You'll need to either buy them hard anodized or have them done. They'll live well as long as you are diligent with your flushing and your salt-away application. Aluminum will allow you to run a bit more timing which will make more horsepower- simply due to their greater ability to migrate heat out of the combustion chamber, thus holding off detonation.

Don't get the Merlins. They are obsolete compared to all of the new offerings out there. Given the same care, iron will last longer.

what is the cost of the dart iron eagle, and how much more hp over stock 2000 hp 500 heads as i also am going to repower this winter mine have 430 hrs but still run strong.

Cast iron or Alum heads are similar in cost. The stock IE vs. std alum should deliver similar power results (close to same air flow). Alum is lighter and the cast iron is more durable.
If you plan on new springs, valves, retainers, etc, budget $2,500-4,000 per engine. A really good HP value would be to budget an extra $500-800 an engine and get someone like JimV and to do some mild port work. Jim could also help you with the intake and valve train selection.

Ttt

I think most agree that the best out of box iron head would be the Dart Iron eagles.

1. You need to know the goals of these builds. (HP TQ RPM, achievable within budget if one applies)

2. This is where you need to start talking with head and cam guys. like RMbuilder and JimV. If your not going to port the heads then RM could tell you which cam will work best with the heads you choose to meet your goals. If you choose to have the heads HAND ported you can tell JimV or any other GOOD porter the given cam specs and they can port the heads to FLOW THEIR BEST at the supplied lifts to get the most out of your cam and heads. Just because the CNC heads flow great at 0.720" doesn't mean it flows great at 0.610" where max lift of your cam is. This is where the hand porter can keep the velocity up with increased flow.

JMO

You are on the right track....it is a system. Both good sourses for info and both can do the work. Consider calling both to discuss your goals and budget.

Ttt

There are 2 sets of iron eagles in the swap section with lots of money just spent on them. They look like a great deal.

2 sets: Dart Iron Eagle Heads: 15100010 Intk: 308cc/Cham.: 119cc / Int/Exh: 2.25/1.88. Manley Valves, Isky Springs, $2246 per set invested 18 hours ago. Sell for $1200 a set or $2200 for both. + Shipping. Or Pick up! I'll take PayPal but perfer $$$ Return for refund if not happy!

[email protected] or 336-644-0666
Attached Thumbnails

I also have one spare set of Sonny Leonard ported Dart IE 308 with 105 CC chambers. You would need to use these heads with flat top pistons. Used Inconnel and titanium valves available.