Best Sbc Cast Iron Heads – [ 7 Survivors ]

Adeptness and performance are two vital points that you need to evaluate while choosing an engine. However, in addition to that, you must consider some more essential factors.

One such issue is whether your machine is loaded with a high-grade cylinder head. If you’re a guy who owns a small block Chevy engine, having the best sbc cast iron heads is a wise move. To get good driveability without any fault, you should pick sbc heads shaped with cast iron.

Now a question may come off, why do we give so much priority to this issue? That’s because an sbc head is located on the top region of the engine that shrouds the combustion chamber. This chamber is a crucial area of the machine where a fusion of air and fuel is burned.

If a cylinder head comes out faulty, it’ll cause excess heat, leakage, coolant wastage, and gasket failure. Eventually, it’ll be the reason for engine wrecking. Besides, these sbc iron heads deliver continual lubrication and reduce power loss by resisting the friction within the moving portion. This is how the Chevy small block head comes to everyone’s attention.

So going for a decent cylinder head is essential to have a safe riding experience. 

Check out our top 3 elites if you're in a hurry, we assure you, you won't regret.

Best SBC Cast Iron Heads Product Review

As thousands of brands produce such Chevy cast iron heads, choosing the best might be an uphill task. Therefore, to help you emancipate from this confusion, we’ve enrolled the seven best sbc cylinder heads on our list. Let’s dig into the detailed portion to make a fruitful decision!

We’ve enlisted all our products considering the market value and comparing their features and price. So you can have full confidence about the quality of the items. Let’s start!

1. Speedmaster PCE281.2158 Cast Iron Cylinder Head

Since 1979, the Speedmaster has been in the business of creating automotive parts. However, they started their journey as a small speed engine workshop for users as a leisure pursuit. Now, they’ve become a specialist in this particular field known for making, assembling, and racing high-performance automotive components.

If a bit heavyweight of a cylinder head doesn’t matter to you, and you indeed want something powerful, Speedmaster PCE281.2158 Cast Iron Cylinder Head is a pretty good choice for you. With a 59cc combustion chamber, this Vortec heads for Chevy 350 ensure it stays safely closed.

Besides, it’s designed with high-grade materials, providing long-lasting functionality if regular maintenance is done correctly.

Specialized Department

Due to its high power and quality, one can use this Chevy Vortec head for all sorts of driving. The cylinder head generates excellent horsepower thanks to its 175cc intake runners.

What Sets This Apart

• Designed with intake and exhaust valves
• The head is already assembled
• Three-angled style valve seat machine
• Suitable for small block Chevy 350

Benefits

• Powerful and high-grade built
• Well-organized sbc head
• Valves and springs are provided
• Good value for the money

Drawbacks

• Slightly hefty
• The large exhaust port can be a bit problematic

Our Experience with It

What makes us fascinated about the Speedmaster PCE281.2158-cylinder head is its durable performance. Applying it once is adequate to make one realize how sturdy the Vortec head is. So we can say this is one of the best cast iron sbc heads for users.

Verdict

Though the price of this cylinder head may seem high at first glance, it’s surely worth the money. Plus, you don’t have to waste additional hours behind installing due to its assembled head with a natural end. In a nutshell, it’s a good deal for those who love to utilize their vehicles for multiple purposes.

2. Speedmaster PCE281.1761 Cast Iron Cylinder Head

The PCE281.1761 Cast Iron Cylinder Head is another model from the Speedmaster designed to boost your machine strength without any hassle. For those looking for a cylinder head for entry-level road applications, this cast iron PCE281.1761 is a great tool to use. This unit is famous for its profitable operation in the small block ford 389/302/351W. So if you own any one of those, you can simply go for this reliable iron head.

It features a 60cc combustion chamber. With CNC-finish bolts and faces, you’ll get an ultimate accuracy just what an enthusiast would expect from an engine head. On top of that, T6 temperature-treated cast iron construction makes it durable enough to endure heavy applications.

