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Cast Iron?? Aluminum??

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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 09:08 AM
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Default Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
How can one tell if the heads on a Vette engine are aluminum, or cast iron? Probably is contained in the information provided by the VIN, is it?

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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 09:59 AM
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Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
Scratch the head with a screwdriver or use a magnet. Most aluminum heads have center bolt valve covers where steel have edge bolts. [8D]
 
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 01:23 PM
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ORIGINAL: mech259

Scratch the head with a screwdriver or use a magnet. Most aluminum heads have center bolt valve covers where steel have edge bolts. [8D]
Uh...and the easier way? Early '86 had Cast Iron, later '86 and on had Aluminum. Visual inspection should be fine, scratching the heads or employing a magnet isn't necessary.

Aluminum Head


Cast Iron Head

 
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Old Oct 18, 2006 | 01:26 PM
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Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
Hope this makes it easier for you.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2006 | 12:38 AM
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Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
And as I said, Aluminum heads have center bolt valve covers, steel have rim bolt.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2006 | 09:23 AM
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Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
Thank you, gentlemen, I have just learned something new about my Vette. Great guys on here !!!!!!!

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Old Oct 19, 2006 | 12:05 PM
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Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
so for cast iron heads can any small block chevy covers be used?
 
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Old Oct 19, 2006 | 07:11 PM
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Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
yea as long as they have the same bolt patterns.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2006 | 08:02 PM
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ORIGINAL: raisinbran

yea as long as they have the same bolt patterns.
Well...and they need to clear the internals, i.e. the lifters.
 
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Old Oct 20, 2006 | 12:55 AM
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groovy, thanks!
 
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