I have a C9VE block. Can I use a set of C9VE heads or D0VE heads that are stock and get 500HP or will I have to port them? And if I do need them ported how much does this cost. I have seen a bunch of numbers but I dont know if people are talking about one head or a set of heads. Thanks for any help

 

JB, your kinda leaving us hanging here. You've got the years of your block and heads. But what engine? 2 bbl or 4 bbl? Going to 500hp expect to lay down some major $.
That many horses pretty much requires porting and polishing.

 

I don't know the answer to your question, but let me say this as gingerly as possible...

If you are splitting hairs about the cost of porting the heads, then you really aren't in the market for building a 500hp engine or the drivetrain that goes along with it.

Read some of the build threads on here and these guys are dropping multi thousands into engines, thousands into suspensions, thousands and more thousands. If the cost of porting or porting X2 is the fulcrum, you may want to rein in the gelding.

 

Jklnhyd, I like your answer better than mine.

 

X2 on ALL of the above. Speed and Horse power cost money. How fast do you want go? My '77 400 engine build is running $4500 CDN and I have STOCK heads. Yes I did over build on some things BUT I only wanna do this once. Good Luck on your decision.

 

 

Here is a real world example from the Hot Rod network.

Note that they used Edelbrock aluminum heads as a more cost effective alternative to having someone work over the cast iron heads.

 

If you do the port work yourself. Then have all the necessary work done to the heads. Buy new springs, valves, roller rockers, you will have a head that's capable of supporting the hp. For about 500 bucks less than some new heads. Economy wise, if you are rebuilding the short block, look for some used cobra jet heads and use the appropriate pistons. Otherwise some eddy or tfs heads with stock valve angles. My experience is the iron is worth it for stock class stuff, or just because it's kind of cool to kick some *** with old motorhome heads. But probably better to save some money and get some aluminum heads. Oh. And the porting needs to be done right. Not just bigger. My 2 cents.

 

JKlnhyd
It is not a money issue just wondering if its worth the time and money or if its better to just spend a few more bucks and buy aluminum. This is just going to be for a 79 Ford F150 4x4 that gets driven around town but I still want some power

 

For the heads, cost of rebuilding (thoroughly) and porting old iron heads will usually be more than aluminum.

There is more than heads... you will need compression dialed in around 10:00 - 10.5, big 4 bbl and a big lumpy cam. The engine will feel flat below about 3000 RPM. A high stall converter and steep gears in the rear will be needed to compensate for soft low end. It will be a pain to drive it on the highway.

Then there is traction. With a good set of drag slicks and modified suspension, it might hold the power. With regular light truck tires just smoke.

I don't think (personally) it would be much fun to cruise around with a 500 HP 460 in a PU. A milder 350 HP build would drive a lot better.

 

All about the combo. I have built a lot of 385 platform engines between 400 and 600 hp. Custom grind hft cam, good heads, 9.5 to 1 compression, stock stall on an eddy performer, Holley 750 dp. Boatloads of torque RIGHT off the line to 5k. It is all about the build.