Posted By: 2JcodeChargers
440 source stealth heads - 02/20/13 08:10 PM
If I purchased a set of the 440 source stealth aluminum heads do I need to notch the tops of the cylinders for valve clearance? Engine is a 383.
Thanks
Thanks
440 source stealth heads
Posted By: dogdays
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/20/13 08:27 PM
No.
R.
R.
Posted By: 70runner
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/21/13 03:24 AM
but be sure to mock it up and check pushrod clearance
Posted By: therocks
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/21/13 11:53 AM
That and have them checked before you install them.Ive had mine on for 4 years.No problems so far.Rocky
Posted By: kloyiod
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/21/13 05:32 PM
Just follow the directions that come with them and you will be fine, no need to piss your hard earned $$ away to have them checked. They run fine outta the box!
Posted By: therocks
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/21/13 05:43 PM
As with any performance part its cheap insurance to have them checked.My shop charged me 220 bucks to install new seals as the ones they came with didnt work with my new springs.He provided the seals.Installed the springs new retainers and super locks.Checked all the clearances and height and coil bind.He also backcut the valves as he didnt like them and lapped them in.He even cleaned the ports a bit also.Not bad for under 250 bucks.Rocky
Posted By: CR8CRSHR
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/21/13 05:43 PM
Quote:
Just follow the directions that come with them and you will be fine, no need to piss your hard earned $$ away to have them checked. They run fine outta the box!
Yes they do... 
I clearanced the push rods myself, checked to make sure all was seated properly, springs were symmetrical, keepers and locks were on properly, and bolted them up. They work fantastically right out of the box. As mentioned, save your bucks on having your machinist look at them. That is of course unless you are building a race motor then by all means as the tolerances are much more finite. By the way, here is how a 383 sounds with the 440 Source Heads on my 1966 Plymouth Satellite that I just got up and running...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAs5NqGnUTw
Enjoy....
Posted By: forphorty
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/21/13 05:50 PM
Quote:I assume you are being ironic.
Just follow the directions that come with them and you will be fine, no need to piss your hard earned $$ away to have them checked. They run fine outta the box!
Posted By: drew72
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/21/13 07:26 PM
Quote:
Just follow the directions that come with them and you will be fine, no need to piss your hard earned $$ away to have them checked. They run fine outta the box!
Yeah, that works wonders until you find out that someone forgot to clearance the guides or lube the valves before they out them in the heads. I have these problems (just to name a couple) in many different manufacturers heads. When I was inspecting heads, it was 50 bucks for the inspection if nothing was wrong. THAT is cheap insurance.
Posted By: kloyiod
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/21/13 08:53 PM
I guess your more anal tha others are. Mine have been on for over a year and 2500 miles with no problems. To each there own!! 
Posted By: Dunnuck Racing
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/21/13 09:02 PM
I check every head before I use it. Bolt on out of the box is dangerous no matter who makes it. I have had more than one brand with either bad clearances,missing spring shims,a big chunk of casting flash ready to break off and end up in the oil pan,......the list goes on.
Its not being anal,its called proper engine building.
Just my
Keith
Its not being anal,its called proper engine building.
Just my
Keith
Posted By: CR8CRSHR
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/21/13 10:42 PM
One of the things that always amazes me here on MOPARTS is the complete disregard for the possibility that items one purchases just might be as advertised and does not require that extensive of scrutiny and just might work. Whether or not it is done really is up to the individual. In my case...After exhaustive amounts of research on the 440 Heads, I went with them. And yes basically right out of the box. That is not to say that I did not inspect them myself at all. I happen to know a bit about this hobby and put those skills to use. These Heads come with some specific instructions and if followed will work just fine as a "Bolt and Go". To say that one is better off having them inspected by a mechanic is only as good as said mechanic's ability. I have seen quite a few that are not worth the pot to "P33" in when it comes to being a "Mechanic". So I rely on my acquired mechanical training and skills to do it myself. I can read and follow instructions. I am technically trained and can follow manuals and directives. And I can determine if there is a problem or not. In this case there was only one issue and that was the push rod clearencing that was required per 440 Source instructions. All of the rest of the components were spot on. The bottom line here is all I am saying is that for a "Bolt and Go" application, after following their instructions, along my abilities, I determined that they were OK and proceeded. There is no right way or wrong way to this. I guess in this case too, some things a better left unsaid....
