Edelbrock Big Block Mopar Heads: Part 2, Compared to 915 Castings

[@BrandonLeeBrown]

In stock condition, the 915 heads were said to flow within three percent of the 1964 426 Max Wedge heads. The 915 heads and all 440 cylinder blocks (including 1966) used newer casting technology, compared to the 516 heads.The 915 heads became the service replacement for closed chamber heads in the 1970's and could be bought new for $100 in the mid 70's. Some service manuals and parts books state that during the 1967 model year, the 516 head production ended and some late 1967 383 engines were produced with 915 heads. The 1963 300J heads have, "improved" intake ports and 1.74" exhaust valves. The dual 4 barrel optioned 1964 300K engines got the 1963 300J heads, along with a solid lifter cam and heavier connecting rods. Those rods later became the 440 six barrel rods. Most 63 300J engines have standard 413 rods, but the Six pack type rods may have showed up in late 63 300J engines too. The 64 single 4 barrel 300K engines got 516 heads, standard rods and a hydraulic cam.

[@iamnoone.]

I'm glad we're getting a head on this subject. The port in a strom

[@JustMoparJoe]

Well done sir👍🏼

[@dirtlump]

Hello, I'm a retired Mopar Competition Engine Builder. We used to port the 915's extensively 'back in the day'.... but the 70's are long gone and just for comparison, we could get the 915's to 290+ cfm @ .600" on the Intake side when even today on our SF750 Bench.... we rarely see an OOTB Eddy's go higher than 265 cfm @ .600". Eddy's claimed '291" @ .600 is just that.... YES.... with far LESS work than we used to apply to the 915's, we can much more easily get the Eddy's up around the 290-300 cfm mark, but just say'in.... the 915's did work ! Forget the Exhaust side.... the Eddy's are superior on the Exh full stop, but with higher Combustion 'pressures' from getting more "in" in the Intake side you can push more out the Exhaust side anyway ? I mean just look at Ferd's ?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Bob! If you saw my quick excerpt in the video, I pulled a page from a Dulcich article that mentioned their work on Vizard’s bench. They got impressive numbers from the 915’s and others at the end. I enjoy learning how to improve my porting. Will definitely use these 915’s someday!

[@superkillr]

That is just sad. Most SBF and SBC aftermarket heads will do 280-300 with not alot of effort. FOR A SMALL BLOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!! How in the world does a 260cfm head make any sense for a performance big block Mopar. It's craziness.

[@HowardJrFord]

Steve Dulcich flow tested a set of stock edelbrock heads , and they matched edelbrock's claims .

[@dirtlump]

@@HowardJrFord I'd sure like to know the equipment dulcich used ? Can you post a link maybe ? Because neither myself(SF750) or most other Shops I know have gotten anywhere close to the published 291 cfm @ .600" Lift of the Performer rpm's/E-Streets OOTB for BB Mopar ? More like 270-275'ish @ .600 " at best and consistently lower through the entire lift curve ?

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great video! Thanks for showing us what these heads are like! I've always wanted to build a big block with the weight of a stock small block.

[@JustMoparJoe]

That’s my goal! Got an aluminum water pump housing as well.

[@musclecarmitch908]

@@JustMoparJoe 👍

[@gregtough9055]

Great video! I bought my first pair of Eddies almost 20 years ago, they worked well. It's always good to point out that port size does not equal velocity, thank you for doing so

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate it Greg. I am definitely not an expert on head porting. I hope to be good at it someday z

[@cjbert6790]

Is bigger always better? In my experience with big block mopars I have to say YES!!

[@cjbert6790]

The best heads for the money in my experience are still the trick flow 240’s. I have Indy cnc 325 max wedge port heads on my low deck 512. They of course are budget breakers but they feed stroker motors the air they need to make power.

