Can anyone tell me if a later model head will mate to an early 61 aluminum block?

No.
Later "small plug" heads do not work on the Aluminum block...
There is less surface area around the push rod "pockets" and that does not allow full clamping of the special head gasket's sealing surface, along the wall that divides the push rods from the water jacket.

Just to clarify, you CAN run the "drool tube" heads up to 1974 vintage with no problems on the aluminum engine. Doc is talking about 75-up heads that are different.

The improvements to the 61-63 heads on the alum engines were supposedly incorporated into all 64-74 heads.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

I have and aluminum long block. Should I consider going to a 64-74 head or stay with the original?

The '67-up heads have a slightly revised combustion chamber for more complete combustion; this was done to clean up the exhaust emissions. So a '67-up head ('67-'74 in the case of an aluminum block) is a wise choice as the basis for a top-notch head buildup project. But if you have a good head on the long block now, there's no good reason to replace it by a later one. In theory, any '63-'74 head can be used on an aluminum block, but it's important to check carefully to make sure the combustion chambers fully align with the tops of the cylinders. The sealing surface at the top of the cylinders on an aluminum block is really thin/small, and there is no margin for an "almost" alignment if you want the head gasket to seal and live. This kind of a check is wise no matter what head you're using.

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Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Thanks for the feedback!

So how would you (anyone reading this) build this motor?
20 over?, cam? pistions? CR?
or it may take a hone for re ringing


Here is the purpose:

"open hood hot rod/roadster (24 Dodge with as many MOPAR components as possible)

The idea is to highlight the engine (polished block, triple SUs and other period stuff)

Also try to set up a push button shifter in the middle of the dash.

Take a look in the FAQ under "Best of Doctor Dodge." Your looking for Twiggy, I think.

There is some potential for the Aluminum block, but it is not the ideal High Performance starting point. Mild street performance is more in tune with the capabilities of the Aluminum engine.

Using the early trans and crank will add to costs due to converter availability.

2¢

CJ

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing