I'm looking for two sets of fully ported Aluminum heads (coated) - does anyone have a competitive source for these? I was looking for Canfield but an not locked into them - just want a good flowing head. Thanks for any help.

What's up Craig looking to blow up drives are we!!!

AFR makes a great head, flows well and is coated for marine application.

AFR (Air Flow Research) has one of the best flowing heads out there. They have a coating refered to as "hard anodizing" which is about a $190 option. The hard anodizing is especially beneficial with salt water applications.

Check out their website: Airflowresearch.com

There was a thread here a few weeks ago about this same topic. Do a search. I ended up going with Edelbrock aluminum heads. For 750.00 each they come already hard anodized and also come with HD stainless intakes and Inconel exhaust valves. The reason I went with them is because they are a direct bolt on piece. Nothing has to be changed/moved. Yes the AFR's will outflow them but they also have raised exhaust ports which meant I would have to rework my CMI header setup. (I have twins engine setup) Also on the front where your brkts mount you would have to drill and tap larger holes for mounting. I spoke to Edelbrock, Dustin Whipple, and a few others and they all said out of the box these heads would give me 45-50 horse over the cast iron ones. Also I wanted aluminum because I am upping the boost from 6lbs to 8 lbs and aluminum gives you more safety when doing so. Do your research before buying. As I found more flow/HP isn't the only thing to consider.

Also having worked in the automobile industry for 24 years, I have learned that car makers do alot of durability testing on the stuff they use. Mercury also uses the same heads on the 525 motors. They have a reputation to keep, and I'm sure they tested the hell out of these heads before going with them. Again they may not be the best out there, but I am looking for a clean no hassle install and many years of trouble free use on the water.

How does Dart race heads compare?

Dart/World/Brodix/AFR/Canfiled/E-brock all make good products, but all are just a part of the combination. Select a target goal that you want to shoot for then build the combo to reach it.

Chris

Canfield heads come hard coated and you could choose between a few different combustion chamber sizes since there are cnc'ed to suit.

does anyone besides Raylar make alum. heads for 496's yet ??

I'm leaning towards the Canfeild heads - how are they prices vs. the Edelbrock's??