aluminum heads, long term problems?

[Inspector71]

First let me say this is only in the planning stage. I have a lot of money to raise and I'm already in the middle of another project. Anyway, when I finally have a chance, I want to build my 383 as a 438 stroker for my 68 Charger (which has more sheet metal among the rust than I first thought). I have the block and nothing else. When I get to that point, I was thinking about going with aluminum heads. I was wondering, long term are there any problems with using aluminum versus iron heads as far as heating/cooling problems, reliability, and so forth? Part of my plan would be aluminum intake, heads, radiator and so forth to lighten the car a little. That is the main reason for my interest. Thanks.

 

[383man]

We have had aluminum Eddy heads on my sons 400 for 6 years with no problems. I have aluminum EZ heads on my 63 that have been on it for a year with zero problems. You should be fine. Ron

 

[rumblefish360]

Regular tap water is the enemy.

 

[Inspector71]

Thanks

I am wiping my hand across my brow with relief. I am so far away from this project but I plan stuff in my head first. As long as disasters are kept to a bare maximum, I should have the money to get to this within the next couple of years.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Regular tap water is the enemy.

THIS ^^^^ He speaks with fork-ed tongue not. lol Distilled water is your friend. The only real problem I can see is overheating. Of course as long as you have an adaquate cooling system, that'll never be a problem.

 

[ArtH]

I don't see why aluminum heads would be a problem. They have been using them in regular production cars for quite awhile. I had a 93 Lincoln Mk VIII which has a 4.6L all aluminum engine with 4 valves per cylinder that I ran to a 166,000 miles with nothing but routine maintenance. At that point I was more afraid of the electronics than any type of engine failure. I currently have a 98 MkVIII with close to 60000 miles and it runs great. Most of the current engine coolants/antifreeze products on the market are designed for aluminum engines. I agree that a 50/50 mix of coolant with distilled water is the best way to go.

I work for a two dealerships (Chevy and Kia) and I haven't heard of any problems with aluminum heads.

 

[super-bee_ski]

I have a hemi (426) w/ Aluminum heads, my 1988 Toyota 4X4 pick-up truck has aluminum heads & +280K miles, my 2004 Tundra Limited 4X4 has aluminum heads and my two (2) 2007 shelby GT500s have aluminum heads....
I hope you dont have a problem with your new prospective aluminum heads!
I'll be walking!

 

[Inspector71]

thanks

That is a relief and I appreciate the responses. Now all I face is the cost of getting them...details.