Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

This posting is to allow some rational and logical discussion on the use of, and the market availability of aluminum aftermarket cylinder heads for the Super Stock class. I would also like to ask to please refrain the personal attacks and non-sense arguments in the discussion.

On this subject, I do not have a vested interest either. I have been asked by several race engine builders and cylinder head shops to assist them in getting an aftermarket aluminum cylinder head approved by NHRA for Super Stock class use only!

As we all are aware, NHRA has approved several makes of both cast iron and aluminum for use in the classes. However, with the acquisition of aftermarket and racing product companies by conglomerates, they have changed the business model from hard-core racing to bringing out products for late-model vehicles only. Edelbrock was for some time, the main supplier of cylinder heads and intake manifolds for the class. Another example is the Edelbrock SBC Victor “E” intake manifold which has been discontinued also.

However, after being acquired by a group of investors, the bean counters changed the business model, with emphasis on the Chevy LS/LT, Ford Coyote, and Mopar Hemi platforms. I confirmed this at last year’s PRI Show in a conversation with Edelbrock’s Program Manager Director for the cylinder head product line. Nevertheless, every time someone calls the NHRA Glendora office, they hear the same story…Edelbrock will have cylinder heads available next month and has been stating the same narrative since last year. The truth is that my job requires me to travel to Olive Branch, Mississippi twice a month and my employer owns a distribution center a few miles away from Edelbrock. Each and every time I stop to ask about their status, they do not have an idea because it is not in their schedule. When I confronted Glendora on the subject, they did not have an answer.

Last year I submitted several aluminum cylinder head options from various manufacturers that could have easily met the requirements for a Super Stock cylinder head and all were rejected for one reason or another. The rationalizing for the rejection from a technical standpoint did not make sense either. Their narrative did not even concur with what they believed they had approved. As an example, they claimed the Edelbrock SBC-approved cylinder head casting has a 170cc intake volume when in reality, it is 180cc. Moreover, the Performer RPM casting that the cylinder head casting is based on, the intake to exhaust valve centerline spacing is wider and does not match the OEM spacing. The reason for the wider spacing is for allowing bigger valves. As a matter of fact, when you order custom pistons for your Super Stock SBC, make sure to let them know you are using the Edelbrock cylinder heads so they can machine the valve notches to the proper location.

My last effort was to submit the SBC Profiler 176-X-CORE, Porter's cylinder head casting for approval. Technically, this would have been an ideal cylinder head casting for Chevy Small Block racers due to the fact the ports are small, allowing the development of an intake or exhaust port that would not require welding and/or epoxy. Also, no pushrod holes and the valve seat and throat are small enough that would not require welding for the installation of small seats for smaller valves. The cylinder head also has the OEM intake to exhaust valve centerline spacing. The elimination of extensive welding of the cylinder head, having the welded casting treated, and not worrying about distortion, is also a money saver. The casting price is also way lower than the Edelbrock, available and made in the USA.

After much effort, including submitting technical data and a sample of the cylinder head, NHRA also rejected the Profiler cylinder head. They also said that SRAC also rejected the cylinder head, which I would like to know in this open forum if they did or not, and their reasoning.

For those that may say that this would have been only good for the Chevy racers if this cylinder head casting would have been approved, Profiler would have been eager to have castings also available for other engine makes also. Having a “Porter’s” casting is cost-effective for a manufacturer since they do not need to install seats, guides, or drill pushrod holes.

This said, the parts availability issue is worrisome and will get worse.
Either NHRA wants racers to build late-model cars or electric cars, or the class to disappear.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Bubski is like OMG!! This is SUPER STOCK !! NOT BRACKET 2 !! There's plenty of heads out there !! Bubski probably got almost any Chevy and FFFord head and is in touch with many people that have almost every head from every manufacturer !! Nice !! no pushrod holes !! Super thick ,raw chambers !! Do whatever you want ?? with the entire head while the true SS RACER and BUILDER has to deal with what they came with !! THATS WHY IT'S CALLED SS !! Bubski believes this NONSENSE is outta control and the WHINING has to stop !! TOO BAD castings aren't cheap anymore !! Northing is !! A new Super Profiler SBC casting has to cost 5 xxx's as much as a core you can get on Craigslist !! All this watering down of the Classes and Rules to suit some individual agenda is total BS !! GO ENJOY A BUD LITE !! CHEERS !!

