Exhaust port height -W2 vs factory cast iron heads

[evil66]

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone knows for sure if the height of the exhaust port is different on a W2 Econo head compared to a J or 596 cast iron head.

I know that the bolt patterns on some W2 heads have the factory bolt location and the wider bolt location for bigger pipes, just not sure if the height of the port is the same or close.

I'm looking at whether a set of headers that were made for j heads could have the flange plates cut off and a set of W2 plates welded on at the same height.

I'm in Australia and this is for a right hand drive car so I can't just grab a set of W2 TTI Headers like I could for my 69 barracuda.

 

[Rocket]

Here are some pictures of a typical LA head gasket on a set of W2 heads and some pictures of amW2 gasket on a TrickFlow head to give you an idea of the shape differences. Note many aftermarket and stock LA heads have exhaust port shapes a little different than the TrickFlow heads.

 

[Sterling]

I don't think that there is a big difference in exhaust heights between the heads. I can put 2 side by side and check if needed

 

[Rocket]

Some small block headers for A Bodies are made for both standard LA ports and W2 heads including TTI and Tubular Automotive tonnage a couple. Only difference on the TTI are the flanges. The Tubular Automotive are the same header but use an adapter plate which bolts to each head. They still fit into the same chassis. Port heights are pretty much the same.

 

[evil66]

Some small block headers for A Bodies are made for both standard LA ports and W2 heads including TTI and Tubular Automotive tonnage a couple. Only difference on the TTI are the flanges. The Tubular Automotive are the same header but use an adapter plate which bolts to each head. They still fit into the same chassis. Port heights are pretty much the same.

Thanks that's what I was hoping, in Australia we can get right hand drive pipes for a std cast iron 360 head but W2 would be full custom, thinking I can cut the std flanges off and massage the pipes and weld the W2 flanges on

 

[Rocket]

I would think you can. You may have to add a little bit of tube length at the flange for what you lose on the inside of the old flange ~ 3/8” to 1/2” depending on remaining clearance to the suspension and engine, … along the header tube routing after you cut.