BBC Iron Head discussion.....

[Wade_Owens]

I am currently trying to help a friend. He runs in a extremely open venue where cubic inch and iron heads are the limitations. Must be less than 500" and iron heads only. Gasoline for fuel, too. My question is, I'm hearing the factory 990's are VERY good and can be opened up larger than almost anything else available, and with flow numbers into the 400's. But, they are prone to cracking. Of course, guys are using the Merlins and Gen VI stuff too. Relocating valves accepted also. Anything goes inside the engine. If you're trying to go to the top of the class, what would be your weapons of choice? And, are the Edelbrock manifolds generally superior to the Sniper?

You guys have always been great about helping out novices like myself. Thanks in advance. I do appreciate the help and guidance.

Wade O

[Carnut1]

I would take a look at EQ 320 or 360 rectangular ports. Iron and a nice shape stock 320's flow 360-270 cfm, 360's flow 370-270cfm. Depending on your cubes and rpm I think one of these will get it done. Thanks, Charlie

[rapidride2]

I find this thread interesting and hope to here other experts/professionals views.

For whatever deranged reason like the stealth of cast iron at times ...

Seems to me I remember hearing good things about the Grumpy Merlins as well back in the day.

[user-9274568]

I've done many sets of 088's and they flow in the 380cfm range.

I would spending the money on them unless it's class required. Like what was said, a good EQ 320 with some love, will move the same air. I have 4 sets in stock.

I have guys knocking on 1100hp with 500" engines with 360+ ports.

[Newold1]

I think that for the dollars to be spent and the sometimes problems of finding good older GM head cores and then the costs of reworking them in specialty shops, that I totally agree with Carnut- buy the EQ heads bare and do some decent work and eliminate the core issue and easily reach some great flow numbers! Its sort of a "NO BRAINER" JMO

[Abbottracingheads]

The EQ320 head is the one to start with, then lots of work. They will smoke any of the other iron heads. I've done lots of them. They were the RHS- Pro Topline heads, but EQ bought the iron head line from Comp.

[BILL-C]

The DART 345's are very good also.

[pdq67]

From several years back, what about the cheap cast-iron 360 cc heads?

They any good here after being cleaned up, ported and such?

pdq67

[Newold1]

Spend some time studying and analyzing Stan Weiss's Cylinder Head compilations on the BBC heads and it will help you make a lot of good comparisons between most all the factory and aftermarket heads with and without special mods. Thisis a good reference and place to start!

www.users.interport.net/s/r/srweiss/tab ... _Big_Block

[Wade_Owens]

Thanks everyone for the info. All comments appreciated!