Posted By: GTX MATT
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/21/13 11:46 PM
I would recommend disassembling and checking or having a shop do it if you don't have the tools/know how.
I bought a pair around July. I took them apart to check them out. They came with comp 7 degree locks and retainers. Everything was pretty nice, and I hand lapped all of the valves. They produced a nice pattern with minimal lapping.
One of the valve faces looked like it was machined funny, but there was nothing wrong with it. I'm not sure how to explain it, but it just had a different look in the center of the face, almost like the machinist stopped, and then re-continued. It was nothing physically different, just cosmetic.
Two of the valves were a bit tough to pull out of the guides. The valve stems had decent clearance with the guides. I did not measure valvestem play, as there appeared to be none and my equipment wouldn't be accurate enough to measure .001 or whatever minimal amount there was. That being said they were not too tight, they felt perfect to me. I've run heads with MUCH tighter feeling guides that were fine (with my fingers crossed).
The reason that the two valves were tough to pull out of the guides: Aluminum shavings. A fair amount, not one or two shavings, but a collection that was enough to sort of fill in the recession for the lock on the stem by the time the valve was out
The shavings did not appear to cause any damage to the guides luckily (I sprayed a lot of oil and was cautious when they didn't want to come out).
Also, apparently not all off the shelf head gaskets work with these heads still. I had a pair of the fel pro blues that come in the re-gasket kits (4.41 inch bore) and they overhung into one combustion chamber on each head (I believe it was cylinders 3 and 6 (same chamber on both heads, would orientate as 3 or 6 depending on the bank you installed it on).
The ports looked nice, and looked like they had a little bit of cleanup work done after the fact by hand. Nothing drastic, but a little bit of work to clean them up in a few spots.
This is just an amateur, wanna be engine builders opinion. Have them checked or check them out yourself. Its not hard if you have a valve spring compressor, and summit has tools to check valve spring height for 50-60 bucks .I believe they have bench "C Clamp" style valve spring compressors for about the same price. The compressor is a nice investment to make.
Also, I think it goes without saying, but I had to clearance for 3/8 pushrods. A 5/16 checker pushrod I had was pretty close, but would have been ok.
I haven't CC'd the combustion chambers yet, the heads are still off (I've been building this engine for literally 5 months as money and time allows, and my next summit purchase is going to be a burette for CC combustion chambers. I will report those findings eventually.
I bought a pair around July. I took them apart to check them out. They came with comp 7 degree locks and retainers. Everything was pretty nice, and I hand lapped all of the valves. They produced a nice pattern with minimal lapping.
One of the valve faces looked like it was machined funny, but there was nothing wrong with it. I'm not sure how to explain it, but it just had a different look in the center of the face, almost like the machinist stopped, and then re-continued. It was nothing physically different, just cosmetic.
Two of the valves were a bit tough to pull out of the guides. The valve stems had decent clearance with the guides. I did not measure valvestem play, as there appeared to be none and my equipment wouldn't be accurate enough to measure .001 or whatever minimal amount there was. That being said they were not too tight, they felt perfect to me. I've run heads with MUCH tighter feeling guides that were fine (with my fingers crossed).
The reason that the two valves were tough to pull out of the guides: Aluminum shavings. A fair amount, not one or two shavings, but a collection that was enough to sort of fill in the recession for the lock on the stem by the time the valve was out
The shavings did not appear to cause any damage to the guides luckily (I sprayed a lot of oil and was cautious when they didn't want to come out).
Also, apparently not all off the shelf head gaskets work with these heads still. I had a pair of the fel pro blues that come in the re-gasket kits (4.41 inch bore) and they overhung into one combustion chamber on each head (I believe it was cylinders 3 and 6 (same chamber on both heads, would orientate as 3 or 6 depending on the bank you installed it on).
The ports looked nice, and looked like they had a little bit of cleanup work done after the fact by hand. Nothing drastic, but a little bit of work to clean them up in a few spots.
This is just an amateur, wanna be engine builders opinion. Have them checked or check them out yourself. Its not hard if you have a valve spring compressor, and summit has tools to check valve spring height for 50-60 bucks .I believe they have bench "C Clamp" style valve spring compressors for about the same price. The compressor is a nice investment to make.
Also, I think it goes without saying, but I had to clearance for 3/8 pushrods. A 5/16 checker pushrod I had was pretty close, but would have been ok.
