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Aluminum Head
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17323		 Page 1 of 8
Author:  zedpapa [ Sat Apr 29, 2006 7:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Aluminum Head
I have been following the previous post on the aluminum head and i am somewhat discouraged that people are not more interested, maybe not in buying but just in the idea. again i want to make things clear about how the head would be built. it would include the following features:

be as close to bolt on as possible
accept stock style manifolds
ports raised 3/4"-1"
redesigned ports
oversized valves 1.75" in., 1.45" ex.
bronze valve guides
1.50" valve springs
redesigned combustion chamber
thick as possible for cooling/durability
would use OE valve cover and gasket

the head would be cast and then machined to help keep costs down. it would be insured that this head, even in "stock" form, would outflow mildly modified iron heads. that would be worked out in prototype heads. the heads would be thoroughly tested and PROVEN before being sold. again the cost would be kept as close to $1500 as possible.

i am not trying to start an argument as to what is more practical or easier or more affordable. i am simply trying to see if there is an interest in the idea of something like this.

zedpapa
Author:  64ragtop [ Sat Apr 29, 2006 7:23 pm ]
Post subject:  aluminum head
Well, at 1500 bucks for the head, + cam, lifters, intake and exhaust the conversion would cost a minimum of $2500 at my best guess, doing the work for oneself. Like any similar investment, I've gotta think twice. While I firmly support the folks prospectively doing the development (with my words), I would have to wait and let someone else be the guinea pig if and when the heads hit the market. If the addition of these new heads and minimal "high buck" would bring the performance of a 225 into the low to mid 318 engine range, and improve mileage, I can see myself biting the bullet and making the purchase.

It's gotta be really tough for anyone to consider doing all the development work out of their own pocket and betting on the "come". I suspect that the absence of an "angel" with deep pockets and a real desire to adopt the project explains why we haven't had serious aftermarket head development before now.
Author:  argentina-slantsixer [ Sat Apr 29, 2006 8:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: aluminum head
Quote:
Well, at 1500 bucks for the head, + cam, lifters, intake and exhaust the conversion would cost a minimum of $2500 at my best guess, doing the work for oneself. Like any similar investment, I've gotta think twice. While I firmly support the folks prospectively doing the development (with my words), I would have to wait and let someone else be the guinea pig if and when the heads hit the market. If the addition of these new heads and minimal "high buck" would bring the performance of a 225 into the low to mid 318 engine range, and improve mileage, I can see myself biting the bullet and making the purchase.

It's gotta be really tough for anyone to consider doing all the development work out of their own pocket and betting on the "come". I suspect that the absence of an "angel" with deep pockets and a real desire to adopt the project explains why we haven't had serious aftermarket head development before now.
clap hands here comes 64 ragtop :lol:

I agree... I'd love to have a modern style head though...
Author:  Dart270 [ Sun Apr 30, 2006 3:30 am ]
Post subject: 
For $1500 all assembled, I'd take two right off the bat, and probably 3. I think that price is optimistic, but I would be interested in 1-3 anyway depending on price.

My guess is that you'd have minimum 15 takers at that price if the head had flow in the 190/160 cfm int/exh range w/o porting and could be extended easily. Raising the ports sounds great. Cameron Tilley has gotten to 220 cfm (int) after raising the ports 1/4" and going to the max on a stock head.

For my racecar, 40 lbs off that location on the car (about the worst) would be worth in the range $15-25/lb to me (and at least Cameron as well).

Keep steaming on this project and try to consult Doug and others who have thought about it.

Heck, people paid to have 6-8 custom billet cranks made 3 years back for $3500 a pop. :shock: Those weighed the same as stock and I'm not sure any of them have even been used yet.

Call me crazy, but I think this project deserves some effort.

Thanks for your work and interest,

Lou
Author:  65 dartman [ Sun Apr 30, 2006 8:39 am ]
Post subject: 
For an aluminum head as you're describing, I too would be interested in at least 1, possibly 2 of them at that price (or in that ballpark).
Author:  sandy in BC [ Sun Apr 30, 2006 9:16 am ]
Post subject: 
I applaud your vision here. I think your ideas are on the right track regarding head design. The tough part is getting the product to market. (Guess how I know.)

I think you would be wise to stay away from price predictions until you have a working prototype installed and running. Nothing like reality to help with costing.

I test all new products for 5 (five) years before offering them for sale to the public. Its hard, costly and very conservative but it keeps me out of THAT kind of trouble....

Talk to Doug Dutra! He has put slant dreams into reality. His perspective may be invaluable.

If you want to talk about getting a new product to market send me an e-mail. (I know squat about head design)
Author:  gmader [ Sun Apr 30, 2006 10:40 am ]
Post subject: 
if you can get a good AL head built, at the price point you are talking, I am definitely in for at least one, maybe two. This is a no crap, yes, I am in, answer. I will not argue with you about the possibliites, whether you can do it, or assorted blah blah. I will live up to my end of it, and get at least one from you if you can do it.

Greg
Author:  vynn3 [ Sun Apr 30, 2006 11:36 am ]
Post subject: 
Same here.

VM
Author:  Michael [ Sun Apr 30, 2006 12:35 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ditto :D With two aluminum blocks just waiting for assembly, I am extra eager!
Michael
Author:  zedpapa [ Sun Apr 30, 2006 1:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
i am glad to hear that there is support for this project. one thing i forgot to mention is that the head would use stock style rockers. doing this would hopefully keep costs close to target. the heads would come with valves and springs, nothing else, again to control cost.

again, its nice to know there is an interest. i will be getting with my friend who just got a new computer with the program to do stress testing on parts. it gonna be fun times ahead!

zedpapa
Author:  slantzilla [ Sun Apr 30, 2006 7:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:

Heck, people paid to have 6-8 custom billet cranks made 3 years back for $3500 a pop. :shock: Those weighed the same as stock and I'm not sure any of them have even been used yet.
Lou, I think the price was somewhat less than that, but I do know of one that is in service right now. :shock:

Hint: It went 10:58 at Vegas. :twisted:
Author:  GunPilot [ Mon May 01, 2006 9:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
Count me in.
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Mon May 01, 2006 10:58 pm ]
Post subject: 
Eeyo! Over here! Meeee!

What're your thoughts/plans for the combustion chamber update?
Author:  zedpapa [ Wed May 03, 2006 8:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
hadn't got that far in the process. so far all this is still in the air. some had suggested the jeep 4.0 chamber but i am not sure. i would think a closed chamber would be desirable. however, i think that may bump compression too high for people who buy this head and that's it for modifications.

suggestions, anyone?

zedpapa
Author:  Dave M [ Thu May 04, 2006 3:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
I bought a crank so I guess if you come up with a aluminum head I'd buy one too.

Dave M
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