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

I went through this. Dave Layer and I researched several heads to a replacement of the famous water leakers of the 083 SBC. They are still impossible to find as the 87-92 IROC and Formula engines they came on are not normally separated from the short block at the junkers/rebuilders. It's too valuable a combo for Rodders and Street Enthusiast. The moral of the story back then was if you owned a 350 cu in 87-92 Camaro/Firebird Iroc or Formula and wanted to run Superstock (and not GT) go buy another car. No heads were available, and if you're lucky to find a set,,,,their junk. So we looked at some GM aftermarket castings.... Dart, World's, even Brodex. The 170cc Dart Super Stock castings was a replacement head made for replacing a head on a street driven L-98. so we went with them.Dave was sending letters to Bruce and I had everybody I know writing letters asking/pleading for this head.Bruce was showing some interest so I drove a new 170 cc Dart 070 casting example (stock,non machined) over to Indianapolis for him to evaluate. BTW, Aluminum was out of the question. Just too many folks pushing back on that. We ending up getting approval and I believe like you it was to be a Superstock only option. Dave had a couple other customers in line to get them so I did not get in on the first batch. He made four sets and almost instantly 3 of them leaked. Heck they were as bad as the 083's.I remember the day when Dave had to call Bruce and tell him the results. Bruce was kind of "having enough of it" and ask Dave "Just exactly what are you suggesting". so the process started again . The second set, the 180cc Dart 010 Iron Eagle head that everybody uses in the cast iron version of the L-98 was the second attempt. The first set is still in the guide, but no one use these things in SS. Just too thin. Now we can't get the 010 Darts either! Good Luck, Our ace in the hole and very knowledgeable Bruce retired many moons ago.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Of course, I knew you would be the first one to respond with idiotic statements as usual!

1. None of the NHRA approved aftermarket castings are available. If they are, post where they can be purchased.
   Difficult to find good OEM cores anymore and when you find them, they are worth as much as an aftermarket core.
2. The proposed Profiler cylinder head has a finished chamber, not an unfinished chamber.
3. Opening and moving the pushrod holes is a standard machine operation for Super Stock cylinder heads.

As always, you are clueless and just posting to stir the pot with no facts. Just go to your basement to your keyboard jockey role!

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Hi Jeff,
The proposed Profiler casting also allows for both center or perimeter valve covers if NHRA wants the visuals.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Bubski says as per your post !! 1 Too bad u can't buy aftermarket heads from Jegs and build a SS engine !! 2 OMG !! it has a "finished " chamber !! 3 !! Opening up and moving pushrod holes is not the same as starting with a head that doesn't have them already !! Ask any Mopar or Chevy PORTER that has to work around the core shift between right and left intake ports !! ALL these heads you propose as unavailable are all over the internet !! Much cheaper than a new casting !! BUT you want "cheaper" What Bubski is saying is that you want an advantage !! PLEZZE HAVE ANOTHER BUD LIGHT !!

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

So let me get this straight... All the work you have to do to the OEM casting, brazing, seats, guides, epoxy, is cheaper than a core that doesn't require that? Not only that it's not IF, but WHEN they crack...

