. When I think of using factory unported iron heads on a 500 stroker I think of rpm of maximum horsepower at 4,300 rpm or less. You can drive it around and have fun but is more suited to a tractor and plowing potatoes. I like iron and prefer aluminum. Please consider stepping up to service prepped aluminum heads or having someone who knows what they are doing port the iron heads. I highly recommend the aluminum heads.

 

[383man]

I agree as on a stroker you should use a good head to take advantage of the cubes. Good ported iron heads will work but for the money you spend in them you can get some nice flowing aluminum heads. And there are a few choices even for the low buck people like me. The Stealth for about 1k and Eddy RPM's for about $1500. I went with EZ heads as I may want to step up more down the road as they were about $300 more then the RPM heads but worth it for what I plan in the future. But like was said the cheapest ones the Stealth heads will work good and when ported will support a good bit of HP. Ron