The Ford Barn

31banger · 03-09-2021, 07:26 PM

Does anyone have an information about the Ruckstell aluminum power head made by Alcoa. The only thing I have found is an old ad which claimed 25 percent more power and 10 to 15 percent top speed. Wondering what the compression ratio might be. Looks a lot like a stock head.

SteveB31 · 03-11-2021, 12:03 AM

I had an NOS one I installed on a car about 15 years ago. My memory is that it was not very high compression. Still on the car and he drives it about 5000 miles a year. That is all I remember.

31banger · 03-11-2021, 11:48 AM

Thanks for the information. Do you have any idea what years they produced the head? Did you use a regular head gasket and studs? Any info would be appreciated.

DavisAir · 03-01-2026, 10:54 PM

I CC’d my Ruckstell years ago and I think it was either 4.8:1 or 5.2:1 those stick in my mind. I did 4 different heads at that time so don’t remember exactly. It only weighs12lbs though compared to a stock head at 27lbs.The head is from the early 30’sbut not sure how many years they produced them. Do you have one?

Joe K · 03-02-2026, 09:12 AM

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I examined Vince Falter's "comparison" page - in which he DOES NOT consider the Ruckstell.

Most of the others - and a few more besides.

Joe K

03-09-2021, 07:26 PM	#1
31banger Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 3	Ruckstell power head Does anyone have an information about the Ruckstell aluminum power head made by Alcoa. The only thing I have found is an old ad which claimed 25 percent more power and 10 to 15 percent top speed. Wondering what the compression ratio might be. Looks a lot like a stock head.

03-11-2021, 12:03 AM	#2
SteveB31 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Englewood, Colorado Posts: 1,377	Re: Ruckstell power head I had an NOS one I installed on a car about 15 years ago. My memory is that it was not very high compression. Still on the car and he drives it about 5000 miles a year. That is all I remember.

03-11-2021, 11:48 AM	#3
31banger Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 3	Re: Ruckstell power head Thanks for the information. Do you have any idea what years they produced the head? Did you use a regular head gasket and studs? Any info would be appreciated.

03-01-2026, 10:54 PM	#4
DavisAir Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Posts: 8	Re: Ruckstell power head I CC’d my Ruckstell years ago and I think it was either 4.8:1 or 5.2:1 those stick in my mind. I did 4 different heads at that time so don’t remember exactly. It only weighs12lbs though compared to a stock head at 27lbs.The head is from the early 30’sbut not sure how many years they produced them. Do you have one?

03-02-2026, 09:12 AM	#5
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 5,022	Re: Ruckstell power head Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I examined Vince Falter's "comparison" page - in which he DOES NOT consider the Ruckstell. Most of the others - and a few more besides. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.