[@tomhowe1510]

Joe I been racing the same 69 barracuda for 35yrs. 340 w2 thru stage 6 295 cnc maxwedges 440s. Port design is key compared to size. I put my stage 6 on my 440 and lost all torque. Too big. I'm a bracket racer so why not use the torque not the hp. I ran 10:00s with a 440 6000 shifts. nothing fancy. I'm switching to a plain edelbrock rpm head this winter.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Please let me know how it goes! I am going for a similar idea with my barracuda. I hope to make some great improvements over the winter. These heads are going on a street engine in my dart sport. It should be a fun car with a 400.

[@robertmagni7201]

I bet there’s a huge weight difference I get a hernia just thinking how much the iron heads weigh ! Thanks for the video pretty big difference in the port sizes

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Brother. I had to do this from an Amateurs perspective for sure

[@wheels-n-tires1846]

Agree...time well spent comparing them!!! Kind of suprising that the ports are actually smaller... But like you said, volume vs velocity is relevant, and depending on the intended rpm range, and intake used, bigger isnt always better!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Amen. These are their advertised to 5,500 rpm heads. They’re getting the work!

[@duanedahl8856]

IMO the 452 iron heads have a superior intake port VS 906 and 915...but a little work on the Eddy, and the velocity will be alot higher...Eddy definitely left a little work to be done.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Duane. I hope to take these the next level!

[@MoparMan-ff8fb]

Maybe some day I might save up for a set of aluminum heads for my 360 build some time after I have ran the engine for a while . Good video . Thanks again joe for working with me on the aluminum intake ect. once I get the intake I plan on polishing it to help dress up the slant6 . will look good sitting in the 65 dart of mine and hopefully get back to driving it

[@JustMoparJoe]

Get it out on the road! That aluminum intake might give it a cooler air charge as well! More powa!

[@jonmoore8995]

It would be great if there was a similar comparison of the Stealth Aluminum heads.

[@JustMoparJoe]

If I ever get a set, I will do just that!

[@DuddiesAdventure]

Great Comparison Joe, I've always wondered (Since I don't build Hot Rods) If the main benefit of aluminum heads was just weight or if you could just get iron heads to flow just as well. Good Video Joe!

[@JustMoparJoe]

I’ve heard people say that a good set of aluminum heads could be 100 hp difference! Thanks Duddie

[@DUSTER7071]

Up to 100 hp with the B-1 or stage V , and the trick flows are sorta close. Along with Bruce Toth. Nice video. Shows why if I ever decide on aluminum, no edelbrock for me ! Lol

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@DUSTER7071 thanks! Toth is a good guy. He talked to me about his heads and goals behind them while porting.

[@rong4189]

Great video Joe. Have you seen the Engine Masters with the BBM head comparison? Pretty interesting. The Edelbrock’s were up about 30+ hp over the ‘stock’ 906’s. The thing is, when Freiburger asked Dulcich if he ported the 906’s, Dulcich said no, but he looked guilty as hell! It was hilarious! I think he admitted to something like they had a really good valve job or something but as we know, a “really good valve job” can help quite a bit lol! Anyway, interested to see what you do with these!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Ron! I’ve been studying up. Also Ed is going to help me with machining. They’ll be legit!

[@rong4189]

@@JustMoparJoe 👍

[@michaelclanton1152]

The pushrod pinch is a limiting factor on air flow as far as sq in area.

[@JustMoparJoe]

From my measurements, I don’t believe it to be the narrowest points in the runners. They would definitely be limiting if everything else is opened

[@terrymeyer9895]

Great baseline comparo! The numbers you provide are very informative. Its pretty amazing to me how well designed the 915's were " back in the day". Aftermarket heads have had a long time to improve and outperform cast factory stuff. I will be curious as you move forward to see how volumetric efficiency and flow can, and I am sure will be greater with the Eddys. Thanks again Joe on a great video.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother!

