I see that the MP aluminim (Gen II) Hemi heads (P5153779) are generally listed for $100-$200 less than the iron versions (P4529898). Doesn't make sense to me. Does anyone know why?
Why would anyone opt for the iron versions? Are the Al heads OK for street use?
Sorry if this has been discussed previously...

Or for the same money go directly to Stage V heads and get a much better quality casting and original appearance.
Aluminum is great for the street.

Sheldon

The new hemi iron heads are incredibly heavy , wish I hadn't dumped a ton of money into them having them fixed and just gone to stage V's

This is a question for ZIPPY.

My guess is the aluminum versions are produced by Edelbrock, which has its own aluminum foundry and probably has the casting process pretty much down after 75 or so years.
The iron versions are produced by a foundry that doesn't spend all its time making cylinder heads and intake manifolds and the setup cost and the reject rates are probably both high. Look at all the trouble MP has had over the years producing a usable RB/Hemi block.

So Zippy, how close did I get?

R.

I've been told by Jeff at MCH that the bare, iron P4529898 head comes without the pushrod holes and the intake bolt holes unmachined. That works great for the SS guys. I wonder if anyone has ordered the heads for a street car and then found a partially machined head?

After shipping a couple of iron Hemi heads out for machining and porting, I'd hate to have to pull a set of heads in a car. I had back surgery in April and have no desire for a repeat performance. Aluminum heads look attractive to me.

I've pulled a few iron heads in the car and it's awkward but can be done. Of course you have to make sure to do it cleanly so you don't damage decks or anything else.

Sheldon