Help me decide part 2

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Valkman

Valkman

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So I've got my block at the machine shop getting bored 30 over, and I'm getting ready to put my 408 all together.

Here’s what I have:

A 65 Barracuda that’s about 3000 lbs (without my fat *** in it)
26” tires
3:55 gears
Stock 904 automatic
2000 stall converter
Un-ported stock 360 heads with 2.02 intake and 1.6 exhaust valves
9.0 to1 compression
Scat 4" cast crank
Eagle Rods
Icon 9977 forge pistons
Stock Iron or Edelbrock RPM dual plane intake
Later model cast iron Magnum exhaust Manifolds
A hydraulic roller cam 224/230 @ .050”, 276/282 adv, .503”/.510” lift (1.5:1 rocker), 110 LSA

My Goal:

A decent idle
Good low end response
Power in the 1800-6000rpm range
Max Torque approaching 500 ft-lbs (board curve)
Max HP 400+

I just bought a single Edelbrock RPM head that I got a pretty good deal on. Originally I was just going to use the cast iron heads I have which are in real good shape (they even have bronze valve guides installed). My question is, should I go ahead and stick with the old heads and will that get me to my goal, or should I buy another Eddy, gaskets and head bolts (total cost ~$1500).

If I use the iron heads and sell the Eddy I know I'll save a boat load of money, but is it going enough?
 
I believe you are going to have a really fast ride either way you go. Your choice. I'm excited to see how it turns out. I know it will blow my 273 away, but hope we can both finish our projects and go for a cruise later this year.
 
I'm looking forward to doing that! Did you try and get out in that mess this weekend?
 
Not really. Had x-ray on my ankle Friday. Trying to find out what is going on. I can barely walk at times. Hope to get it straighten out soon.
I'm excited to see how your car turns out. We are going in different directions but I expect both will turn heads.
 
I'd say that with the stock, unported heads you will not reach your 500 ft-lbs target, more like 450-ish, but I see that you're planning to use the Magnum exhaust manifolds. Might be even less than that.
No way you will hit 6000 rpm with that combo. The Edelbrock heads surely will help to get you closer to your targets, you might even step up the cam one notch.
Others with more experience will sure chime in.
 
I know it's asking a lot and I may not get there, But are the Eddy heads going to improve things with this setup or they just over kill at this point?
 
Well Summit has lowered prices on the small block mopar heads, maybe that will sway your decision? This is a pair obviously...
60779 SB head, $1699.00 in 2016, now $1366.84
60179 SB head, $1771.70 in 2016, now $1382.34
 
Stock Eddys aren't even enough for 408 cubes to breath optimally. They definitely won't be over kill. I'd probably sell the Eddy head and spend some money getting your iron heads opened up a bit!
 
I'd like to disagree with that. Stock heads will need considerable work to get to 250-ish flow-wise, Edelbrocks are already there.
 
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I think you would benefit considerable if you went with more of a stall.Contact Paul at turbo action and tell him your combo and see what he says if you decide to look into it.
 
I'm still looking at an extra $1500 when adding Felpro 1008 gaskets and head bolts. I also kind of like the idea have an understated stock look with cast iron heads and adding stock valve covers:). Aluminum heads can't really do that even if you paint them. I know I'm asking a lot but it never hurts to ask right:rolleyes:
 
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I could go with more stall and in turn more cam, but I'm trying keep the low end response and drivablity. I have a wild cam and high stalll convertor in the car now and I hate it.
 
You're right. Leave the heads, have them bowl ported and valve-jobbed, keep the stock look!
Make it a nice sleeper. But you will have to adjust your target numbers. :D
 
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