Ditto on what both Frank and Don says in regards to aluminum versus cast iron in cylinder head construction.  To reitterate, all else being equal, iron heads will typically make more power than aluminum.  But most newer aluminum castings incorporate advances in flow technology as well as improved combustion chamber designs that more than makes up for any inefficiencies of the aluminum being used.  Many of the newer heads are now increasing the horsepower outputs significantly without measurable flow increases on a flow bench so there’s obviously more to this than meets the eye.

I didn’t get to talk in detail but to a few of  the competitors about their choice of cams but roller camshafts were definitely in the majority.  The Y was clearly in a minority group if not by itself with its flat tappet camshaft.  Once the magazine articles come out with the details of each engine, that aspect should be more clear.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I believe one other benifit may be better combustion chamber design.

The Y design in all probability has a lot of swirl but the more modern heart shaped combusion chamber should add some performance.

Paul,

   Aluminum heads are only better in one area, given the same ports and valves. They're lighter. Also, it's generally accepted that they are easier to repair. If they are dimensionally identicle to an iron head they'll actually produce a bit LESS horsepower! The aluminum. head transfers heat from the combustion chamber too quickly. Most aluminum heads are equipped with better ports and valves than the OE iron ones. The material around the combustion chamber is thicker to slow heat transfer rates and typically they'll have a smaller combustion chamber for more compression. It's common for an aluminum head to carry a point more CR and be able to use the same octane fuel  with out pre-ignition. Improving a stock 50 year old head shouldn't be a major problem, after all it wasn't designed to carry the amount of air we look for today. However, it turns out to be somewhat more difficult than you'd think. Ford did a pretty fair job on them, then completely blew the SBF 260/289 heads.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

There has been a lot of comments in the past with respect to the oem Heads being the serious power limitation. It seems that there is a generally held belief that Aluminum heads are much better. However, some aftermarket or high performance heads are being cast from Iron. My impression is that just making Heads from Aluminum doesn't make them significantly better, from a performance point of view. Lighter yes, (not of real benefit on a Dyno) and maybe a little better for heat dissipation, & controlling detonation, but not necessarily better overall.. Comments?

And a question for Ted; Was your Y-Block the only entry at the Engine Masters with Flat Lifters?

Paul

Long live the Y block! Super Great job fellas! When will that "crate" motor go into production? 400hp off 87 pump gas with a good idle? are you kidding me? those Y blocks would sell like hot cakes!

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

Ted' ALL YOU GUYS did a GREAT JOB AND THAT'S ALL THERE IS TO IT!!!!!! We're really proud of all you guys period D.

-Gary Burnette-

Ted



Your my Hero!



Jim

  Jim Rowe Elkhorn, NE

Great job Ted!  You and all your teem should be proud.

   God Bless.   Tim                           http://yblockguy.com/

350ci Y-Block FED "Elwood", 301ci Y-Block Unibody LSR "Jake", 312ci Y-Block '58 F-100, 338ci Y-Block powered Model A Tudor

tim@yblockguy.com  Visalia, California    Just west of the Sequoias

Any chance someone made a video of dyno pulls that might get posted?

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

And here are some more pics.

Uncrating the engine and the crowd is in awe.  "What is it?"

The Y rubbing elbows with the big guy.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)