Specialized Department

Craft with various ingredients for upgrading to high-level horsepower applications. It provides an improved strength throughout the whole rpm limit for the maximum throttle response and high-end performance. All these features make this component perfect for primary-level street applications.

What Sets This Apart

• Compatible with small block ford 302, 351, 389W
• Designed with flame-hardened valves seats
• Machined for rocker studs for screws and guide plates
• OEM replacement engine head accessories

Benefits

• Intake & exhaust valves are made of bronze that ensures durability
• Metal casting bare Chevy head allows the user to create an aimed valve depth
• Excellent power is suitable for more throttle response
• 20° angled valve seats for increased performance

Drawbacks

• Some customers complained about the quality
• They don’t accept OEM rocker arms. So, you must apply 7/16 inches rocker studs.

Our Experience with It

We found that the PCE281.1761 cylinder head not only provides a rise in horsepower but also in torque. So, if you intended to go for any aftermarket replacement for your small ford 351, 302, or 389, this cylinder head can be a fantastic addition that we guarantee.

Verdict

The Speedmaster PCE281.1761 is a perfect attachment for popular V8 engines. Its excellent throttle response and high-end performance ensure reliable operation. And it can be installed on the cylinder block both very easily and cheaply.

3. Dart IMCA Hobby Stock cast iron Chevy Cylinder Head

Are you a racing car enthusiast? Planning to purchase a reliable cylinder head for your high-configuration sports vehicles? The Dart Stock Chevy Cylinder Head has come with an IMCA approval and serial number. That means it’s engraved to meet IMCA rules.

These cast iron Chevy heads are officially accepted stock replacement blockheads for Northern & Southern sport mod, Stock car classes, and Hobby stock. More than that, it features accurate casting ports and chambers. And due to its high-grade build-up quality, it delivers superb airflow. With this Vortec Cylinder head, you’ll get five different angles for intake valve seats and two for exhaust valves.

Specialized Department

The Dart cylinder head offers five assembled versions - including bare, sport mod, hobby stock, stock car, and stock car bare cylinder. Furthermore, these versions feature optimized valve volumes for ultimate performance within IMCA regulations.

What Sets This Apart

• It offers a 64cc combustion chamber for SC and 76cc for HS/SM/BARE
• Manufactured to meet IMCA rules
• 55 ft. rocker stud for screws
• SM & SC versions integrate high-performance valve springs to maintain well-sealed valves for maximum compression

Benefits

• Excellent airflow capability
• Precise ports and chambers
• Suitable for any Chevy, iron, or aluminum blocks
• Optimizable valve sizes in assembled versions

Drawbacks

• Fitting the valve seals on valve cups can feel flimsy

Our Experience with It

What we cherish the most about this unit is its multiple assembled versions with few handy options. Another feature we would mention is its solid mid-range torque with high-velocity stainless steel intake and exhaust ports.

Verdict

There are many cylinder heads in the current marketplace. However, when it’s about going for a reliable, high-performance Chevy head for sports vehicles, you don’t get any better than this IMCA approved Vortec head.

4. World Products 011250-1 Sportsman II Cast Iron Cylinder Head

Since its inception in 1987, World Products Sportsman II is the most popular brand for cast iron heads in the world due to the continuous advancement of their products. This 011250-1Chevy head has been tested for many rigorous applications, including 450HP 9.8:1 street /strip motors, 375HP 9:1 street engine, and 940 HP drag racing engines. Hence, 011250-1 is an excellent attachment for the 1967-1986 Chevrolet Camaro LT engines.

These high-performance heads can perform some typical functions, such as 430HP on 9.8:1 355, Dart II Sportsman #955-061010 plane intake, 480HP on 383 10.5, much more. At the same time, it features 200cc vast intake ports, quick-burn chambers, and angled or even straight spark plugs, which are indeed superb for 30-70 HP boosts right out of the package.

Specialized Department

With a fast-burning combustion chamber and high-velocity intake port, this unit is sure to produce outstanding horsepower. You’ll get an excellent power boost that makes it perfect for almost all kinds of street and drag race applications.

