The making of a cylinder head

[Larry Brumfield]

Originally Posted by George Miller

Of course the best power is not the result of the head alone. Valve size, cam design, manifold design, carburetor size, etc., etc. all combine to determine the ultimate outcome.
__________________________________________________ ______________________

Yes it takes it all to make it run fast. I agree getting the air in the chambers does the most good. If you get more air in does that raise the running cylinder pressure. I'm just a old country boy, wasn't that good in school.

Old country boy?

Old country boy my a$$ .... You're one of the most knowledgeable men this site has ever had! I ALWAYS can rely on your advice and so can anyone else.

Yes, about the running cylinder pressure. Optimized air flow raises the running cylinder pressure (or compression pressure as it is officially known but when you refer to it as compression pressure the average joker thinks you mean gauge pressure).

Compression pressure is what the engine actually sees and it varies in an engine every time the throttle is moved. It is determined by the cylinder head, compression ratio, valve size, RPM, manifold design, cam design, carburetor size, type of fuel, altitude the engine is running in, the temperature of the engine, the free flowing of the exhaust and any other thing I can't think of.


Larry B.

[Mitch Bunkin in PA]

I, too, am one of those who really appreciate posts like this. I have hardly any knowledge and even less skill in this area, but am really enjoying learning from all of you. Thanks for the time and effort you've taken to share with everyone.

[George Miller]

When I was a young boy I told my Dad that I could not do some thing. He said Son there is nothing in this world you can,t do, there maybe a lot things you won't do.
I never forgot that and he is right. The limits we have we put on our selfs.
You feel so much better when you go out and do some thing. My hope is this cylinder head thing will help some to get off their rear and try.

[Lawrie]

George, this is great, we are in the process of machining a set of solid heads for our Flathead V8 dragster and know how much work is involved.Lawrie

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by George Miller

Is this easier than making a banger head from a V8 head? I've spoken to Frick and he required big $$$$ for any of a dozen different OHV heads that he showed me. Your work/skill makes us envious. Keep up your great work! Rick
__________________________________________________ ____________________

Good question, I'm not sure it is not easy putting a olds 455 head on a, A engine. you have to move the mounting bolts which end up in the water jacket. Same way with the push rod holes, weld in a spacer block and stop exhaust from going through the center of the head.

Bill Stipe Put a chev v8 head on a Model A he had to do about the same.
We will find out when we are done which is easier. I'm thinking it is a 80 hour job to make this head. That is why Frick has to have big money.

George,
Yeah, You/Frick/Stipe are my images of what can be and inspirational for A/B incurable speed afflictions. I've seen your contributions in sharing freely with us here, over the years! I've watched Stipe grow also and have some of his great equipment(hmm, where's that OHV head..he keeps promising..see his site!). Please keep posting your progress on this project. And, thanks for all you've done for us in sharing your knowledge. lol Rick

[Flathead]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

QUOTE - BRENT in 10-uh-C Are you implying the same as an OHV?

No, not as good as an OHV but still good at lower RPMs. The flathead can still breath at lower RPMs. I don't think an OHV will help very much on a low RPM motor. Just my opinion.

[George Miller]

This is it for this week. Putting in the exhaust ports.

[George Miller]

Got the port runners in on one piece, next do the same on other piece.

[craneygartz]

George are you using all three axis there - like ramping down the runners rather than tilting the part up?

John Oder

[George Miller]

George are you using all three axis there - like ramping down the runners rather than tilting the part up?

Yes I was going to tilt the part but ended up just free hand it. I' m going to polish them any way.

[Droobie]

George this is really a treat to see. Most people dont get to see this stuff and for you to be doing it and showing us as you go along is great. I like to watch the machinest where i work do his thing on the bridgeport and lathes. it truly is amazing what you can do with them things.

[George Miller]

Update on the making of a cylinder head
Been working on the ports and water jackets on both pieces. Still have more to do on the water jackets.

And for you Larry B I have 43 hours in the head already and not close to done.

[George Miller]

Did not get much done today, had to mow grass.

Machining for a water pump, and taking away extra metal around the water pump mount. I'm at 47 hours on the head. I was thinking 80 hours for making the head. Looks like it will be close. Now if you had every thing you needed in tooling and a CNC it would be a lot less hours.

[craneygartz]

Sure looks like a CNC with the (?) ball screws and long saddle George......

John Oder

[George Miller]

Here are picture of O ring grooves for head bolts and push rod holes.
Also for you CNC guys a picture how we put on radius in the old days.

[George Miller]

Machined the spring pockets, and put in one valve to see how it looked.

[Larry Brumfield]

Well, about 52 hours or so, so far

Labor charge: 52 x 75.00


3,900 dollars

[Mitch//pa]

in my neck of the woods it would be 52 x 95.00

4,940 dollars


nice job george

[George Miller]

Put the head on the engine it is going on to see how it looks.

[Russ/40]

Will you be grafting a rocker arm assembly from some factory engine?