I haven't CC'd the combustion chambers yet, the heads are still off (I've been building this engine for literally 5 months as money and time allows, and my next summit purchase is going to be a burette for CC combustion chambers. I will report those findings eventually.
Posted By: 71TrakPak
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 02:29 AM
If I purchased another set, I would still have them checked. Mine are from the second batch sold (had to wait as initial batch sold out quickly) and I had them checked at the machine shop along with all my engine parts. They found 5 valves with hair thin valve to seat contact area. I would not have believed them had I not seen it myself before I ok'd the 3 angle valve job. I would say that they were coming with marginal single angle valve jobs when I purchased mine early on. I'm glad I had them checked. Now if you add what I paid to have them redone and the cost of them then it puts you real close to a set of Eddy's made in USA......
not a sermon, just a thought.
not a sermon, just a thought.
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 03:55 AM
Quote:
I check every head before I use it. Bolt on out of the box is dangerous no matter who makes it. I have had more than one brand with either bad clearances,missing spring shims,a big chunk of casting flash ready to break off and end up in the oil pan,......the list goes on.
Its not being anal,its called proper engine building.
Just my
Keith
X2 when my machinist tore down my new heads 2 valves needed touch up to be seated.
Posted By: Dunnuck Racing
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 04:38 AM
For what its worth,I have seen more issues with Edelbrock heads than Stealth heads. I will be the first to admit that Im not the biggest engine builder around,and see more Edelbrock heads than any other. So it may be the fact that Ive seen more Edelbrock heads to see the problems.
This is why I said to inspect ANY head before installing. Just good procedure,but some guys throw rings and bearings in an engine and never check clearances. I wouldn't recommend that either but I have seen guys get away with it.
Keith
This is why I said to inspect ANY head before installing. Just good procedure,but some guys throw rings and bearings in an engine and never check clearances. I wouldn't recommend that either but I have seen guys get away with it.
Keith
Posted By: 383man
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 05:19 AM
Quote:
For what its worth,I have seen more issues with Edelbrock heads than Stealth heads. I will be the first to admit that Im not the biggest engine builder around,and see more Edelbrock heads than any other. So it may be the fact that Ive seen more Edelbrock heads to see the problems.
This is why I said to inspect ANY head before installing. Just good procedure,but some guys throw rings and (hearings) in an engine and never check clearances. I wouldn't recommend that either but I have seen guys get away with it.
Keith
I do agree that it is good practice to look over any part you get no matter who's part it is. Heck I even double check my own work and if it is something that sat for a bit after I worked on it I still check it when its time to install it just to be sure I did not miss anything.
But that said I dont understand what you mean when you said...........some guys just throw rings and (Hearings) in an engine and never check anything ??
Sorry just kidding as I could not resist. Its good to know I am not the only one who dont spell right and dont double check it.
Ron
Posted By: Dunnuck Racing
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 05:28 AM
Thanks a lot Ron! I had to go back and change it you big bully.
I meant pickled herring !
Keith
I meant pickled herring !
Keith
Posted By: therocks
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 11:49 AM
There is a big difference between a Mechanic and a machinist.My machinist was a perfectionist.Ive turned wrenches as a pro for over 30 years.I still brought my stuff to him to do.Lots of stuff Id check but with a good shop Its cheap insurance.Yeah a lot of people jus buy and bolt on.Some get away with it some dont.My buddy bought a hi buck set of heads for his Camaro.Didnt check them and in less than 100 miles had lots of problems.Between bent push rods and having to replace guides he had a lot more than having a shop check them.Rocky
Posted By: bobs66440
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 01:08 PM
I visually inspected mine and bolted them on. But I agree, it's best to have them looked over. If I had someone convenient to me that I trusted, I would have had them checked, but I rolled the dice... So far so good after 3000 miles.
Posted By: TooMany62s
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 01:17 PM
This is really pretty simple. According to these posts some of these heads had no problems. Others, like mine had lots of problems.
If some are good and some are bad unless you're a gambler I would have them checked.
If some are good and some are bad unless you're a gambler I would have them checked.
Posted By: ireland383
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 01:56 PM
Had mine on for well over 5,000 hard driven miles with no problems. Brought mine to the machinist and had them checked, all was good. Running 5/16's pushrods so plenty of clearance. Had them off to get milled at about 3,500 miles and they still looked new.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 02:30 PM
Quote:EDDY's are ANGLED spark plugs, 440 Stealth are STRAIGHT spark plugs. That alone is enough of a difference to me to choose the 440 Stealth heads. This is something that no one seems to mention. It can make a HUGE difference in wire clearance with headers or exhaust manifolds. Always check EVERYTHING before you bolt it on. Then take it off, adjust as needed, and CHECK again. Only a fool just bolts it on and hopes and prays.