What Sets This Apart

• Hardened steel-made exhaust valves seats
• Entirely machined rocker cover rail
• 64cc high-performance combustion unit
• Proper passage of oil through pushrod ensures smooth operation

Benefits

• Compatible with a broad range of Chevrolet LT engines
• High consistency cast iron build
• Lightweight and durable design
• Better combustion effectiveness

Drawbacks

• It’s essential to use a performance gasket set

Our Experience with It

We’re impressed with how well 011250-1Sportsman II has performed. Besides, we want to talk about its large 200cc intake port, allowing more fuel and air to pass through it. As a result, you’ll gain maximum horsepower that improves the efficacy of your machine.

Verdict

The high volumetric chambers make this Vortec head the best street/strip small Chevy head. Premium construction and pushrod oiling style are other highlighted features to appreciate this unit.

5. World Products 043600-1Cylinder Head cast iron

Whether you’re planning to enhance your original Chevy V8 efficiency or go all out with a cylinder head replacement for better performance, World Products 043600-1Cylinder Head is a convenient deal.

With a 76cc combustion chamber and 170cc intake volume, this S/R cylinder head provides the best flowing and peak torque resulting in top-end functionality. Apart from this feature, it’s engineered to be compatible with the 1955-86 SBC Gen-1 V8 models.

Specialized Department

For those looking for a suitable alternative to junkyard rebuild or high-priced OEM castings, this model from World Products is a pretty handy option as it’s equipped with more thick walls and decks for enhanced reliability.

What Sets This Apart

• An affordable option to rebuild your machine
• Solid steel exhaust cups favorable with unleaded gasoline
• Added thick walls and decks for reliability
• Designed to conduct with hydraulic flat tappet camshaft

Benefits

• Available in bare and assembled versions for multiple functions
• Machined valves cover to prevent leaks
• Generates up to 30 HP over stock heads
• Larger intake and exhaust ports such as double hump-shaped head

Drawbacks

• It doesn’t fit the 5.7L LT1 V8 engine

Our Experience with It

We’re indeed pleased with this budget-friendly, dependable stock replacement. Due to its compatibility with all Chevy first-generation small blocks, we’ll recommend it if you own an old model Chevrolet engine.

Verdict

This model is a pretty good stock replacement that won’t break your banks. Besides, these Vortec cylinder heads are perfect for 1955-86 model year SUVs, trucks, vans, Isuzus, etc.

6. EngineQuest CH350C SBC CAST IRON HEAD

If you’re looking for Vortec l31 heads, still can’t decide which one to purchase, the EngineQuest CH350C is an intelligent choice to make. Significantly, the CH350C head is designed for the 1996-2006 model year 5.7L Chevrolet engines, where the casting numbers are 12558062 and 10239906.

That’s why it can be an excellent addition if your sbc engine is a 1996 l31 350 engine. The EngineQuest products are designed to offer the best value and quality in Vortec iron heads for Chevy engines.

Specialized Department

With 170cc intake and 67cc exhaust runners, you’ll always get an improved flow that reduces holes, cracks, or leaks. Besides, these ports are sustainable enough for long-term survival.

What Sets This Apart

• Use high-grade materials for construction
• Superb surface finishes for raised flow
• Hardened exhaust bowls
• Thick-design decks for more strength

Benefits

• Redesigned fluid flow for excellent thermal conductivity
• Bare cylinder head for more applications
• Suitable for l31 Chevy 350 engines
• 64cc Vortec design combustion chamber

Drawbacks

• Not so ideal for most chevy models

Our Experience with It

We found this model is a perfect attachment for l31 engines. The improved water flow and greater strength make EQ-CH350C different from the rest.

Verdict

If you think about replacing cracked heads and switching to Vortec heads, you can’t ever make a better deal than this. After installing these Vortec l31 heads, your engine works like magic.

