More times than not, which is why I asked what the 'hidden' install difficulties of a cylinder head I've always been interested in (and got a less than helpful response). No, I'm certainly not surprised that their shaft mounted system came up short when compared to the top of the line stuff coming from people specialize solely in building high-end valve train parts. Who would be?

It is surprising that you say the system doesn't belong on something that sees over 3000rpm often. Not because it looks like such a great system (non rollerized, pivot lenth portion of the rockers is not very 'meaty'), but because aero claims it's good for 9000+rpm without exotic any parts. Not the first time I've seen exaggerated claims, but that's a big discrepancy. What are you guys doing about it? Building new shaft rockers? So is the lack of rocker stiffness it, or is there anything else?

 

Look at a 9000 rpm SBC valvetrain that works, if a Cup team or Comp lets you in, and compare it to the ARAO. You'll ROFL.

If I told you what all the fixes are, I'd have to shoot you. Consider my post just the trailer to the main feature. Even UB had to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Sometimes I exaggerate to make a point. 3000 was probably low. I'd probably trust it to at least 4.

FWIW, I can understand why you might elicit less than helpful responses.

 

Thats what it looks like.... with the help of a few experts it should be a stout package, just have to work around the design flaws to get it all right. There are a few things wrong with the basic package... the design was good just the execution was off.

Bret

 

You've worked on Ardun conversions? I've heard that it cost around $15k to do that, but I didn't believe it (if you don't mind me exploiting your knowledge is this true)? Valve covers off, they look like an 1800's printing press.

Back on topic: I'd go with these
http://www.ianmacfarlane.co.uk/Site%20pics/BRM/brm9.jpg
Not exactly for an American v8, but its something I like. I'd be more interesting in the little things though. To me, the heads haven't evolved through the years as mystically as some other parts. There are some beautiful modern headers(f1 cars of course), and some various technologies like variable valve timing.
BTW, I'm suprised no one mentioned the spherical rotary valve heads Coates made a while back.
There's been so many of these types of threads though, I'm suprised there isn't just an end all thread culminating in the advanced tech section building an online theoretical engine (I'm not with the "motor" crowd yet) with rediculous clearances and bearings.

 

http://www.ardun.com/ardun_pictures.htm

The old man hasn't played with one, but it came up in conversation the other day.

Bret

 

Eddie,
Were you thinking about getting the heads I got, or the set that Bobby Simpson ended up with? Mine came from Jon Whittington from 'Vegas, and I ended up buying his whole engine.
Man, all this stuff and the Opti Eliminator seems like it happened a bazillion years ago!

 

Are you looking at buying the bare castings from Aero and offering a working package in the future. THe completed heads from Aero are around 5K, can't imagine how much will be in them after your done with them

 

Oh yeah, guys...it is "ARAO" heads, not "AERO" heads. Just to clarify in case anyone was going, "HUH?"

 

Oops! I can't even pronounce ARAO, UB, but I fixed my posts. I call them "UB's Kelvinators" around here.

I go "HUH?" a lot these days.

 

It wasn't all that long ago - maybe 4 or 5 years? Jon's setup was definitely tempting (~$3,500 for the heads/LT headers/and intake if I remember right), but at the time I couldn't find enough information on them to pull the trigger. I think 'Dominion' was as good as gone by then, and either the company wasn't reborn as Arao yet or I wasn't aware of the new company name/contact info.

Still an interesting concept, but the $6.5k arao is asking for them now makes the SB2 stuff look awfully attractive. In any case, I'm not planning any super exotic head swaps for awhile. I love wrenching on my vette, but I like to keep a good balance between down time and driving it ... and I've got a pretty healthy down-time 'surplus' to make up for!

 

I have been keeping quiet for a while but some of the information in this thread has peaked my interest. I am in the middle of assembling my motor finally (yeah, like 2 or 3 years) but I'm interested to hear some concerns that you guys (OldStroker, SStroker) have found. Brent do you still have my number? If not, lemme know and I'll give you a call this weekend unless your number has changed.

Here's what has taken so long for my build: http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-...820/intake.jpg

Finally done so it's showtime but I'd like it to stay together. My engine builder and I have always questioned the rocker system even though we have had numerous conversations with the designer/owner (Russ) but he has always reassured us it would hold up just fine. Since no one else was running the setup couldn't exactly use them as an example.

 

The manifold looks good.

Look at the pics of the new ARDUN rockers vs. the old ones:

http://www.ardun.com/xxo75.htm

http://www.ardun.com/ardun_block3.htm

I like the new ones much better. Applying similar technology to the ARAO heads makes sense to me. IMO, roller rockers are a must. Getting the rollers the same distance from the valves will be a challenge, but doable if your head guy keeps the valve tips within a few thou. I'm not fond of adjustable pads at the valves.

How fast do you plan to spin it?

 

Not planing on selling anything related to these things.... just trying to make a set run really well for UB.

Bobby I'll sent ya a PM.

Bret