[@edsmachine93]

Hello Joe. I like the 915 heads. But, By the time you purchase them. Do all the work to make them compatible with today's gas, hard seats in the exhaust new stainless valves and bronze guides. You have a considerable investment. And you still have cast heads. With aluminum heads new seats, bronze guides, "manganese" a real plus for guide material. Stainless valves, all new hardware retainers locks and springs. Kind of a head start. Also light weight and heads that have quench. I know your 915's have quench. Other BB Heads 906, 346 and 452's do not have. While they have great potential for power and reliability. So for Mopar purist that is a stock block customer build what you have, nothing wrong with that. But don't think because you buy aluminum heads that your job is over, it may be just beginning! There are many things that people may think they know, while others may know exactly what problems and challenges are out there. So one needs to ask he or she what's my needs, what do I want and what can I afford? Great content and topic Joe. Thank you, EM.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Ed! Do you want me to pull them apart and port some before I bring them over? I meant to ask that before.

[@johnelliott7375]

I used to get Edelbrock now what you showed me I am not so sure anymore.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John. Like all new heads, they’ve got to be checked and checked.

[@maximuswedgie5149]

Great video Joe, I was wondering the weight difference, apologies if you said it I am working while I’m watching and listening to your videos LOL.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Sorry buddy. I didn’t weigh these. I compared the Indy heads to the915’s before. Have a video up for that.

[@1563smb]

It would be cool if you could build two identical motors one with Edelbrock heads one with the 915s and dynam as you improve the heads to see which one outperforms, I've always been told that you can work cast iron heads to flow better and handle more power than aluminum heads. In the main advantage of aluminum heads was weight and heat dissipation.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I think the new edelbrock design is a superior one. I forgot to mention they angle the plugs as well.

[@jaymoe5.7]

What are your thoughts on trick flow heads? I've heard from multiple people they outperform the eddys.

[@JustMoparJoe]

They are absolutely better. They are about 1,000-1,200 more than these.

[@jeffrykopis5468]

Do the Edelbrock Victor heads still exist? I guess they were available with 275cc Max Wedge style ports, 2.19 intake valves, etc. But I haven't seen em in my Summit or Competition Products catalogs for a long time. I wonder how those compare to the Trick Flow 270s.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I think they still do. Hopefully they are higher quality than the estreets. More and more videos are coming out about the poor quality of Edelbrock’s new heads.

[@jeffrykopis5468]

@@JustMoparJoe Yes, I've seen that in several reviews. Disappointing, considering what they cost now, and the reputation they once had. Vic Jr. wouldn't stand for this if he was still around.

[@HowardJrFord]

Steve Dulcich flow tested a set of edelbrock heads a few years back , and they matched edelbrock's claims .

[@JustMoparJoe]

That’s good news! Would love to meet Steve someday. I have KZbin friends that say he’s awesome to learn from and be around.

[@LunarOutlawsGarage]

Great video man I am Think about upgrading the heads on the motorhome 440 before it goes in the satellite so this was helpful

[@JustMoparJoe]

These are a cheap date. 440 source heads are a similar situation. I didn’t have the funds for the trick flows or Indy’s.

[@garryhatchett775]

The outer dimensions of the edelbrock heads seem awkward to me . 440 source heads look more finished.

[@JustMoparJoe]

They are kind of underdone. Like a few more seconds on each port would have made them much better

[@IronHorseGarage]

Very interesting....

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother

[@cjbert6790]

In my opinion the main problem with big block mopar heads was that the engine was introduced for cars with a lowered hood line in 1958. This caused the intake port to be designed with a big whoopdi doo in the intake port that kills flow. A compromise that hurt performance drastically!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Did they help combat that with the extra long cross rams?

[@JeffLeblanc-xb7qe]

Is ther heads improving from the first ones you used were ther were chipping all apart I guess these are the same heads

[@JustMoparJoe]

Same heads. Got mine back in covid times.

[@cavedave1922]

Hey Joe, I have a 65 Plymouth satellite that had a 361 big block with 915 heads I put a 440 in the car with 906 heads that’s been professionally ported but has been on and off so many race cars that the header bolts are so wallowed out you can’t seal them. I have the original 516 heads with bigger valves and I did a Mopar performance template Port job. Should I swap these heads out? I can’t afford new aluminum heads

[@cavedave1922]

Correction I think it’s 516 Close chambered heads

[@JustMoparJoe]

It would definitely net you more compression. If you’re confident in the porting, then you can definitely swap them. The 906’s and 516’s don’t have hardened exhaust seats. Many guys will recommend that you have them replaced. I’ve never had an issue. But it sounds like a nice upgrade. Especially if yours are wallowed out.

