Aluminum or Cast Iron-Which is Better

[357windsor]

I'm debating on what type of heads to get for my motor. I know aluminum is lighter and they dissapate heat better. The heads will be going on a 13.5:1 357w in a 82 Mustang w/ a c4 and 4,000 stall cinverter. I'll be running 3:73 or 4:10 for rear gears and a 28x9 or 28x10 slick. Any help will be appreciated!

[BigWheelinBubba]

You can run a higher CR with aluminum heads, but iron retains heat int he combustion chamber. There are pro's and con's to both, its just a matter of price and personal preference.

Myself, i'd spend the $ on a better iron head. You'll get more bang for the buck.

[Strtracer]

All things being equal, a iron head will make more power, because of the heat retention factor.
That being said, aluminum can be repaired far easier than cast iron, should damage occur, and more designs are available in aluminum than iron because of the ease of the modern casting process. Aluminum is also far easier to port(softer), therefore less costly.
The advantage of less weight is a big deal too. On my Olds motor, I shaved over 120#'s off the front end by going with aluminum heads and intake. Thats a decrease in ET right there, without considering the HP increase. I you are switching from iron to aluminum, consider a thinner head gasket, or a smaller combustion chamber, to raise you comp. ratio 1/2 to 1 point, or a max of 11 to 1 for pump gas. This will make up for the power loss from the heat disapation of the aluminum.

[Crazzy_Al]

Originally Posted by Strtracer

All things being equal, a iron head will make more power, because of the heat retention factor.
That being said, aluminum can be repaired far easier than cast iron, should damage occur, and more designs are available in aluminum than iron because of the ease of the modern casting process. Aluminum is also far easier to port(softer), therefore less costly.
The advantage of less weight is a big deal too. On my Olds motor, I shaved over 120#'s off the front end by going with aluminum heads and intake. Thats a decrease in ET right there, without considering the HP increase. I you are switching from iron to aluminum, consider a thinner head gasket, or a smaller combustion chamber, to raise you comp. ratio 1/2 to 1 point, or a max of 11 to 1 for pump gas. This will make up for the power loss from the heat disapation of the aluminum.

You know too much about this shit!

[Strtracer]

Any way you want to look at it, knowledge is power.

[357windsor]

Came across a killer deal on windsor seniors ported for $600 complete ready to go. Now I just gotta raise the cash!! I think I'll go w/ the irons(can't beat the price)!! Thanks for the info guys. Maybe the car WILL be out late this year(it's a big maybe)!

[Swifster]

There's a reason why they don't make aluminum frying pans...

[Crazzy_Al]

Originally Posted by Swifster

There's a reason why they don't make aluminum frying pans...

Actually, they do make aluminum frying pans...lots of them.

[357windsor]

Originally Posted by Strtracer

Any way you want to look at it, knowledge is power.

Yeah I'd rather do it right the first time(or in this case the 3d or 4th)!!

[Strtracer]

Originally Posted by 357windsor

Came across a killer deal on windsor seniors ported for $600 complete ready to go. Now I just gotta raise the cash!! I think I'll go w/ the irons(can't beat the price)!! Thanks for the info guys. Maybe the car WILL be out late this year(it's a big maybe)!

Price always ends up being a major factor, seems like youve found a great deal, I'd go that direction for that price too. Seniors are good heads to start with.

[357windsor]

Yeah gonna go with these once I raise some $$$!!

[unwritten]

basically cast iron is stronger, aluminum is lighter....

[357windsor]

Just gotta sell some parts and I'm in business!!!