Hi Guys
I will be buying a set of aluminum heads in the near future and am still deciding on which ones. How much of a PIA is it to get headers to fit on a raised port head? Car is a 70 Chevelle, 4 speed, 489" motor. I think AFR's and Dart are all raised port. The only stock location port heads that I am considering are the Brodix ovals. Just want to make sure I buy enough cyl head for however fast I decide to go in the future! These things aint cheap!!

I'm interested to see what you settle on and how it works out for you. I am planning a similar combo for my 66 - a 489 with a TKO 600. The AFR ports aren't raised quite as much as Canfields or GM Bowtie/Edelbrock heads. I believe they are as follows
AFR 0.375"
Canfield 0.600"
GM Bowtie/Edelbrock 0.750"
I could be wrong about the GM's.
I was considering the extra $$$ for the AFR's as a trade off for reduced clearance issues, and I believe that they will be good for whatever power level I settle on. I am waiting for their ovals to be released, but by that time I may change my mind (again) and lean towards the Brodix heads due to the fact that their ports are in the stock location. Depends on how many headaches I have with the car between now and then I guess :D
Sorry I can't add anything to answer your question about fitment though...

I have the Edelbrock heads and they do not have raised ports.

Hey,
Don't forget holley. I have a set of their oval port 274cc runner aluminum heads with 110cc combustion chambers for my 496 project. They have stock port locations also. I got mine from total engine airflow with cnc 116cc chambers for a steal. Guy that runs it had an extra set from when he used to R&D for holley.
Caleb

Not sure how quick your wanting an answer to your question, but in about a week I'll be putting my motor in my '70 Chevelle. I am running the Brodix BB-2 Plus heads. They have a raised exhaust port, I believe it is .600. I'll be using a set of Headman 2" primary tube headers. I can let you know then and show you some pics of the install if you want. Ley me know.

I have Darts that are raised .300 , Hooker super Comps 2in x 3.5 Header fitment was good and no dinging was required although a PIA to install. Ground clearance is good too. Keep in mind, the type motor mounts you are using will also effect header clearance. I'm using Moroso solid mounts.

SMS, I think the Brodix RR-0 Big Block head and the Edelbrock & G.M. Signature Heads are all in the factory location while the Darts & the AFRs are about +.325 High. The latest Brodix Catalog shows +.600 exhausts for all the standard -1,-2,-3 & -4 heads while the G.M. Bowtie Head and Edelbrock Race Head have + .750 raised exh. ports. All these +.325 heads can still accommodate regular headers on standard height blocks. My son has a Dart 9.8" Block and "335 CNC" Dart heads with 2 1/8" Hooker Super Comp. Headers and everything fits, barely. I think i'd recommend the AFR Heads at whatever size you need for the size engine you want. Bigger is always faster and the cost is about the same. Some oil pan issues crop up over 4.25" stroke. The "CNC" heads flow much better than the standard versions and will save extra work and expense later. Buy the good heads and bore any aftermarket block 4.56 or 4.60.

Thanks for the replies fellas. I really like the AFR heads but it takes 2 months to get them.As far as the Brodix RR ovals go, what kind of power are these capable of? This motor may not always be in a 4000 lb street car. Who knows someday i might build a 3200lb Nova and want to turn up the wick with higher compression and a solid roller and go 9's. Would Brodix RR Ovals support this kind of power? I cant afford to buy twice, what I need is a head that can be ported as the need arises to make more power.Maybe I'm asking too much.
Steve

I think the AFR 305 with the "cnc" combustion would be a better all around head because the exhaust flows a lot better than the Brodix RR ovals. You might want to talk to Tony Mamo at AFR as i believe that any of his Big Block heads can be ported out further for more power later.

Thanks for the help Harold. After doing some research, and realizing that I CAN use a head with a .300 raised port, I am leaning toward the Dart Iron Eagles. Seems like a good flowing head and at a reasonable price. Just so you know your advice is valued, I always make a point to check your daily posts to read what you have to say to other guys too!
Steve

Thanks Steve. I'm always glad to lend a hand and sometimes i can keep someone from making a mistake i've already made. The Iron Eagles flow better than the stock heads and should be a little faster but cannot be easily modified like the aluminum heads can. Also i'm told by a local head porter that the "CNC" version of these heads are different castings altogether. If you plan any additional porting the results might not result in big power gains. There is also the extra weight added in the wrong place. I think i read that the Iron Eagles weigh about 70 pounds each.

ugh, I love the canfields but my driver side header hits the steering shaft and the pass side hits the rear A arm bolt. Both hit the A arms. I use 2" coated hooker super comps

Originally posted by kstanbach:
ugh, I love the canfields but my driver side header hits the steering shaft and the pass side hits the rear A arm bolt. Both hit the A arms. I use 2" coated hooker super comps Man, I feel your pain. I had to roll my 2" super comps with a ball bat to get clearance on both sides. Can't argue with the performance of those Canfield heads though! Nevermind they're about 40% cheaper than a comparible AFR!

I have the Canfields also they have a .600 raised port and my headers (hooker comps #2455's) didn't bolt up right to the rest of my exhause, i had to enlong the holes a bit.... the steering shaft is an EZ fix.. just turn it so it has a small space between it and the header, take a small piece of pipe and slide it between then turn the column so it's tight again, then from the outside use a long bar and a sledge and hit the shaft it will dent the header PERFECTLY so the shaft clears, then remove the pipe piece (that piece is like 1/4's of a 1" pipe or so... or anything that will wedge good).. smile.gif i had no other clearance issues except the passenger bank of spark plugs are a bit hard to get in/out expecialy the rear passenger side... broke one the other day

this is in my 70...

This is a little off the subject but, John Krenn, your chevelle is very similar to my son's. Four inch cowl GlassTech hood and different wheels but about the same color combo.

ah, thanks for the tips guys. I run a 71. The headers don't hit too bad for you guys considering running them. I can't wait to get this thing on the track to see what it will do.