[@cavedave1922]

@@JustMoparJoeI used Mopar performance plastic port templates and followed them to a T and then match ported the intake and exhaust. Took them to a machine shop buddy and cut in new bigger valves and harden seats. Thanks

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@cavedave1922 no question! I’d bolt em on and fly!

[@rowdyreviews6530]

Nice job as always my friend!! If the heads are laid down side by side with the combustion chambers down and you was to measure to the top and bottom of the ports is there much difference in the height? I guess I am asking if Edelbrock moved the intake ports up and exhaust ports up to help the airflows direction and take away from the sharp turn at the valves?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Excellent question! I might actually measure with each on a block. Thanks for the idea. Next video with these, they are either getting cut or at the machine shop.

[@rowdyreviews6530]

@@JustMoparJoe your the expert my friend and the video you made is what sparked the idea in my brain lol. Did my question make some sense. I believe you could move the ports up if you correct the angle afterwards so that the intakes will still bolt on. Also on exhaust side so that it's not coming out and making that sharp turn trying to exit and then into the headers where it has another sharp turn. You know how our junky small block Chrysler exhaust side runners are raised (best thing since sliced bread in my opinion just no trade secrets Incase some Chevy/Ford fans might be reading lmao!!) Chrysler had some great things in both big block and small block stuff I wish they would have combined them and the LS swap everything would have been called the LA swapped everything!!!! Ya know what I mean JustABadFastFishMoparJoe???

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@rowdyreviews6530 that’s a helluva nickname! I’m picking up what you’re putting down. Gotta work tomorrow on making that fish faster! These heads are for a nice street car, dart sport .

[@rowdyreviews6530]

@@JustMoparJoe cool beans buddy, I just emailed you a T-shirt design sketch up I been messing around with check it out see what you think lol. I liked the nickname myself lol, I thought it pretty good lol!

[@Mynextproject_74]

Great comparison! Did you weigh them before tearing them apart?

[@JustMoparJoe]

I didn’t. I do have a weight comparison here with a much better set of heads. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHfUpa2Bop50b7M

[@egork519]

What are the "C" ports for? Or moon ports

[@JustMoparJoe]

That’s for Hot air to warm the intake, to help with start up. Inside that is the old egr port. I always try to block them off. The C port doesn’t really matter

[@tomcarpenter700]

It's all in your head,,,,,

[@JustMoparJoe]

Heads up!

[@BadTreeProductions]

All them numbers made my head hurt 😆

[@JustMoparJoe]

It’s good to get the word out! “Duddie”

[@BadTreeProductions]

@@JustMoparJoe if she doesn't find you handsome then at least find ya handy 😉 "Red Green"

[@the4flatgarage]

Your car reminds me of the Sox and Martin cars back in the day, one of my favorites. I also always loved the '70 white Challenger of, " Vanishing Point," the movie. Not the one with Viggo Mortensen. That movie actually sucks. It's the original. The one starring Barry Nueman. Both cars had Hemi's in them, but the 440 is legendary, too. Waiting for the next episode. Enjoy.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. I have some video coming up for barracuda plans, then work. It’s only a 408. The aluminums are going on a high revving roller motor for my dart sport. It’ll be a “street” car 😉

[@bbivens8263]

Actually, there were 3 cars used in Vanishing Point. two 440 magnums and one 383 car. No Hemi`s. The cars were so trashed after the movie Chrysler supposedly just had them crushed.