And to be honest, the Edelbrock requires the same amount of labor. They need LOTS of work.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Back off the pipe or you are clueless like all your prior postings.
If you can find a set of Edelbrock P/N 60887 or 60637 cylinder heads, post the links or where to get them. I know of a well-known engine builder that has 30 Edelbrock castings on order for over a year.
Not wasting any more of my time responding to your dumb and idiotic comments.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Bubski says !! OMG talk about clueless !!! So what if an obscure aftermarket head for a SBC isn't available !! Try a factory one like everybody else !! Oh no they leak , they're thin ,they don't flow good etc etc !! Sometimes you gotta look at the combo you wish to build and determine if its a viable choice !! not just the HORSE POWER WELFARE that comes with it !! Not all heads can be heated to 1000 degrees and ground on mercilessly and remain usable !! just like not all blocks can go .080 over and maintain a ring seal !! Its all about determining if that combo is viable !! How about all the Motorcraft , WCFB ,and 4 Jet guys get a 4150 Holley carb cause those carbs aint good enough today ?? This is all about YOUR LIBERAL AGENDA to further take SS into bracket 2 and make it easier on yourself !! Everyone wants a clean sheet of paper head to CNC machine because the factory heads are tough with all the inconsistencies they are plagued with !! And nobody wants to hand grind anymore !! Too Bad !! You wanna do SS heads that's just the way it is !! While your at it go after Stocker intakes !! Im sure the nice people in China have you covered !! cause you can't find a real one !! But they have a hi-rise air gap manifold for everything out there !! What this all boils down to is an agenda to make things easier for a few and much harder for most !! Bubski's thinking !! Of course the minority will win !! That's just the way it is nowadays !! Bubski is growing tired of this IDIOTIC thread and gotta get back to the 85b to chop off some intake flanges to make CC !! SS needs more enhancements and welfare like America needs more invaders crossing our borders !! Go have a Bud Lite !! CHEERS !!

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Man, I remember when it was straight up mansville to use your real name, along with a good argument...

Please be more like the great engine builders of class racer, like Westcott and a few others that don't use hidden names.
I have no idea who the 2 main posters here are?

SSdiv6 is unknown after what... 40 years?

Bubski is likely a Ford guy of sorts, from what I can tell?

You both make fun points at times, but really, man up and use your name, when asking for rules changes, so we can see your personal agenda.

As for heads, race modified if you want fresh meat heads.
Pretty sure its near billet over there?

Many thanks to Jeff N. for spilling his guts, on what that leaky combo he ran was like, but you said it best, they leak.

I haven't entered a race in 20 years now, and its stay and puke cash, or get a hobby that doesn't need revised every week!

ex SSdiv5
Don

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

SSDiv6 is known to many on this board. He's a very good, decent man who's been involved in class racing for long time. He's also smart and accomplished, so I'm sure he has a good reason for concealing his name.

As for the other guy? Nobody seems to know him.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

It’s no secret that Div6 is Joe Elias.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Thank you Steve!

When I first created my profile, I was working in aerospace classified programs and my employer and the government strongly suggested that if we used social media, to refrain from the use of our real names.

As Mr. Derby City stated, my name is Joe Elias and when my job allows it, you can find me hanging out at the races with racers and friends.
Eventually, looking forward to finishing my new car and having fun with my racing family.

As regards this subject, those that know me, I am always looking to help others in many areas, especially technical. Believe me, the guy at Glendora does not like me, especially when it comes to tech stuff. Therefore, I can expect the day that I eventually I show up with my new car at a national event, to be torn down.
Now, let's get back to the subject and ignore the bubski clown...

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Well thanks for the note Joe, you make intelligent and well written posts, so I respect that.
It does sound like you have a combo that would favor this head?
What combo are you building?

So what combo would this head be legal for? It looks like a decent head for modified stock SS/AS ?
I remember it was a novel idea, to watch STK SS cars, with original power plants, (OEM parts mostly) and see how fast someone could make them go. That was entertaining, and sometimes still is. I was never in favor of aftermarket castings.

176-X-C23-03
Pro-Filer Performance Products Small Block Chevy All American Race Series CNC-Ported Cylinder Heads 1575$ each at summit
Cylinder Head, Small Block Chevy All American Race Series CNC Ported, Aluminum, Bare, 68cc Chamber, 235cc Intake, Angle Plug, Chevrolet, 5.7L,

What would the unported price come in at?

