Aftermarket aluminum heads??

So Getting ready to do something with scamp project .
Plans will be a fun weekend strip toy that can be driven to and from the track
Engine will is 318 that's was built copying the 318 cheaper than dirt build that engine masters built ( don't look for it ,it's long been taken down sadly)
It's not cheaper than dirt I can tell you that and there are a few things that they didn't cover I had to discover the hard way .
Anyhowzer, one of those things is the need for stronger rocker arms,
As I found out the spring combo they boasted likes to punch pushrods through the factory stampings that they swore could handle it .
So I'll be plunking down my hard earned for a set of Harland sharps .
But I got to thinking ,
If I'm going to pour some more money into this guy ,why not spring for some decent aluminum heads that will flow better than the 302 castings ,
Perferably a naked head I can transfer all my goodies on to .
The 302s have been carved to fit 2.02 intakes and 1.65 exhaust ( I'm guessing at the exhaust I know it's what ever is most popularly gone with the 2.02s.)
Any recommendations on brands or even a particular head ?

I'm not much of a small block guy so....
If you stay with an LA head a set of 273 ductile rockers may be a less expensive alternative that'll easily handle your springs. Will likely require a different set of pushrods, but so will the Harlan Sharps.

If you switch over to a magnum head it's my understanding small block Chevy rockers fit and work well. And we all know finding a cheap set of aftermarket sbc stuff is not difficult. There are several generations of heads if you go that route. Early sbc rockers require a pushrod guide for alignment, late model rockers align on the valve tip. I don't know which one works on the magnum head.

Talking to Hughes Engines may be beneficial. They should have everything including cylinder head options.

I am starting a 318 magnum build myself. Got it for nothing about the worth of it. So I'm buying heads, crank, rods and roller lifters. I'm still not sure what I'm going to use either. Thinking about EQ heads but Speedmaster has aluminum assembled heads I found on Ebay for $ 1015. I'm considering the aluminum heads just cause aluminum is much easier to port. Scat has some really good stuff and prices. So keep in touch and maybe we can be of help to each other.

Unless you changed the guides and the new valves you installed have 11/32” stems, I don’t think you’re going to find any currently produced aftermarket aluminum head that will facilitate the factory sized 3/8” stem valves.

I’d use the SM aluminum heads for a budget performance option to replace some reworked 302’s.
Just buy them complete and swap out the springs if you have to.

Nice to see guys talking 318ci again lol...

Seen them running TENS in a A-Body so they is OK for RACE!

But I would go 360ci with Edelbrocks or something else cheap ALI head wise?

The bigger heads need a 'bigger bore' methinks to work proper.

Or a 318ci with a steel crank, trick rods, that will take 7000rpm, maybe more?

Mopar Performance used to sell stamped replacement SB rockers that were supposedly thicker than stock. Had that same problem with spearing rockers using factory seasoned parts. Cam was a real mild flat tappet Crane with something like .450ish" lift. Set of those cured the problem, but I'd be damned if I could find the part number. This was 15 years ago.

The 318 is easy to make HP with a reasonable budget. 405 HP with a .030 aluminum piston(someones never finished project), MP 509 cam, 750 Holley on a Holley Street Dominator and a pair of used Eddy heads. I'm building a project 4 Door Dart for the street. I hope its all together this summer before $10.00 gas or mandatory electric cars.

CNC ported 195 CC Speedmaster and or Pro Comp heads
I have a set I bought back in November on their black Friday sell, I didn't get them until late last month
The ones I ordered had the valve springs for hydraulic for roller cams and they showed them not in stock after I order them direct from Speedmaster

If these rockers will work you would save alot of $$.
https://www.manciniracing.com/maraenadroar.html

[quote=Moparteacher]I'm not much of a small block guy so....
If you stay with an LA head a set of 273 ductile rockers may be a less expensive alternative that'll easily handle your springs. Will likely require a different set of pushrods, but so will the Harlan Sharps.



This is what I did years ago, i purchased 273 stock replacement rocker arms (from the local auto parts store) for my 509 cam 340ci.

Worked great.

The engine already has trick flow oil thru push rods ( that the engine masters build totally didn't mention )
I had to have those because the stock push rods we're several thousands too short and o couldn't tell you why maybe because the build called for a 0 deck ?? But they are still ball end .
I'm assuming that's why your saying they won't work?

HS rockers use ball and cup pushrods, not ball and ball.

The PRW stainless rockers use ball/ball pushrods.
However, don’t assume they will end up requiring the same pushrod length as your current rockers.

They might......they might not. Just be aware of it going in.