aluminum head swap

Posted By: MikeyT

aluminum head swap - 06/17/09 09:32 PM

Ok folks

I'm getting ready to swap over my well used 346 heads to a set of 440 source heads.

Here is the engine
440 engine with edlebrock ch4b intake. 770 street avenger carb. Hedman 1 3/4 headers

What are the best gaskets to use when changing over to the aluminum heads?

Can I also use my stock rocker assembly or must I get adjustable ones?

I'm really excited about this change!
Mike

Posted By: RobX4406

Re: aluminum head swap - 06/17/09 09:45 PM

The rockers you are currently running should be fine if running the same cam.

Make sure the fire ring on your head gasket doesn't overhang the combustion chamber. Don't know if you saw the earlier threads about that issue with some of the commonly used HG's. Don't know if 440source has fixed that or not. If you are using the 440source HG's you should be good to go. Check to make sure.

Posted By: MikeyT

Re: aluminum head swap - 06/18/09 03:46 AM

thanks Rob!

Mike

Posted By: rtstreet

Re: aluminum head swap - 06/18/09 04:48 AM

Make sure the fire ring on your head gasket doesn't overhang the combustion chamber. Don't know if you saw the earlier threads about that issue with some of the commonly used HG's. Don't know if 440source has fixed that or not. If you are using the 440source HG's you should be good to go. Check to make sure.

Posted By: therocks

Re: aluminum head swap - 06/18/09 03:02 PM

I used FelPros marines on my heads.Mine were the first sets.Id have the valves checked because the valve job is OK but not great.Mine needed lapped.What cam are you running>My .588 we upgraded the spreings retainers and locks.Went to 10 degree pieces.With a smaller cam and auto they would have been good to go.Never trust an out of the box part.Mine have been on over a year and no problems.Rocky

Posted By: Bob_Coomer

Re: aluminum head swap - 06/18/09 04:08 PM

Some guys will reccomend high dollar Coemtics, and race gaskets.
I reccomend the cheap FelPro PT gaskets that you can get through Mancini or Jegs/Summit for $35-$40 a pair. They have a bore of 4.520 and hold up just fine.
Matter of fact I have used these gaskets on 493 cubic inch Indy head engine with 12:1 compression and Alky. I even reuse them at least once before I toss them.
If everything is nice and flat, Big block Mopars have a great cylinder head sealing design.

Here they are and $17 each. Now worries with overhang with these babies.
http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/felbrbenper.html

Posted By: JohnRR

Re: aluminum head swap - 06/18/09 08:32 PM

Quote:

Can I also use my stock rocker assembly or must I get adjustable ones?

I'm ASSuMEing that you mean stamped steel rockers when you say STOCK ? If so check and make sure the rockers clear the spring retainers thru the FULL RANGE OF MOTION , one person posted somewhere about an issue they had (droped a valve ??) because they didn't check .

Posted By: MikeyT

Re: aluminum head swap - 06/18/09 10:24 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Can I also use my stock rocker assembly or must I get adjustable ones?

I'm ASSuMEing that you mean stamped steel rockers when you say STOCK ? If so check and make sure the rockers clear the spring retainers thru the FULL RANGE OF MOTION , one person posted somewhere about an issue they had (droped a valve ??) because they didn't check .

Thanks everyone! john I did mean the stamped steel rockers. Thanks for that I'm planning on having the heads looked at before they go on the car.

Mike

Posted By: RodStRace

Re: aluminum head swap - 06/18/09 10:39 PM

Check the heads, but also make sure that:

They don't bottom out on the dowels. Drop them on without gaskets to make sure.

Run your intake and exhaust bolts and any exterior bolts (Alt. P/S) into the holes before you install.

You have the right head bolts and washers along with the gaskets.

You have the right spark plugs.

After putting on the rockers, roll over the motor and watch the valvetrain. Make sure the pushrods clear the head, and check the rocker to valve tip pattern.

Some of this should not bite you, but these are some of the things others have asked about after installing out of the box....

I hope that John or someone else would provide a better checklist, but there are so many little things that a knowing eye can see that such a list could be pages long. This would apply to even stock heads, BTW.