[@jesusavila7955]

Good Job dude but... In order to calculate the real area of a section of the runner you need to add the area of the corners and subtract it from the calculation of the area that you have written down. So... Height * Width less total area of corners (H*W) - Total area of corners 👍🏼👍🏼 Sorry for my English hhaahaha... Cheers from Venezuela

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. Can you believe I took college algebra 3 times? 😅

[@jesusavila7955]

@@JustMoparJoe no matter dude, the important thing is that we learn. I recommend you in this case look for a racing math book where you can read and learn more about the subject of the "area" in addition to this read about "valve curtain area", that is, the area you need under the valve for the Runner is efficient.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I hope to take David Vizard’s class someday. I am a kinesthetic learner, but won’t stop searching.

[@johntperko]

i have a brand new set of mopar performance heads p5153524 which looks to be a knock off of the eddys heads you have,is this true

[@JustMoparJoe]

I’m not sure if that. I haven’t seen your heads. Designs may be very similar. These also have an angled plug.

[@lautburns4829]

Very interesting. 👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. I will sow what these heads can do once it’s all over!

[@don66hotrod94]

I gotta admit, I'm a bit disappointed in those Edelbrock heads. Seem about the same quality as 440 Source. Functional, but just barely.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I was looking for least expensive and quality. I know it was a tall order. Chips included! 😂

[@toverturf9097]

With a set of 1.81/2.18 valves in either 452 or 915 heads and simple mopar performance pocket porting Ive made between 550 and 650hp. After all the garbage Edelbrock heads I have personally seen I would not recommend any of there heads. The little 240 TF head can make good power I know of a 48x” 383 that makes over 780 hp on the same dyno my junk runs on. You talk about time to make the 915s run like the Edelbrocks how much does it cost to get your Edelbrock junk to run like Trick Flow? I’ve seen E heads crack ten inches below the exhaust ports from one end of the head to the other. I’ve seen voids the size of a dime just under the deck of the head and Edelbrock would not stand behind there product , we had parts in stock to long but the head had never been bolted down. More dropped valves and seats, like I said I would rather use my old mopar heads, I can live with less than 650hp.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for watching. I finally got the e street heads reworked and on the stock stroke 400 I’m building. Hope you follow along for that. My dad was a stock head guy. The Edelbrocks are the first aluminum heads I’ve ever bought for myself.

[@cameronpowell8584]

Those 915's for sale ?😊

[@JustMoparJoe]

No sir. I will use them someday in a build.

[@danielslocum7169]

iv got a set in michigan.

[@TheProchargedmopar]

👍💪

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. I see you working the magnums over

[@tomcarpenter700]

2 heads are better than one,,,,

[@JustMoparJoe]

Don’t get ahead of yourself

[@dynodon100]

Edelbrock VICTOR is the only way to go if you want to stay in this family.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I know they are a better casting. I really wanted an inexpensive upgrade that would rival the 440 source head.

[@smilsmff]

I like T/F better cnc ported to 240cc out of box

[@rodneybyrd9516]

Like an airplane wing!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Man I hope I can fly with them! Did you know I went through ground school as a 7th grader? 😅

[@karlsracing8422]

After using aluminum heads I'll never invest in iron again unless I have option.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I’m hoping to have my dart sport’s 400 engine as light as a fully dressed 360.

[@big3fan916]

These are the e-street heads are they not , very entry level , my performers are from before the victors came out , mine are ported but very happy compared to my old ported 915s , if you want eddy’s better quality maybe pay for the better heads lol

[@JustMoparJoe]

I didn’t really want their “better quality”. I had just expected their “standard quality” to be better. If you were to ask what I was after, I was wanting the best “inexpensive head”. Apparently the 440 source would have been better.

[@big3fan916]

@@JustMoparJoe I'll keep Made in America Eddys over made in China 440 source , but you do you

[@cjbert6790]

JustMoparJoe The problem with the 440 source heads push rod clearance. They flow the same as the eddy performer rpms. I’ve used them all on various builds.

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@big3fan916 I’m running these. Wanted to share what they look like.

[@big3fan916]

@@JustMoparJoe It"s all good Joe , I've seen Brodix , Trick Flow , Eddy's All show up with chips and places that could use a little touch up regardless of price point , heck I've seen a new block show up that still had some casting sand in it .