7. Speedmaster PCE281.1773 Cylinder Head cast iron

Whether you need a performance head for a Super Comp drag racing engine or want to rebuild your conventional motor, Speedmaster PCE281.1773 has improved power and torque to meet your needs.

To provide easy-peasy installation to small block Magnum, it features a combustion chamber of 62cc and an intake runner of 179cc.

Specialized Department

This model from Speedmaster offers the best result in small block Mopar 318, 340, 360 Ba. And the best part of this chevy small blockhead, you’ll get a bare head to perform multiple installation jobs.

What Sets This Apart

• Bronze-made valve guides
• Multi-angled valve setting
• Included perimeter bolt accessories

Benefits

• Convenient replacement
• Reasonable price
• Suitable for small block Mopar 360,340,318

Drawbacks

• The exhaust port may require a slight trimming

Our Experience with It

Users loved what Speedmaster PCE281.1773 provided. We’re much appeased with its excellent airflow and improved torque. As a benefit, it offers all these features at such a reasonable price.

Verdict

High-end small block Chevy heads are worth the price. The parts are designed with premium materials to ladle out greater efficiency and balanced performance.

Things To Consider Before Buying an SBC Cast Iron Head

There’s always the possibility of getting a low-quality cylinder head for your car. However, you can save yourself from investing bucks in the wrong stuff when you have some idea about those heads.

To let you make a wise choice, here we’ve listed a few crucial points that you must evaluate before adopting a specific decision.

Compatibility

If you randomly select a cast iron head without monitoring its compatibility with your small block Chevy, this is nothing but a worthless investment. So first, ensure your chosen cylinder head is particularly compatible with your cylinder block.

When you choose your product, check out the specifications of that specific vortec cylinder head. Then, you’ll get to know whether this head will work on your engine.

Volume of Combustion Chamber

To enhance the efficiency of your vehicle’s engine, you need to pick an accurately sized combustion chamber. Executing this maximizes the compression ratio. And it’ll be best to match the equipment such as a head gasket, bore, piston shape, bore, deck clearance, and ring position.

Volumes of Intake & Exhaust Ports

Most people assume that a large-sized intake port provides the best outcome. But, in reality, a small-sized intake port can be much more suitable based on the engine size. They deliver more low-end twisting force and tenacious throttle response, providing good performance for street applications.

On the other hand, larger ports are more appropriate for higher rev engines because they have ample airflow. Pick a correct-sized exhaust port with decent-flowing via comparing the valve size and stock exhaust port volume for your specific machine.

Purpose of Using The Engine

Before going for a cylinder head, you need to figure out the primary application you want the engine to utilize. Then, whether your regular driving involves street or off-road riding, racing, and circle track, you must choose a perfect Chevy head that best suits your needs.

However, you can also change the airflow, valve lift, duration, and much more to improve the service level of your vehicle’s specific engine.

Price

While considering the budget of these Vortec heads, you should maintain a proper balance on brand, quality, and price. Buying an inferior quality is ultimately a loss of money. As these devices are crucial for safe riding, you should get one that comes with a good combination of quality and price. It would be better to spend bucks on a standard sbc head than the low-priced ones.

Warranty

Warranty is an essential feature that you shouldn’t avoid. You surely don’t want to invest a fair amount of cash in something that can disintegrate in a limited period. Hence, pick one that is provided with a satisfying warranty and payback system.

Currently, most reputable brands are offering high-built Vortec cylinder heads with an appealing guarantee.

How To Clean A Cast Iron Cylinder Heads

If you include the cylinder head washing operation in your periodical maintenance routine, you can check any possible errors, such as cracks, holes that may interfere with performance. Besides, when a Vortec head is submerged in a lining of fluid or oil, it’ll make it more challenging to see any clefts that may emerge. This can even overheat an engine and cost you a lot of money in a replacement.

