How much of a PITA are raised exhuast ports? I am really interested in a set of Brodix heads, but the raised exhaust ports have me kinda concerned. I have a nice set of coated hooker super comp headers that I was really hoping on reusing. They fit in the car fine with the stock heads. They will be going in a 71 chevelle drag car. I was just wondering if anybody was using heads like this, and how the headers were fitting.

I have raised exhaust ports with my Merlin heads. My heddman headers fit just fine. My problem is in the 3" head pipes I use. They hit the transmission crossmember! I had to heat them and crimp them down, so that the motor could "shake" and not make a rattling sound. I should also add that I have a pretty messed up frame. The car was wrecked some years ago, and I think the front crossmember is kind of tweaked and the motor may sit a bit higher that stock.

My biggest qualm is the "D" shaped exhaust ports on the heads, and the "O" exhaust ports on the primary tubes.

You will also need the extra head bolts that go with those heads. My heads even deleted some of the intake bolts.

I have Brodix BB1 heads on my 468 and Jet coated Hookers on it. The only problem I have is that number 3 plug wire likes to get burnt often due to header clearance near the plug.

The D shape on the head and the "O" shape of the pipe shouldn't be of concern, just as long as the mismatch as at the bottom. This creates an anti-reversion step to keep some exhaust from going travelling back into the cylinder, increasing power. You may already know that.

Originally posted by GN_Geoff:
I have Brodix BB1 heads on my 468 and Jet coated Hookers on it. The only problem I have is that number 3 plug wire likes to get burnt often due to header clearance near the plug. =
Have you tried the insulating boots that Taylor among others sell?
I use them on the dyno all the time on some headers where the wire hits the header & they seem to work very well even laying right against the pipe.

======
Mark,
If you email me I can probably save you a few dollars on the Brodix heads ;)

Mike, what are your opinions on the BB-2 plus heads? Are they overkill on a 10.5 to 1 big block with a solid lifter Lunati cam. I noticed on their website, Brodix recommends 12 to 1 and a roller cam...

Originally posted by THE DUDE:
Mike, what are your opinions on the BB-2 plus heads? Are they overkill on a 10.5 to 1 big block with a solid lifter Lunati cam. I noticed on their website, Brodix recommends 12 to 1 and a roller cam... =
It depends :D
In most cases the plus is going to be on the large size & I feel there are better heads for a 10.5 flat tappet cam rat.
I hope this doesn't turn your post into an oval rect my dogs bigger than your dog deal :D

I have no problem with rect port heads & have used them on some pretty nice street engines but they were 500" give or take solid roller cam deals.
On a 454 with a 6500 or so cam I would recommend less head or a very effecient head like the 305 AFR with the CNC chamber.
For Brodix depending on what it is you are planning, I would probably go with the RaceRite head again with the CNC chamber which is a really nice oval port.