Don Terrill’s Speed-Talk

The reason aluminum blocks hurt power is ring seal. They will not hold pressure as well.

Miss the piece of candy they put in every ring set.

Q16.

Those heads are not total junk. I can wake them up big time from what you tell me they are. Valve sizes would change.

Normally with aluminum heads and iron block with titanium valves set them .006 tight cold. Aluminum block .010-.011 tight cold. with steel valves set about .003 tight cold.

Give the mains some more main bearing clearance. Go to at least .0045 on that rear. Truck pulling is murder on mains compared to drag racing. .0045 on all the main bearings is fine.

Used titanium valves are like used aluminum rods. I would not trust them.

My money is on the 4500. I built a 355 sbc years ago that tested that very same theory. The 4500 was a tenth quicker in the eighth mile than a tricked out 4150.

I would put some T&D shafts on it and don't look back. You will be glad you did.

If the motor went lean it means the new headers are not pulling on the carb as hard, therefore less signal.

They are significantly better than regular bbc heads.

I would not worry about the bolts. I would put a heavier wrist pin in it. Do at least a .200 wall,preferably a .225 wall pin.

That is why they make Pro Gears. They are softer and dont crack light street gears.

Call Total Seal direct.

T&D are the best whichever way you go steel or aluminum.