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aluminum heads
- Thread starter mad_mike
- Start date
A
Anonymous
Guest
The only true "bolt-on" head would be the Fast burn GM heads, such as on the ZZ383. They offer some decent improvements stock, plus a very good weight savings, but really wake up with some mild work. Of course you can go with E Tech Edelbrocks, but some components would have to be changed.
Felber
Felber
Airboatcapt2
Well-known member
Just Curious, why would you want to make changes on the Ram Jet 350? Its such a great motor as is.
A
Anonymous
Guest
The 1957 Chevy Fuel injected 283 was a benchmark for cracking 1hp/per CID and an excellent engine as it was. Good thing we made some changes. LOL
Felber
Felber
if you want it stronger just stroke it LOL
A
Anonymous
Guest
Unfortunately, then you run the risk of the GM computer really getting confused. So that's why I pretty much think the Fast Burn head would be the best all-around answer.
Felber
Felber
Airboatcapt2
Well-known member
The steel heads will hold up to heat better than aluminum and my opinion is that the engine is pretty fool proof. I would not suggest tinkering with that engine.
If it was a stock 330 350 Carb, I would say there is a ton of options but I wouldn't mess with the ram jet.
I do get your point felber, and I am glad people have made changes to improve engines but sometimes you do have to leave well enough alone.
If it was a stock 330 350 Carb, I would say there is a ton of options but I wouldn't mess with the ram jet.
I do get your point felber, and I am glad people have made changes to improve engines but sometimes you do have to leave well enough alone.
A
Anonymous
Guest
Actually in my experience with current aluminum heads, they take heat as well or better than iron. The increased heat of combustion actually is absorbed much better and becomes easier on the bottom end. (Less prone to detonation) Detonation is usually the core of the "heat" problem. The irons distort less, but crack more. I have stacks of both castings from upgrades I've done, both damaged from overheating. The damage on the aluminums are from burning between two cylinders, and easily repaired, and the Vortecs are cracked, and completely unusable. Both cases are caused by negligence/poor application, not the material at hand. (which BTW in my opinion is a draw, if not in favor of the aluminum)
Don't get me wrong..The Vortec is a head I've been using since it was a "secret" in the mid-90s, and makes excellent power. It actually outflows the Gen I and II Bowties on the intake side. But it's heavy, much more prone to detonation than the fast burn, and has an exhaust port that for lack of a better term..sucks.
I have no dog in this fight...I do not sell crate engines (including the RamJet) and I also think the Fast Burn is a relatively weak head from my end of the spectrum. But in my honest opinion would be an excellent choice in this application. This is one of the rare times that I see little to no resistance in the upgrade, and it would be a worthwhile one. Take it as you will.
Felber
Don't get me wrong..The Vortec is a head I've been using since it was a "secret" in the mid-90s, and makes excellent power. It actually outflows the Gen I and II Bowties on the intake side. But it's heavy, much more prone to detonation than the fast burn, and has an exhaust port that for lack of a better term..sucks.
I have no dog in this fight...I do not sell crate engines (including the RamJet) and I also think the Fast Burn is a relatively weak head from my end of the spectrum. But in my honest opinion would be an excellent choice in this application. This is one of the rare times that I see little to no resistance in the upgrade, and it would be a worthwhile one. Take it as you will.
Felber
Waterthunder
Well-known member
I have learned the hard way one of the best ways to keep a car motor airboat reliable is by using aluminum heads. However the stock G.M. castings suck and are too thin and this is where the false stigma comes from. I have NEVER had a single problem with aftermarket aluminum heads on an airboat accept for the ZZ4 stock GM heads which I have seen 5 or so sets have problems. An aluminum head can handle and dissipate heat much more efficiently then an iron head thus preventing combustion chamber temps that cause detonation. Cylinder temps raise more rapidly in an airboat then about any other application thus an iron head will go into detonation much faster even before the water temp has a chance to rise.
