Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Caughlin
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.
|
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.