A few years ago, several guys wanted a Brodix headed spec class.
I belong to the Modified Fb page, and admire that old class, but really you can still build that type of car with better parts today.
Why not admit you really want to run modified?

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Let's pretend there are Edelbrock heads on the ground and everyone has them...

I spent lots of time with Edelbrock trying to get them to change a few things on the casting. There is ZERO reason that casting needs a 2.200 seat ring. It simply doesn't make a good head. Even with the 2.02 it leaves a .100 step at the seat/chamber transition! The throat is WAY too big. It's OK for a 2.02 valve, but marginal with a 1.94 and not even close for the 305 guys. The exhaust is decent but needs welded to be great, So at the end of the day the registers, the throats, the exhaust need welded up even before you start adding epoxy. Have $3000 in heads before you even look at port design.

Told Edelbrock all this.. They agreed to put a smaller OD seat ring in the next batch. THANKS! But it has to come out to fix the throats..

Now OEM.. I have a pallet of cracked heads here. Guys will simply not spend the money on OEM if aftermarket is legal. The last OEM I sent out to be brazed cost $1100 for the exhaust and then all the machine work to fix everything.

So this leads to the casting submitted.. $749 retail.. NO welding required. NO epoxy required. Makes a much nicer offering. That was the reasoning for choosing this casting. It's NOT an advantage to anyone. Guys are spending the money to get what's legal, ready to even use.

Like it or hate it, aftermarket heads are legal. Just trying for another option to maybe get more involved. Make a better offering. You do this when everything you tell a maker falls of deaf ears.

We weren't trying to reengineer the wheel here. We were just trying to legalize a casting that is cast with all the work being done to the Edelbrock. That's simply all..

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Don, that part number is the ProFiler house CNC offering. It's 235cc.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Hi Don,

The cylinder is not for my use. I was asked by several engine builders and cylinder head shops to help them find an aluminum casting as a substitute for the "not available" NHRA SBC-approved cylinder head.
I am actually a Ford guy and my new car is a Ford!

Anyone expecting new NHRA-approved cylinder heads from Edelbrock, is just wasting their time. I submitted many brands of 23-degree SBC heads to NHRA and they were rejected for one reason or another, with no sound basis for the rejection, including a cylinder head from TFS with an as-cast runner of 175cc. Let's be clear, this is for Super Stock class racing, not Stock class. You are allowed welding, epoxy, CNC machining and more.

The cylinder head I proposed to NHRA is a 23-degree cylinder head, available both for center and perimeter bolt valve covers. Profiler does not show the cylinder head in their catalog, however, it is available over the phone. The intake and exhaust ports are small, allowing them to be ported for many of the SBC engine variations with small ports and small valves. The chamber is already finished. This casting would be cost-effective for the racers since you can develop a port that will not require welding and/or epoxy. The casting is made in the USA from aerospace-grade aluminum and is thick everywhere; no more worries of leaking spring pads or cracks. Besides, in the event of a failure, it can be repaired.

The Profiler castings are currently available also. Lots of them as a matter of fact.

I have attached pictures of the cylinder head that was submitted and the brochure with the specifications of the cylinder head.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

This is the actual head. Description is wrong, price a little higher. But it's available mail order.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Chad, nice website and looks like a great race shop.

https://speierracingheads.com/index.html

I look forward to seeing you out racing.
Will the Cavalier be active this year?
I don't think I have seen that car.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Yes! Finally. I've had the car over a year, it came from Louisiana. It had 10 passes on it and was a Modified car so I had to do a lot to it for GT. Last year I waited all year for a TH200. I purchased an LT1 combo from Wudorsyck that already had my heads/manifold. I reworked it, dyno'd it, had it in the car and decided to build a complete new engine. I'm waiting on a few parts. My plan is the Denver double.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

235 cc. No go in Nhra
Good idea but your picking a good flowing head
So as an engine builder you want good quality and an easier way out totally understand
Try picking something closer to an original stock casting yoh may satan a chance
If this line of cylinder head Chevy only?
If so that’s Nhra thinking probably

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

No one is considering that head. It was posted as a price point vs the casting submitted.

