Should I use aluminum or steel pistons

P

pineapple

New Member

Apr 20, 2004

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Chicago

Apr 26, 2004

#1

• Apr 26, 2004

• #1

My 5.0 needs a new rebuild and I am looking to make it really fast. I am wondering which are better steel or aluminum cylinder heads. Which one operates at a higher temp, etc. I know that steel is stronger at higher temps, but aluminum displaces its heat better. If you could get back to me I would appreciate it thanks.

 

GT40XStang9

Thanks to Tim, I get off pretty easy.

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Feb 26, 2001

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Scotland UK

Apr 26, 2004

#2

• Apr 26, 2004

• #2

Oh here we go....


It depends on what you want to go with your entire combo. That said, it also depends on what brand head you would like to go with as it may limit whether you even have the choice of iron and/or aluminum.

People go fast with iron GT40P's.
People go fast with alum AFR's.
People don't go fast with paper mache' heads.

Are you leaning towards any specific brand?

Edit: DO A SEARCH.

 

QDRHRSE

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Dec 31, 2002

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Apr 26, 2004

#3

• Apr 26, 2004

• #3

Heads

I, myself, prefer steel (iron). However, not many companies are making iron heads anymore. Pretty much all the top heads are aluminum. So if you have the money for a class of head like a TFS, AFR, Edelbrock, etc...etc...you pretty much have to buy aluminum anyway. Your only other option is to buy older heads or buy an "ok" head like a GT40 or Dart and have them ported. It depends on the type of set up your going with too. Its hard to beat an AFR 165/185 or a twisted wedge head for a steet application.

Just my opinion....

 

ECU5.0

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Jan 10, 2004

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Apr 26, 2004

#4

• Apr 26, 2004

• #4

whys the title of this thread steel or aluminum pistons?

 

N8Miller

I need NOS....make it 2 of the big ones

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Jul 26, 2000

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Kingston, PA, USA

www.cardomain.com

Apr 26, 2004

#5

• Apr 26, 2004

• #5

i think that the aluminums decipate heat better, but the irons are stronger. aluminum weighs less.
like said before, pick a whole combo. heads can almost be last in some cases. A lot of it depends on the cam, injectors, etc etc.

 

cjman15

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Apr 15, 2004

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Fairfield, PA

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Apr 26, 2004

#6

• Apr 26, 2004

• #6

yeah true... why is it steel or aluminum pistons? you're asking about heads here... haha