Aluminum vs. Cast Iron Heads for Max Wedge Build

[VANDAN]

I am starting into the engine build for my '63 Max Wedge project. I am wondering about the head choice ? I am using the original style cast iron exhaust manifolds, so they are heavy, and with the angle they sit at, will tend to pull away from the head. My question is are aluminum heads strong enough to hold these manifolds over time, or would I be better off using a cast iron manifold. I should also add, at the current time, I have neither, so I need to start fresh on the build and would like any input from what others may have found out...Thanks

 

[Yatzee]

Sure they will hold the manifolds what with the number and size of the bolts that hold them on. If your worried, good quality aluminum heads come with metal inserts at the bolt positions or you can just have them installed/do it yourself. To give you an idea of the strength of bolts, people lift and install engines with nothing more that 4 - 1/4 bolts threaded into the top of the intake manifold. One caution, don't use stainless bolts in aluminum, they gall and sieze although they never rust and look good.

 

[Garys1969RR]

Are you talking about using a max wedge ex manifold vs a stock H P ex manifold? I think either one will work OK on alum heads. Of course headers will get you the best flow. Are you looking for originality? The max wedge manifolds and heads are going to be hard to find and expensive. Maybe you meant would you be better off using a cast iron head?

 

[cryplydog]

Edelbrock E streets are 999.99$! As with any head make sure you have a quality exhaust system. Clamps and Hangers. Alum. heads for me. although the E-streets are not M/W ports.

 

[VANDAN]

My build will be using the "elephant ear", cast iron exhaust manifolds, about 30#s apiece I'm guessing, along with the weight of the exhaust system hanging on them. I wasn't sure if aluminum heads would support that weight over the long run, or if they would tend to loosen with the heat cycles, and vibration, and damage the threads. From what I have been looking at, a set of newer cast iron heads flow very well too. I'd rather have long term reliability, as compared to short term gain for a bit more power. Thanks for the input, keep it coming...

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I'm sure you won't have an issue with your heavy exhaust manifolds if you're using aluminum heads..... either cast iron or aluminum heads will be fine.

 

[IQ52]

If you are planning on running a max wedge port size and you don't already have max wedge iron heads, you are going to have to run aluminum heads. I have been getting requests for max wedge iron heads and as far as I can tell there are none available. Mopar has been out of them for 4 years now.

 

[Garys1969RR]

Also keep in mind that aluminum heads have steel helicoil inserts in the ex manifold bolt holes. These are plenty strong, and will have no problem supporting the weight of the ex manifold and the front half of the ex pipe. Lots of guys bolt a plate onto the carb mounting flange on an aluminum intake manifold, and lift an entire engine with that plate, as Yatzee pointed out. If you can lift an entire engine with 4 carb mount (1/4") or (5/16) bolts, I think 6-3/8 inch bolts will easily hold up an ex manifold and some ex pipe. Go with aluminum heads. Plenty strong, lightweight, and lots of airflow.

 

[Garys1969RR]

Do you have a max wedge intake yet? Those are next to impossible to find, but there is at least one after market one available, that I have heard of. Maybe others.

 

[EARLY B]

Do you have a max wedge intake yet? Those are next to impossible to find, but there is at least one after market one available, that I have heard of. Maybe others.

If you don't have the intake , you can get a manifold from A&A with the stock size ports and it will fit any of the iron heads or aluminum that are available.

 

[Garys1969RR]

Just saw a max wedge intake on the Orange county C List.

 

[VANDAN]

I do have the Stock port size manifold set up, from A&A, along with the cast iron exhaust manifolds. I was concerned about the weight, and heat transfer through the aluminum heads, as the motor will be stroked to about 500 ci's. I was considering using the MP Stage V iron heads, as I see they flow pretty well also. Any one have a similar set up they tried like this ? Again, THANKS for all the input...

 

[IQ52]

Yeah, Mopar Performance Stage V iron heads, good idea, have you got a pair of those located?

 

[VANDAN]

I do know someone who has some, and will probably end up doing the build. I had originally thought of going with the MW size port set ups, but the majority of use for the car will be street, with some time at the NSS shows, with tracks available. Our local track just started a NSS class, limited to '66 and older, with no updated mods, so that may be a few good summer nights to run.

 

[Ironbuilt]

If you're going to go with aluminum heads for better flow, heat displacement, etc. I would definitely suggest headers or you are kind of defeating the purpose. Best of luck either way.

 

[65hemi]

A buddy built a 512 Max Wedge appearing motor for his 64 Savoy. Uses 440Source parts including the Stealth heads that look stock externally. He has the big cast iron exhaust manifolds and full MW exhaust system. Did not use headers since he wanted the period MW look. No issues to date with the heavy manifolds on the aluminum heads. Major PITA is having to loosen off the manifolds to get the valve covers off. Use of a couple of studs to slide the manifolds for clearance.

 

[VANDAN]

Just an update on the build: Using a new MP block, now machined, and ready for build up. Will be stroked. Have a set of new MP Max Wedge Heads, going with Cast Iron, to keep the heat dissipation more equal, as I will be using Cast Manifolds for the "LOOK". I have to give Rick & his Crew at A&A a big THANKS for working with me to get the right parts in line for the build, as my original planning washed out. Traded up for the Max W Intake & 750 Carbs at Carlisle. Will be loosing some HP & Torque by not using headers, but on with it. Metal work is nearing completion on the car, then a few mods to hone it, and maybe paint by Fall. Pushing for next year at Carlisle...