Here is a sequential procedure of how you can clean up your cast iron cylinder heads-

• Remove the Chevy Vortec heads before cleaning. This removal process is a little bit complex and should be performed by users with practical knowledge.
• The next step is to choose a suitable washing agent depending on the types of metal you’re using. Generally, sbc heads are made up of aluminum, cast iron, and other metals. Each material can be easily affected when working with different chemicals, detergents, and temperatures in many ways. For example, the cast iron tends to rust, which should be evaluated while choosing a cleaning process.
• Peel the head gasket of the sbc head. To get proper sealing during reinstallation, you must stay careful while scraping the gasket; try not to scratch the head surface.
• Clean up cylinder heads using a clean piece of cloth submerged in a suitable cleaner mixture. Then, carefully pour the solution into the engine components where you can’t clean with a fabric.
• Submerge the Vortec cylinder head in the bowl loaded with warm water and Vortecwait for a few minutes. You can also use a spray cleaner to reach close-fisted areas.
• Leave the heads to dry appropriately. If you want to get a quick result, you can use compressed air for drying.
• Now you can check for cracks or holes that you were not able to see before. If you get any, take a move to seal them properly.
• Finally, reinstall the Chevy cylinder head following your car’s manual instructions.

Doing a regular checkup of your car’s cylinder head can help you get an improved steering experience and save your money in the end.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you install a small block Chevy head?

The block surface preparation is vital while installing heads on the Chevy if you want to reduce leakage. Herein, the head and block surface should be free of dust, grease, and gasket material. Besides, if your sbc heads aren’t newish, you need to examine for warpage, holes, valve condition, and spring tension.

Below you’ll get a simple installation process of a small block Chevy head –

• Clean off the block and cylinder head surface with the carburetor cleaner or alcohol solution to eliminate residual grease or oil. Ensure that the block has two locating pins on each edge and they’re mounted completely.
• Assemble the head gaskets on the locating pins with the top right and all the paths down.
• If your sbc heads are made of aluminum, install the cylinder head nuts by a washer. The small bolts place to the bottom part of the sbc head beneath the exhaust chamber. The head surface has three different bolts, so ensure they’re fitted in suitable holes.
• Reinforce the bolts loosely by applying a ½ inches screwdriver and a socket. Again, it’s essential to strengthen the bots in a line so the head won’t deform.

Why do you need Chevy cylinder heads?

The cylinder head is an inevitable element of a vehicle engine. It’s seated on the upper part of the cylinder block shrouding the combustion unit. The prominent role of this head is a continuous lubricating process in the cylinder for smooth operation. But, apart from this feature, it has some other vital functions.

• Produce the mounting structure for several parts such as inlet and outlet valves, spark plugs, ducts, injectors, and camshaft.
• Hold the passages for coolant gases, oil, or fluid.
• Distribute the heat generated by a cylinder engine.
• Seal the combustion chamber, and therefore, alleviate leakage.
• Take up the compression occurring from the combustion force.

Why should I replace Chevy cylinder heads?

The bad condition of a Chevy cylinder head can affect the efficacy of your vehicle. So when you find out about your Chevrolet head failure, you should replace them without any delay. There are some common symptoms of the faulty cylinder head that you can detect.

• Power reduction
• Oil spills in the cooling water
• Need to refill water and oil frequently
• Cooling heat in the red circle
• Solid vibration from a functioning machine

What type of head should I place on my sbc 350?

While getting a motorhead for a specific engine application, one of the crucial facts that need to be considered is engine dislocation. Besides, having large cubic inches means the substantial airflow the cylinder heads will provide.

If you put 180 or 185cc intake volume on a standard 350 Chevy Street machine, this will generate 400 to 450 HP and give excellent service.

Final Words

Whether you want to get an easygoing driving experience or avoid frequent engine replacement, it’s indispensable to consider the best sbc cast iron heads. These heads enclose the combustion chamber, which is a high-risk area due to fuel and air burned. This reaction produces the speed to conduct a vehicle.

Therefore, to get a decent combustion system and abstain from accidental instances, you must consider an ideal sbc Vortec head. Hopefully, our article will help you reach a worthwhile conclusion!