Corvette Forums - Corvette Enthusiast Site

Corvette C4 Forum 1984 through 1996

Cast Iron?? Aluminum??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 10-18-2006, 09:08 AM
mypetu39's Avatar
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location:
Posts: 131
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?

mypetu39
 
Reply
  #2  
Old 10-18-2006, 09:59 AM
mech259's Avatar
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Lumberton, Texas
Posts: 1,858
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]
 
Reply
  #3  
Old 10-18-2006, 01:23 PM
All2kool's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location:
Posts: 97
Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
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

 
Reply
  #4  
Old 10-18-2006, 01:26 PM
All2kool's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location:
Posts: 97
Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
Hope this makes it easier for you.
 
Reply
  #5  
Old 10-19-2006, 12:38 AM
mech259's Avatar
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Lumberton, Texas
Posts: 1,858
Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
And as I said, Aluminum heads have center bolt valve covers, steel have rim bolt.
 
Reply
  #6  
Old 10-19-2006, 09:23 AM
mypetu39's Avatar
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location:
Posts: 131
Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
Thank you, gentlemen, I have just learned something new about my Vette. Great guys on here !!!!!!!

mypetu39
 
Reply
  #7  
Old 10-19-2006, 12:05 PM
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location:
Posts: 97
Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
so for cast iron heads can any small block chevy covers be used?
 
Reply
  #8  
Old 10-19-2006, 07:11 PM
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 406
Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
yea as long as they have the same bolt patterns.
 
Reply
  #9  
Old 10-19-2006, 08:02 PM
All2kool's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location:
Posts: 97
Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
ORIGINAL: raisinbran

yea as long as they have the same bolt patterns.
Well...and they need to clear the internals, i.e. the lifters.
 
Reply
  #10  
Old 10-20-2006, 12:55 AM
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location:
Posts: 97
Default RE: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??
groovy, thanks!
 
Reply



Advanced Search
Quick Reply: Cast Iron?? Aluminum??


Reply Closed Thread Share

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:35 PM.