Aluminum head durability in NA 306?

[MG-70]

I'm shopping for heads and since my car is a daily driver and durability is a concern, have been considering GT40 iron heads. With that said, I can save a few pounds and maybe, in my particular application, make a little more power with aluminum heads (AFR 165, TF TW, Edelbrock Performer).

I'm under the impression that the aluminum heads will need valve work before the iron heads and so decided to ask those who've been there and done that what kind of durability you've had with your aluminum heads, specially on naturally-aspirated applications.

I'm not looking for a head comparo but rather how long you've had your aluminum heads without rebuilding or fixing them in any way (to include replacing gaskets, etc.), and what type application/combo you have.

TIA,
MG-70

 

[N8Miller]

do not question the duratbility. as long as you get a quality head (no tri-states) you will have no problems.

5 years, 331 playtoy.

 

[MG-70]

Appreciate the feedback and assume "tri-state" is a mediocre brand.

Thanks again!

 

[5spd GT]

Don't go by years...the heads aren't being "worked" when it is sitting there.

Go by mileage.

I have 25,000 miles on my AFR heads...and it was my daily driver until recently. Bought another car so I can get more serious with the 5.0L later...

 

[86bluecobra]

I have never had any issues with my aluminum heads. I say get a good set.

 

[ratrapp2]

i've got 2k miles on my gt-40x heads so far and not a single problem.

 

[Dark Knight]

I've put over 4 years of daily driving on my AFR's with no probs. At least 40k miles...

 

[5spd GT]

Another thing to keep in mind is many cars now-a-days are using aluminum heads from the factory, and we routinely see them hit 100-200k...so I wouldn't worry about it.

They can even take some overheating punishment...been there, done that Ooppss...