Offy heads

flatjack9

flatjack9

Well-known member
I'm building an 8BA for a customer and he bought a new set of Offy cylinder heads. Apparently they have done some retooling and now they will accept a 3/4" reach spark plug without any spacers. I'm using NGK BR7ES plugs.
 
Could be on new heads like you have. Buying used heads you always have the question if they where milled at some point.
 
Last edited:
Thanks FlatJack . . . that is actually good news. There is absolutely no reason to NOT have 3/4" reach plugs in any of the newer heads being manufactured.
 
Checking the piston and valve clearance, then milling for best compression. Is just part of good engine building. Very few heads, new or used are just bolt on. they are not just for aesthetics.
Gramps
 
I'm glad to hear this. I was starting to wonder about Offenhauser. I bought a new set from Speedway Motors about 25 years ago, noticed this and complained about them back then. Because of the spark plug fitment problem, I never used them. I think now I will have them spot-faced on the top to take 1/2" reach plugs. I have two sets of Edmunds heads that take 1/2" reach plugs with nary a problem.
 
Offy is a unique company.

On one hand, I appreciate how "Old School" they are. Everything is still done by hand using dedicated machines.

On the other hand, I can't imagine, in this day and age, having to machine each and every casting by hand.

No wonder they had to raise their prices. The labor alone to machine all those castings by hand has to be astronomical.
 
Or, they raised their prices because Edelbrock couldn't deliver a damn thing after they sold the company . . . took almost 2 years for them to get back into production.

I call the Offy price situation one of "no supply and high demand" . . . not a bad situation as a manufacturer, but that game only lasts until supply is back.

When Edelbrock is delivering a quality product at $600 less, it will be interesting to see how long those inflated prices last.

Side Note: Back in the day, Offy heads were always my second or third choice -- below Navarro, Edelbrock, Evans, etc . . .
 
I much prefer Edmunds because of the relocated spark plugs (not over the exhaust valve). Prices are getting up in the stratosphere lately. I have an extra drivers side Edmunds and am looking for a match (hint, hint).
 
I have a NOS set of Edmunds for a 59AB . . . might just have to dig them out and checkout the sparkplug location again. Thanks for the reminder . . .
 
I would think that a 3/4" spark plug thread would be beneficial, allot of bunch available with that length. H10 is not the only plug and it 7/16 and strips very easy.
Gramps
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top