ProFiler would do anything we ask for any engine brand.

They already have a really nice inline Ford that could be used as well.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

If you want an after market head why not run a modified class or one of the three classes that start with super but don’t end with STOCK, ie street gas comp. Want a different engine try GT. Need a rule Change how about a different class or sanctioning body. I understand your one rule change will not kill the class but your one change and nine other guys one rule change will. If Bubski would stop using third person and writing cryptically he actually has the ability to see the forest for the trees. Maybe some effort to see what he is trying to convey before calling him and idiot would be good. If I had my way I would still be fighting a clutch assisted 3 speed. Maybe I was wrong to choose a class based on rules and not potential rule changes.

Mike Parmenter
SS/P 6278

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Your missing the entire point. A few aftermarket heads are legal. We were looking for an alternative to reinventing the legal head for use. And the availability to even get them.

Nothing more.. The class has already accepted aftermarket heads, not hurting anything with another option.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

You are correct Chad. I am missing the entire point. I wanted a class to try and go fast using as many stock parts as possible, at the time 55 chevys were not legal for stock and mine was tubbed so I chose super stock. Any recommendations on a class with the same intent as stock and super stock of yesteryear?

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

I honestly have no idea. You might check into the SEGA Series (Southeast Gassers Association). I do many heads for those guys. They have a tunnel ram rule and any aluminum cylinder. Although the rule states must be painted.

As far as the SS head issue. It's way past the point of no return with accepted aftermarket parts.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Lol! I would love to build a car for SEGA but the SE stands for south east and I’m in the north west. You are correct about the too late to turn back part. I wish you were wrong, but you are not.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

So if I’m reading your post correct, Edelbrock heads have been approved for what 10 years now? They are as bogus as they come and need a ton of work to make “Legal” but the only reason they are approved is because they paid NHRA a ton of money to spread their name in class racing. But no issues there…now guys who actually do the dirty work, guys like Chad who are a dying breed, want something approved that makes their job a little easier, and the part are probably nicer and better suited for super stock over 50 plus year old cast iron crap that leaks from new, they are the bad guy and get pissed on here because you, or Bubski, or others would never or could never spend that kind of money on updating their combo, so let’s just bash this whole post because the times in stock and super stock have changed? Yes they have, they have kept up with the times, guys this isn’t the 70s and 80s anymore. Prove to me that you have not upgraded your daily driver, your home, etc because screw change! I’ll wait……

Tim Stickles

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

This approach seems to make sense to me at first blush.That being said,I have a question that's been bothering me for a while.

The guide lists Edlebrock # 60917 as a replacement for big block Mopars in Stock. The thing I don't understand is how can this head be used as it comes with a 2.14 in. and a 1.81 ex machined in this head? No bb Mopar came with these valve sizes.

A 426 Street wedge has a 2.08 in. and a 1.60 ex, and yet this head is listed in the guide as a replacement. How the #$%$ can you go that far backwards in the bowl without welding and grinding? I'm not a professional head porter, but I can imagine the new seat that would be required to accommodate the much smaller valves would have a huge shelf in the now way too big bowl. And, as Chad as mentioned, these heads don't appear to be available anyway. If Profiler could deliver usable castings that have the right chamber and port shapes and they pour the right volumes why wouldn't they be a good idea?

Replacement aluminum heads are ALL READY LEGAL people, that horse is out of the barn and ain't coming back. Allowing these heads in would simply provide a head that's available and possibly bring more new builds in to the mix.

