906 heads, aluminium heads, 452 heads

[Phoenix440]

Hi all
Looking at replacing 906 heads on 69 440. (Mechanic thinks the car has a cracked head as has a combustion leak and some oil in coolant).
Just looking at my options before getting the heads removed( have a spare block in case there's issues there).
As you can see from the pictures, the right side of my engine bay is very tight.
The block hugger headers have been modified for clearance against the shock tower of the car.
I wanted to install Edelbrock alloy heads but after researching, it looks like this could be impossible due to the tight clearance.
I read the heads need longer plugs than the original heads and I assume that they must be wider to need the longer plugs.
Can anybody estimate how much more room these heads take up in the engine bay?
Assuming alloy heads aren't an option, I have a chance to buy some rebuilt 452s( I've posted this now, don't want to miss them if they are a good option).
I am wondering if these are physically the same size heads and will bolt straight on? Also are the 452 valves the same size as 906,or does this depend on what size motor the heads originally came off?
As always, really appreciate any replys

 

[6872n73]

What is this engine installed in? You might get lucky and find someone that has Eddy heads installed in the same vehicle.

 

[Kern Dog]

The Edelbrock heads don't pose any issues for me in my '70 Charger. I have a buddy with a 69 Coronet and he has the Stealth heads from 440 source. His clearance is similar to mine. The Stealth heads flow better than the iron heads and they are designed to look very similar. Both sets utilize stock stamped rocker arms and shafts, stock length pushrods, etc.
I am curious though....like the guy above me asked...what the heck car is this engine in? Those headers are unusual too. The TTI and Doug's headers we often use here are not shaped like those. Are the headers something custom?

 

[Dave6T4]

The "452" head is an improved version of the " 906" with hardened valve seats, and possibly better porting. Same valve sizes. Dimensionally identical. I use them on my 440's.

 

[Phoenix440]

Engine is in a 1963 Dodge Phoenix, which is an Australian assembled Dodge 440. The motor sits much closer to the right side which I think is pretty standard for all models to allow for left hand drive steering. Aus Phoenix is right hand drive but motor sits in the same position in engine bay

 

[kramer]

Just some info on if you going the aluminum head route I think the only two heads that come with straight spark holes are the Stealth heads and the E Street 84 CC Edelbrock heads the rest come with the angled plugs which might or might not work in your application.

 

[Geoff 2]

^^^^ This.

 

[Geoff 2]

Also, even if there are alum heads with straight plugs, they use 3/4" reach v 3/8" for factory iron heads. So although they might be 'straight', they might not be positioned in exactly the same spot. Changing plugs in that engine bay looks like a nightmare...

 

[DanielSlocum]

Looks like a good candidate for a smallblock.

 

[493 Mike]

Are your motor mounts in good condition? You may be able to shim that right side mount to gain more clearance.
Mike