Jeg's aluminum heads

[smokeyco75]

I am exploring my options for my engine before I start buying parts. I am curious if anyone has any experience with these heads? I don't even have a block yet so my direction is still undecided. Heck I may end up using a crate motor simply for ease of titling. Thoughts?

 

[Hotrod46]

Can't answer about the heads , but as long as you have a "paper trail" with serial numbers(bill of sale, receipt, etc) on the block you use, you shouldn't have any registration problems if you decided to build your own engine. My experience has been that the state is only interested in being able to trace serial numbered items.

Be careful about the heads though. Anything that is imported is suspect. According to the head guy at my local machine shop( and he claims to have worked over a bunch for the local budget racers), you are better off buying bare castings and having them inspected and assembled with good parts rather than using them "out of the box". Quality control on the import (cheap) stuff is nearly nonexistent. It's a crap shoot what you'll get.

Call Jeg's and ask some questions. They may be domestic made, but chances are if they're real cheap, they're probably Chinese.

 

[fordsbyjay]

I would be tempted to just buy a crate motor or one from a junkyard as far as titling goes then change it out later. In La they were a nightmare about where all the parts where made and it was a real hassle. Just buy a Ford crate motor.

 

[smokeyco75]

I am leaning towards a GM crate motor, the 290 horse model. Its a 4 bolt and a good foundation for modifications later. Only real negative is the cast pistons and crappy heads. But it is inexpensive.

 

[Mike]

What kind of RPM are you planning on running with this motor? The cast pistons might be just the ticket, unless you are planning to screw the motor to the moon. And the same could be said for the heads. Remember, big runners and big valves work at big RPM-levels.

 

[smokeyco75]

Just a cruiser. No drag racing. I agree it should work fine. Just used to building big hp motors.

 

[bobs66440]

I'm using a GM Goodwrench 265hp crate 350. Small cam, nothing crazy. The power to weight ratio will be about the same as my '55 Chevy with 550hp. More than adequate and reliable.

 

[choppedtop]

I like the seat of the pants feel of torque, with low rpm. I usually prefer to run a RV cam. Don't sound as cool as some of the more thumpy cams, but get good low end, and super mileage. I am running the same engine as Bob.
Lee