[DeTomaso] Stock 4V Heads vs alloy

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/11/10 11:35:30 AM, lashdeep at yahoo.com writes:

> So, the next obvious question is...which ones?
>   
> 
Depends entirely on what you expect to do with your Pantera. CHI 3V heads 
are decent street heads and CHI also make a less-known 4-V type with large 
ports. This would be good for open track etc with long straights. If you're 
just running around town or doing road trips, the smaller port 3-V heads are 
best. Both these heads fit stock exhausts so you're not forced   into 
changing exhaust systems as well. Edelbrock makes alloy Cleveland heads; I know 
nothing about them and know no one yet running them.
SVO racing   heads from the early '80s are almost unavailable and when one 
does find them, they run around $2000 a pair bare. And many have been 
irredeemably modified for pro racing and just aren't suited for steet use anymore. 
The Yates alloy heads are even worse: as-received and bolted to your 351C, 
they have around 14-1/2:1 combustion chambers and require $1200 Jesel 
shaft-mount rockers. So you'll need new pistons to run on other than $7-a-gallon 
race gas. If you wish, I know of two sets of new-in-box SVO alloy heads.

With all alloy heads you'll need springs, spring cups, different valves, 
keepers and retainers, and SVO heads need a special intake manifold to fit the 
raised intake ports. GTS or 'std' 180 headers won't fit SVOs either and 
while they can be modified to fit, the needed changes are involved. Figure 
another $1200 for the required add-ons.... 

And if all you want is a good set of lightweight alloy street heads, any 
straight-valve 351-W alloy heads will also fit a Cleveland block, with a few 
well-known mods. Good luck- J Deryke