If I purchased another set, I would still have them checked. Mine are from the second batch sold (had to wait as initial batch sold out quickly) and I had them checked at the machine shop along with all my engine parts. They found 5 valves with hair thin valve to seat contact area. I would not have believed them had I not seen it myself before I ok'd the 3 angle valve job. I would say that they were coming with marginal single angle valve jobs when I purchased mine early on. I'm glad I had them checked. Now if you add what I paid to have them redone and the cost of them then it puts you real close to a set of Eddy's made in USA......
not a sermon, just a thought.
Posted By: therocks
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 07:49 PM
You forgot piston clearance with Eddys also.My domes wouldnt work unless I had them cut for the angle plugs.It happy with the Stealths.Been to 7500 many times and still doing great.Rocky
Posted By: CR8CRSHR
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 09:30 PM
Just as a side note here, the latest MOPAR Muscle has a really good article on this very same topic....
Posted By: dogdays
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 11:15 PM
If the only factor keeping one from an Edelbrock head is the angled plugs, it should be noted that the MP 452 aluminum heads have STRAIGHT PLUGS and are otherwise the same as the Edelbrocks.
R.
R.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/22/13 11:17 PM
The thing is though, edelbrocks and mopar heads don not look stock at all, so if that is a concearn for you, the 440 source head is the ONLY alternative for an aluminum head that looks like a 906,452.........
Posted By: 383man
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/24/13 01:02 AM
Quote:Quote:EDDY's are ANGLED spark plugs, 440 Stealth are STRAIGHT spark plugs. That alone is enough of a difference to me to choose the 440 Stealth heads. This is something that no one seems to mention. It can make a HUGE difference in wire clearance with headers or exhaust manifolds. Always check EVERYTHING before you bolt it on. Then take it off, adjust as needed, and CHECK again. Only a fool just bolts it on and hopes and prays.
If I purchased another set, I would still have them checked. Mine are from the second batch sold (had to wait as initial batch sold out quickly) and I had them checked at the machine shop along with all my engine parts. They found 5 valves with hair thin valve to seat contact area. I would not have believed them had I not seen it myself before I ok'd the 3 angle valve job. I would say that they were coming with marginal single angle valve jobs when I purchased mine early on. I'm glad I had them checked. Now if you add what I paid to have them redone and the cost of them then it puts you real close to a set of Eddy's made in USA......
not a sermon, just a thought.
I do agree that I hear many say the angled plugs give them problems but on my 63 with the EZ heads I use they have the angled plugs also like the Eddy's. But for me it actually gave me more clearance for my plug wires at the headers tubes. They angle the right way to help with the TTI 2" headers. And my son has the RPM heads on the 400 in his Dart with the older CPPA headers and it has more room also with the angled plugs. From what I understand it matters as to what headers you are using.
Ron
Posted By: carter
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/24/13 08:59 AM
I run Eddy RPMīs and Hooker 17/8 #5903.... Spark plug #2 is very close to hit primary tube. Itīs a god cyl head and a god headers that simply dont match. 
Posted By: BeEtLeJuIcE !
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/24/13 09:05 AM
Quote:
I run Eddy RPMīs and Hooker 17/8 #5903.... Spark plug #2 is very close to hit primary tube. Itīs a god cyl head and a god headers that simply dont match.
Give ME a set of those heads and headers !
Yes or no ....angled plug heads make moPOWER ?
Posted By: Dan Halen
Re: 440 source stealth heads - 02/24/13 09:08 AM
Quote:
I do agree that I hear many say the angled plugs give them problems but on my 63 with the EZ heads I use they have the angled plugs also like the Eddy's. But for me it actually gave me more clearance for my plug wires at the headers tubes. They angle the right way to help with the TTI 2" headers. And my son has the RPM heads on the 400 in his Dart with the older CPPA headers and it has more room also with the angled plugs. From what I understand it matters as to what headers you are using.
I found that Heddman Elite headers fit the Edelbrocks, there's not
many out there that look like they'll work with the angle plugs.
If you don't have headers yet, no big deal.