Just my humble opinion, your mileage may vary.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Tim, you put a lot of words in my mouth that I did not speak. I have nothing but respect for the people who do cylinder heads and the work they put in. I have zero issue with Chad or anyone else. The op asked for a discussion and I thought it was a good one to have so I thought I would contribute with my personal preferences. No intention of grandeur, just my 2 cents. As for my house, it needs and gets upgraded from time to time. My daily driver is a 1974 bronco updated all the way to 1993 speed density fuel injection and I spent most of today working on my 16 year old sons 1972 Buick skylark daily driver. I guess I’m behind the times for a person in their forties. Hope you can stop waiting and move on now!

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Funny thing about the "upgraded" cylinder heads, is that like many other things that get "upgraded", such "upgrades" became allowed because so many people were outright cheating , and I guess NHRA threw their hands up in the air, and now the cheating was now made acceptable. I am a little to young to remember when Stocker cams had to meet the OE lift, duration, and valve spring pressures, but I certainly remember when NHRA allowed porting, welding, and epoxying heads for Super Stock, because so many cheaters were running ILLEGALLY ported and welded heads, and then trying to cover up their cheating. So, NHRA gave in, and now the cheaters, were suddenly the innovators! So yes, the "upgrades" allowed the SS cars to go faster, and no longer had to cover up their cheating. Then came all the approved aftermarket heads, intake manifolds, carbs, etc, all under the guise that it was "too hard" to find factory heads. Find it strange that the big and SB Chevy racers, and 390 Ford, and some MoPar racers that run common combinations, that all were produced by the millions, can`t find any OE heads, but the handful of heads produced for stuff like Max Wedge MoPars, that have all been used for racing for 60 years, can still be found. There are a lot of combinations in the NHRA rulebook, that are not "blessed" with accepted, aftermarket heads, intakes and carbs, kinda makes for a tilted playing field, no? Seems kinda strange to look under the hood of a "Stocker", with lightweight aftermarket seats, wheelie bars, and a 4 gallon fuel cell,and see a Quick Time or Edelbrock carb, sitting on an non factory intake manifold, bolted to Edelbrock aluminum heads, makes you look at the window to see if you are looking at a "Stocker, Super Stocker, or PRO bracket car.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

There isn't a soul, including myself, that would disagree with you! But, here we are..

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

From what I understand Edelbrock isn't casting "Replacement Heads" any longer... have been on back order for more than a year?
Only interested in late model LS/Coyote stuff?
And I understand they cast the castings for GM also, which have been unobtainium lately also.
Correct me if I wrong... (I hope I am...)

Scanning evil bay, seems castings for the mid late 60s stuff is also going for astronomical prices, and some (most) of what I've seen is junk!
Same goes for carburetors and intakes...
So...

Same for swap meets locally, most stuff is used up or ground up, even the common stuff, let alone anything rare...
Missed out on some decent square port heads and aluminum intake at a decent price, by the time I got to the back 40, someone else had already put money down on them...

Oh well, I guess you got to get up early, and move fast!...

Any way that's just my observations.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Same issue with the aftermarket replacement heads for SB Fords, they come with too large of valves so all of the seats have to be removed, the ports need to be welded up and new smaller seats installed before you can proceed with trying to make a viable and legal head, the initial cost of the aftermarket castings is by far the cheapest part of the project. Also, there is a HP adjustment if you choose to run them.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

Jim,
This is one of the many reasons why I proposed the Profiler Porter's version of the cylinder head to NHRA.
During my discussions with them, they said that if NHRA was to approve the SBC cylinder head, they would make their Ford small block cylinder head available as a Porter's cylinder head casting also.

Profiler is owned by Ex-Pro Stock racer Ray Franks. The main company is called High Tech Castings (HTC). Been in business since 1972 doing aerospace castings for just about every aircraft/aerospace company. Later in the late 1990's he started Profiler, using aerospace casting technology to make high-quality cylinder heads. He started Profiler-Performance Products in order to market the cylinder heads and intakes. The companies are family owned, operated, and housed in the same facility. They design the products, machine the tooling, make the molds, pour the metal, heat treat, machine, market, and sell the products. Nothing is imported; made in the USA. The best part of Profiler is that they are racer friendly.

