Head Help

[MysteryMachine]

I know this is kinda tech but its geared more towards my truck so I posted it here. I am in the process of buying parts for my truck to tear it down and hopefully fix the ongoing misfire issue it has. One of the problem areas of Dodges 2nd Gen Rams at least are ****ty heads. They have a tendency to crack. This being said I am replacing them. I am also replacing my plenum gasket, cam (most likely), theromstat, Timing chain, and maybe water pump haven't decided yet but most people say you should.

Anyway heres where my question is. I had it all planed out to buy a set of heads. They are EQ Magnums with a 62 CC, 1.920 intake valve and 1.625 exhaust valve.

I emailed a company asking for a cam recommendation and he started talking bad about the heads and started talking up the Edelbrock heads that are Chamber Size 58cc, Intake Port Size 176cc, Valve Sizes (in/ex) 2.02"/1.60".


Now I realize the ones I wanted have a bit smaller intake valve size but is it really enough to cause a bit of difference?

I'm not looking for a drag truck. I just want a little added HP and TQ. I drive this thing in the snow. I don't need it to be crazy fast ya know.

The EQ's cost $350 a head and $25 shipping this is with valves and springs and WILL pass emissions. I have already talked to them and they will upgrade the springs based on my cam specs if need be.

The Edelbrocks through summit are 660 a head for a bare head. On Edelbrocks ite it says their heads are not for emission controled vehicules. IDK what the guy I emailed charges for them but i doubt its much different then summit.

So what are your thoughts?

 

[ProKiller]

i'd just get the cheaper ones. i realize you want a nice truck with some added power, but its not meant to be a beast, its meant to be a nice winter "beater". IMO it doesn't make sense to spend the extra money on the eddy heads

 

[Pokageek]

Go cheaper.

 

[MysteryMachine]

my truck is no where near what you would call a "beater". Up untill I got the 99 it was my dd. The 99 is more of a beater then my truck.

with that said and actually wanting some knowledge on this subject. Is them valves really that much of a difference?

 

[reddy351]

I would say that the difference is prolly similar to iron GT40 heads vs Edelbrock heads for our Mustangs. Not a HUGE difference, but enough that further mods down the road could make the cheaper heads obsolete. As with any "build-up" type thread, it would be helpful to know what you REALLY want out of the combo. I also assumed (by your description) that it was a beater type vehicle. (Beaters CAN be nice. Just not really something you would want to hot rod. I have a really nice Jeep Cherokee that I have no plans to hop up. I have it just to drive in the Winter, to keep the salt off the Stang.)

If you're looking for the most power (and future upgradability) spend the extra $$$ for the Edelbrocks. If you just want to replace some crack prone heads, buy the cheaper ones. Likely the performance would probably not be TOO noticable.

I would go the "cheap" route. (Otherwise, I'd get into the "may as well" syndrome and the next thing I know it'd have "all of the goodies". You know..."since I'm spending big money on the heads, I may as well add..." and on and on till it's a Pro Streeter that can't be used for it's original purpose.)

Good luck!

 

[MysteryMachine]

haha I know what that's like already. I was gonna change a couple things and be done with it. I'm up to heads,cam, timing chain, maybe the water pump, and the other stuff I was gonna fix in the first place.