heads for 383 sbc's?
 

I didn't have much luck with my last post. Hopefully I can do better this time! I am building a pair of 383's for my 1978 23' Formula with alpha 1 drives. I know the drives are the weak point but I am re-building them with the HD parts that are available. My question is regarding choice of heads. I am running in fresh water so I would like to use aluminum heads to save weight. I already have one pair of "350 HO ZZ4" heads so I was just going to buy another pair. But then I saw the "fast burn" heads. Is the "fast burn" heads overkill for my application, or will the ZZ4's do the job?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

resurrected
As far as cylinder heads go I don't know of any head for the money that will out perform the AFR head in a 23 degree set up I wouldn't consider anything else but that head for a mild set up you will not be disapointed there are better heads out there for other applications Brodix Dart so on but the AFR will be hard to beat in mild 383 ci engines we've made 450- 500 hp and the same torque Good luck I'm sure many guys will agree here Laz Mesa

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

I've had really good results from the Dart Iron Eagle's that I've used.

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

I am using AFR 210's on my 383.. I would not use any other head, these are very nice products that perform well. I would probably run the the AFR 190's on your motors, only down side is the price..


travis

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

Thanks for the info, I didn't even consider an aftermarket supplier. Should I have them hard anodized even in fresh water?

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

What "heavy-duty" Alpha parts? I have heard of them but only second hand....When push comes to shove they are all the same that I have seen/found....I have been told NOBODY makes HD parts for the alpha. Anyways Before you go and spend a couple grand on heads I would like to know how much hp you are looking for? You can get 450hp with the heads you have without tons of trouble....Now if you are looking for 450+ then yeah you MIGHT want to consider the bling bling heads...I have seen 400hp EASY out of a 383 with PLAIN vortec heads.....I am pushing 380hp out of my 358sbc with PLAIN vortec heads. The AFR's are great heads but pricey....If money is no object then go for the AFR's......

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

Also with the alpha's 400hp is about the limit for longevity if you are easy on them. The torque of the 383 won't help either...Thats why I didn't stroke my motor. I just can't afford the Bravo switch....So I stuck with my 358.......and less torque.... :(

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

There is a HD gear/bearing set for the upper.. Around 400 bucks... Works well, Ive seen several of our customers put some real power through their drives..

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

I have run my 383 , 570 hp, 530lbs trq through a stock alpha for a few years, no problems at all.

a boat with twin alpha drives can take a little more hp then a single alpha drive setup.

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

If I can make 400-450 hp with the ZZ4 heads thats great, saves ton of money, and that is an issue because the restoration of my boat is getting more expensive every day! I have only heard about the HD parts for alphas as well, so I don't have any part numbers yet, but when I do I will be sure to post what I know. Would a three blade prop vs. four blade extend the life of the drive, with more slip?

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

Don't even think of a four blade on a V8 Alpha :eek:

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

I ran 19' 4 blades last summer and absolutely thrashed it! Every hole shot was to the dash! The engines were stock and tired so I was fortunate enough not to break anything. So I appreciate the input because I would have put four blades back on after the re-builds.

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

I didn't know Formula made a 23' with twins...???? Tell me more.... I thought 242 (24') was the limit for shortness and twin V8 SBC's....???? Any links to pics?

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

I don't have any pics yet. She is currently stripped down to the hull. A work in progress, which I hope to have in the water by July(if the ice is gone!). It is a 1978 Formula 233Interceptor. Twin small blocks was an option. I believe it is the same hull design Don Aronow raced in the 60's. It's not fast by design but handles the rough stuff as well as most 28'-30' boats. And its a bit tubby weighing in at 5500lbs dry.

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

Small twin engined boats are faster with Mirages anyway. You only need the blade area of a 4 blade with a 32+ foot twin engine boat.

Re: heads for 383 sbc's?
 

Thanks for the info, I'm a novice in the technical side of power boating, and all the info you guys share is a great help. I'm also an information junkie!