Reply to "What heads?"

Dennis,

Before I can make a "good" recommendation, I need to have an idea of what your long term plans are regarding the uses of your Pantera and the power goals for your motor. The budget is also an important factor. Each time we exchange a part, the dollar amount keeps going up.

Another possible solution to your dilemma is to purchase a set of iron heads from an engine builder on the mainland that are ready to bolt on. If your power goal is under 400 bhp, the heads would not require any "serious" porting, which is what drives the price of iron heads up. Then there would be no need for new intake or exhaust manifolds.

With only one exception, any alloy head you select will require you to purchase a new intake manifold, some alloy heads will require new exhaust manifolds as well. The intake manifolds can run from $230 to $600! The exhaust manifolds will run in the neighborhood of $600 as well.

The one alloy cylinder head that does not require new intake or exhaust manifolds is the 4V alloy head from CHI, it will bolt up to your current manifolds as is. The 4V heads are not advertised on CHI's web site, but they are available. They are a very viable option for an owner wishing to retain the 4V intake & exhaust manifolds. They flow better out of the box than an iron head, and are ready to bolt on with all the right parts, you just need to make sure CHI installs valve springs compatible with your new cam before they ship the heads to you.

Outside of of that one recommendation, I would prefer more info before I go blabbing about any other cylinder heads.

Your friend on the DTBB, George