The Ford Barn

Bill O'Brien · 03-01-2011, 09:58 AM

To use the Winfield Aluminum 6:8 to 1 head what modifications would have to be made to the engine? This head should not be used on a stock bottom end due to the high compression correct? It sure would be a great weight savings and a nice bump in performance.

http://www.earlyfordstore.com/model_..._equipment.php

V4F · 03-01-2011, 10:29 AM

you have to have a good bottom to run it . im using a 6-1 with inserts . ill trade my 6-1 for your 6.8-1 . we will both be happy !................ steve

MikeK · 03-01-2011, 10:42 AM

I suggest you add a magnesium anode to the cooling system if you are going to run water.

just plain bill · 03-01-2011, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill O'Brien

To use the Winfield Aluminum 6:8 to 1 head what modifications would have to be made to the engine? This head should not be used on a stock bottom end due to the high compression correct? It sure would be a great weight savings and a nice bump in performance.

http://www.earlyfordstore.com/model_..._equipment.php

You will need to use a model "B head gasket. It could be used on a "stock" model A lower end if you keep it adjusted and not run too much advance. Lower end must be "good" before installation. Of course that would mean you are starting down that long road, maybe a lightened flywheel or more carburation or one o them new electronic distributors etc etc etc.

Dave in MN · 03-01-2011, 11:08 AM

Bill,
The pistons of an A engine rise above the top of the block at TDC. You will need to verify how much they are above and then subtract this amount from the compressed thickness of the head gasket you are using. The result of the calculation will be your clearance. I would be real nervous if the clearance to the head was less than .035" with a cold engine. If you need to increase the clearance, you can have the tops of the pistons machined in a lathe. Most engine shops will have a set of jaws for their lathe that will grip the piston in one of the ring grooves to avoid damage to the outer surfaces and avoid the issue of the piston being not perfectly round in the skirt area.
I recently had .025" removed from a set to work with this particular type of head (zero flycut) and an engine top that had been decked. The engine was a fresh rebuild with inserted main bearings and new inserted rods. The engine had great throttle response on the engine break-in stand.
Good Day!
Dave in MN
www.durableperformance.net

Bill O'Brien · 03-01-2011, 12:38 PM

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Looks like the Winfield also comes in a 6.1 or 7.1

http://www.reds-headers.com/html/mod...ine_parts.html

Jim Brierley · 03-01-2011, 12:52 PM

Good babbitt will handle all you can throw at it. I ran a 7.4:1 Cyclone crows-foot on a stock C lower end for many years with no problem, just don't let it detonate. The crank was .040" under on the mains and .050" under on the rods. Head gasket? Just be sure the gasket fits the head, usually the A gasket works just fine. If yours is a B block 4 small water holes need to be plugged FLUSH with the block.

03-01-2011, 09:58 AM	#1
Bill O'Brien Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pottersville, NJ Posts: 238	Winfield Aluminum 6:8 to 1 High Performance Head To use the Winfield Aluminum 6:8 to 1 head what modifications would have to be made to the engine? This head should not be used on a stock bottom end due to the high compression correct? It sure would be a great weight savings and a nice bump in performance. http://www.earlyfordstore.com/model_..._equipment.php

03-01-2011, 10:29 AM	#2
V4F Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ca. Posts: 2,522	Re: Winfield Aluminum 6:8 to 1 High Performance Head you have to have a good bottom to run it . im using a 6-1 with inserts . ill trade my 6-1 for your 6.8-1 . we will both be happy !................ steve __________________ V4f

03-01-2011, 10:42 AM	#3
MikeK Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Windy City Posts: 2,919	Re: Winfield Aluminum 6:8 to 1 High Performance Head I suggest you add a magnesium anode to the cooling system if you are going to run water.

03-01-2011, 11:08 AM	#5
Dave in MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Jordan, MN Posts: 1,411	Re: Winfield Aluminum 6:8 to 1 High Performance Head Bill, The pistons of an A engine rise above the top of the block at TDC. You will need to verify how much they are above and then subtract this amount from the compressed thickness of the head gasket you are using. The result of the calculation will be your clearance. I would be real nervous if the clearance to the head was less than .035" with a cold engine. If you need to increase the clearance, you can have the tops of the pistons machined in a lathe. Most engine shops will have a set of jaws for their lathe that will grip the piston in one of the ring grooves to avoid damage to the outer surfaces and avoid the issue of the piston being not perfectly round in the skirt area. I recently had .025" removed from a set to work with this particular type of head (zero flycut) and an engine top that had been decked. The engine was a fresh rebuild with inserted main bearings and new inserted rods. The engine had great throttle response on the engine break-in stand. Good Day! Dave in MN www.durableperformance.net

03-01-2011, 12:38 PM	#6
Bill O'Brien Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pottersville, NJ Posts: 238	Re: Winfield Aluminum 6:8 to 1 High Performance Head Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Looks like the Winfield also comes in a 6.1 or 7.1 http://www.reds-headers.com/html/mod...ine_parts.html

03-01-2011, 12:52 PM	#7
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,095	Re: Winfield Aluminum 6:8 to 1 High Performance Head Good babbitt will handle all you can throw at it. I ran a 7.4:1 Cyclone crows-foot on a stock C lower end for many years with no problem, just don't let it detonate. The crank was .040" under on the mains and .050" under on the rods. Head gasket? Just be sure the gasket fits the head, usually the A gasket works just fine. If yours is a B block 4 small water holes need to be plugged FLUSH with the block.