Iv never been a fan lf putting aftermarket aluminum heads on an iron block, unless its from factory that way. Its just asking for trouble. I have a hard time justifying buying a different intake.

 

Aluminum heads can be an issue on a truck unless they are race heads.

 

A lot of guys use Eddy heads with no problem, after they are checked. I have heard that a lot of Eddy heads aren't right "out of the box". Get them checked at you machine shop .

There is a new Aluminum head on the block, that has been discussed on another forum. The AirWolf 220. I think they are only available for the LA engine and not the Magnums yet. They move some good air, 312cfm @ 0.600" lift. I'll be considering a pair for my 403 when they are available for the Magnum engines.

 

Since you already ordered crank, rods and pistons you have somewhat limited your options for heads. You need do to the math to figure out what size head you need to get the cr you want.

I contemplated putting aluminum heads on my 'cuda - for weight reasons mainly - and since engine mass is not a huge issue on a truck I'd stick with iron heads. Perhaps J heads or 308 with some work on the intake side?

Since your stroker will have plenty of torque by design a single plane intake will get you the hp on top.

 

IM going to sound stupid, but what are j heads, and would a single plane intake be the stock one? IM not new to engine work, but I am new to this kind of top end stuff. IM more of a piston, exhaust and carb guy. I don't know anything about intakes, heads and cams, except that aluminum and iron don't usually mix. Thanks for your help so far guys.

 

What are you going to use this truck for? Daily driver, towing, drag racing? You need to figure out what your piston specs are to determine what size combustion chamber you need to look for in relation to your static compression ratio. This is also necessary to your cam selection as you need to take into account what your dynamic compression ratio is going to be.

For torque and a heavy vehicle you don't want a single plane. Even Edelbrock recommends a dual plane for heavy vehicles.

Engines have been built with iron blocks and aluminum heads and or iron heads and aluminum intakes for decades with no issues. Also, I have built and know many others that have built trucks with aluminum heads with no issues

 

Well, it's going to be a daily driver for the most part, but I want it to be powerful. mileage isn't an issue, and I will be towing with it. I will play in the mud too. Right now it can leave a good 40 foot black mark and shift through all three gears when I stomp on it and I have larger then stock tires, I just would like more power behind that itchy right foot.

 

Well a 408 built with the correct parts will get the job done.

What pistons did you order? Do you have the part number?

 

I totally agree with what you said here

Mike basicaly a single plane intake is designed to work better at high rpms like 4500 and up, and a dual plane is going to work better in the lower rpm range

When looking at cams I would suggest looking at cams that work best in the rpm range your going to spend your time in crane makes a few, you could always call them and ask for thier opinions on what to use to get what you want

Aftermarket heads (steel or aluminum) will generally flow better than stock heads thats why I originally asked if you intended to use some, but there's lots of different options and it can get tricky to know which will work best.

you could also ask the place where you got the bottom end parts from to give you some good ideas, with the right parts you should have no problem meeting your goals!

 

My static compression is 9.0:1. If i do get some aluminum heads, without much work to the heads after purchase, what will be the best bang for my buck? The pistons already have valbe relief cut into them.