As you stated, it is difficult to find good quality castings. When you find them, expect to pay a premium. I have seen good Chevy 041X castings as high as $1200.00 for a pair! Moreover, there are not a lot of guys that will weld and port cast iron heads anymore. Also, recyclers and junkyards are disappearing due to increased values or properties and EPA. Much of the expended cast iron, aluminum, and steel gets purchased and shipped to China also.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

I knew Ray pretty well when he was racing. I'd add to the praise for who he is as a man and a racer.

He developed a small portable clutch disk surfacing machine that did a great job. It soon became a standard tool in every racer's trailer. I never heard a single team complain about his product or the support he offered. He's a smart guy, breaking new ground for decades. If he says he'll do the heads and intakes, take it to the bank.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

I don't know that Edelbrock has completely stopped casting the "replacement heads". I would think that they have reduced their foundry operations substantially, and they make what they need most, and then select something lower on the list when they need to fill in some time gaps. You'll see them cast short runs of parts that they know there's enough pent up demand for that they can sell 95% of what they produce in less than 90 days. So, if you see something that you want or need, or think that you will in the foreseeable future, you better buy it.It could be a long time before you see it again.



Unfortunately, Edelbrock has joined the ever growing number of companies absorbed by the massive private equity hold corporations. This has hit the automotive performance industry extremely hard, and does not look to be slowing down. The companies that you depend on for parts, and the companies that they depend on for materials, in ever increasing numbers, have been purchased by people who care ONLY about the 30 day short term bottom line. Hence, so long as they can maintain their profit targets by producing only A and B movers, you're not going to get too many parts, and you're going to pay dearly for them.


As far as aftermarket parts go, that genie is out of the bottle, we're never getting it back into the bottle, the best we can do is control it and improve it where possible. I'm another person who doesn't care for all of the aftermarket parts, Hell, I wish they'd never allowed smaller journals, or porting and polishing. All it did was allow more cheating, and escalate the cost. But they did. It's a waste of time, especially in a discussion like this one, to cry over the spilled milk. And NHRA can't put the genie back in the bottle, either. They tried recently, they got sued for doing it. Don't expect them to try too hard in the future.


The best that you can do is try to get the most usable and most affordable parts accepted. And try to keep some of the ludicrous crap out.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

I received this email from Edelbrock, April 19, 2023

Richard Lyon,

In stock alert! We wanted you to know that these products are now available:
NHRA Small-Block Chevy Cylinder Head Bare

The Edelbrock #60887 Performer RPM Bare NHRA Stock/Super Stock cylinder heads are designed for 1955-86 Small-Block Chevy applications. These cylinder heads deliver great throttle response and power from 1500 to 6500 rpm.

Price: $722.95

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Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

I received a similar email a while back, regarding the big block rectangular port heads.


If anyone should need either of those part numbers, if you think you might need some in the future, I strongly suggest you purchase them now. You may not see them cast again for an extended period of time. We've waited at least a year for several part numbers. It took nearly 18 months to get what used to be a relatively common big block Chevy intake manifold for a Super Stock engine.



Remember, the Edelbrock foundry is in California. I'm quite sure that California would prefer that it was not. California could make it a lot more difficult, and expensive, to operate that foundry, at the drop of a hat. Understand that it is extremely difficult to get permitting, etc., to build and operate a foundry anywhere in the U.S. at this point. And those currently in control intend to make it more difficult. They certainly have no desire to see you continue to enjoy your hobby/sport.

Re: Approval of Super Stock Class Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
 

I spoke with folks from Edelbrock several times They have no plans to run any NHRA approved cylinder heads. Their focus is the new platforms.

One guy did say if you purchased 50 sets it may be taken into consideration.