Edelbrock block letter heads

1963turnerjohn

1963turnerjohn

Senior Member
My 41 originally sported a set of prewar Edlebrock block letter flatheads - last week I was going to have them refit - everything was installed and engine fired. The #2 cyl filled with water - we immediately switched it off with no damage.
We found a very small pin hole that was not evident prior to installation in the area above the inlet valve of #2 cyl. So when using original heads - have them pressure tested and magnafluxed ( for cast iron ) and zyglo ( alloy heads ) to save yourself time and money!

I decided to procure a set of newly made Edlebrock block letter heads to replace my worn originals - I am very impressed with Edlebrocks quality and appearance. They are also made in the USA - just where they are supposed to be!

Hope this cautionary tail helps one of you fellas out.

Best
John
 

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I have a set also and an original pair that im restoring.
The new ones are very nice but I wish they would have tried a little harder to make them look like the old ones
 
It would be nice if they were 100% per original , though most of the new made period heads have some deviations for any number of reasons - since I drive my 41, the new ones are perfect and of sound construction. I am retaining the original set for history sake, only as they belonged to the car originally.

It may be a good idea to pre-pressure check your orig set to see if they are sound prior to install - may save you from having the issue I went through.
 
I contemplated welding and remachining the combustion chamber, but I have 2 reasons , I want to attend a local reliability run next weekend ( so time is tight ) and the cost would have been almost 1/2 that of new heads ( using a pro shops services ) / and since I drive my 41 the new heads offer a period look and reliability. I am keeping the orig set though and will get them fixed up ;)
 
Yes I’ve pressure checked (first thing always)
This started when I spotted a single one in the front window of a local thrift store.
I went in and ended up with it for 50 bucks and started watching eBay for another single.
So now I have a pair with little corrosion for cheap …. after years of looking at many very rotten pairs.
 
Zyglo, long accepted as the standard industrial penetrant test detects cracks, pores, leaks and other defects open to the surface in solids - metallic or otherwise. Under the high-intensity Zyglo Black Light you see cracks and defects as glowing signals - even ones you'd miss entirely by any other penetrant test method.
 
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Since I am a bug on having the real 'old stuff', the newer versions are not the same appearance wise. No big deal, but, in my own rules, I am only to use the old stuff. The ones I use are the script lettered ones. I bought a new set, but I was not happy to see that they were quite different. Over time, I found the original good heads...a lot of time searching and spending $$$...but I am happy ( crazy me ) The older ones have a much thinner fin and the script is smaller and not machined flat. Just thought someone could use this info also. Robert
 

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Now don't forget to check piston to head clearance (.045/.050). This will improve the economy and increas throttle response. Might even let you use smaller jets .
 
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