I am build my first 340 from the ground up. I have a 1972 block and I'm starting with just the block as a blank canvase for the build. I have identify that cylinder heads are the key for good performance. I have turned to FABO for members experiences with Indy, Hughes, Engine Quest, Eledelbrock aluminum cylinder heads. There is no doubt that flow, porting and large(er) valves are the key to performance.
There are more options out there than you can shake a stick at for heads and modifications to increase flow through the heads but there are so many negative post about aftermarket cylinder heads it has made me leery
Engine Quest - One guy posted he purchased new bare heads from Engine Quest heads but he reported in engine builder reported poor valve sealing and improper clearance for the springs out of the box.
Indy - where do I start....so many negative posts ranking from fraud, to no product after payment to no jacks after a flat in the parking lot.
Hughes - nothing specific was posted but several members who state they will not go back and do business with them again
Eledelbrock - one post about black shop grit between the valves and valve seats and desert dust inside his new heads. https://m.summitracing.com/parts/edl-60779?ibanner=MobileSwitchYes
IMM - Indy modified cylinder head. I seen one recommendations and no negative reports. But his indy X iron heads are $1565, more expensive than the fully assembled RPM Eledelbrock heads from Summit. IMMENGINES.COM
I am building the 340 to achieve a very modest 350-375hp, flat tourque cammed engine for my A904, 8 3/4 - 323 geared rear end '67 Barracuda fastback. I am still selecting components for the build but I feel the cylinders head selection is too important to just guess and hope I made the right decision on product and supplier.
I'd love to save money and use one of the 4 sets of 318 small port heads ranging from 920 to 302 castings but I do not feel the $$$s invested to modify them with valves and porting that will come within 80% of the flow the original OE J or X heads provided or the better out of the box performance of the aftermarket offerings.
Please recommend your supplier of choice and their cylinder head offering for a basic or stock high flow cylinder heads. I don't want the cylinder heads to be there component that holds the engine back for future growth. I'm not hung up on 2.02 vs 1.9 intake valves. I have budgeted $1200-$1400 for the cylinder heads, springs and valves. I would love to spend less but I feel you get what you pay for. I have (2) 318 engines and the original 273 that I will be using for parts for the 340. Would any one use the adjustable rocker arm from the 273 or stamped 318 rockers and go LA style aftermarket heads or go new Engine Quest heads and purchase new magnum rockers arms and hollow pushrods. Based on my observations so far there is no clear cost, supplier or product choice that make the deision an easy one.
Can anyone provide any information or experiences that can help me make my buying decision? I'm confused and I needs some advise.
I have Edelbrocks and they work great. I think no matter what heads you get do not assume you can just bolt them on. Take the time to dismantle them and make sure all is well first. Its time and effort well spent.I am build my first 340 from the ground up. I have a 1972 block and I'm starting with just the block as a blank canvase for the build. I have identify that cylinder heads are the key for good performance. I have turned to FABO for members experiences with Indy, Hughes, Engine Quest, Eledelbrock aluminum cylinder heads. There is no doubt that flow, porting and large(er) valves are the key to performance.
There are more options out there than you can shake a stick at for heads and modifications to increase flow through the heads but there are so many negative post about aftermarket cylinder heads it has made me leery
Engine Quest - One guy posted he purchased new bare heads from Engine Quest heads but he reported in engine builder reported poor valve sealing and improper clearance for the springs out of the box.
Indy - where do I start....so many negative posts ranking from fraud, to no product after payment to no jacks after a flat in the parking lot.
Hughes - nothing specific was posted but several members who state they will not go back and do business with them again
Eledelbrock - one post about black shop grit between the valves and valve seats and desert dust inside his new heads. https://m.summitracing.com/parts/edl-60779?ibanner=MobileSwitchYes
IMM - Indy modified cylinder head. I seen one recommendations and no negative reports. But his indy X iron heads are $1565, more expensive than the fully assembled RPM Eledelbrock heads from Summit. IMMENGINES.COM
I am building the 340 to achieve a very modest 350-375hp, flat tourque cammed engine for my A904, 8 3/4 - 323 geared rear end '67 Barracuda fastback. I am still selecting components for the build but I feel the cylinders head selection is too important to just guess and hope I made the right decision on product and supplier.
I'd love to save money and use one of the 4 sets of 318 small port heads ranging from 920 to 302 castings but I do not feel the $$$s invested to modify them with valves and porting that will come within 80% of the flow the original OE J or X heads provided or the better out of the box performance of the aftermarket offerings.
Please recommend your supplier of choice and their cylinder head offering for a basic or stock high flow cylinder heads. I don't want the cylinder heads to be there component that holds the engine back for future growth. I'm not hung up on 2.02 vs 1.9 intake valves. I have budgeted $1200-$1400 for the cylinder heads, springs and valves. I would love to spend less but I feel you get what you pay for. I have (2) 318 engines and the original 273 that I will be using for parts for the 340. Would any one use the adjustable rocker arm from the 273 or stamped 318 rockers and go LA style aftermarket heads or go new Engine Quest heads and purchase new magnum rockers arms and hollow pushrods. Based on my observations so far there is no clear cost, supplier or product choice that make the deision an easy one.
Can anyone provide any information or experiences that can help me make my buying decision? I'm confused and I needs some advise.
