Head Intake Threads and Seals ... Head Hog?

[40 Nuck]

I have a couple of OEM heads that have been altered for O-Ring Intake and would like to go back to threaded so that I can mount the original brass intake and linkert. Any suggestions on whether this would be recommended, and if so, a good vendor. I've run across Head Hog (Don Sullivan), and wondering about feedback on them as a vendor. Also like their valve seat solution ... and was wondering if anyone had feedback on that. Also, I've noticed the articles in the AMCA mag on the new intake manifold seals that suggest that they eliminate the plumber intake seal problem, even on the brass 1940 intakes (mine is a 1940). Anyone had experience with those?

Thanks!

[chibobber]

Vic,American Cycle Fabrication,Paul can fix you up.The stock brass seals work fine if done right. Some like the synthetic seals some don't. (ACF 570-752-8715 PA)
Good luck,Bob

[Robert Luland]

I got no complaints against Don. He does great work and has always done right by me. I have read some to indifference but he’s always done good by me. His valve overlay process is incredible. He’s done four heads for me. The Peek ferule is the way to go. They cinch up at half the tork and this save putting a beating on the rivets. Bob L

[Jerry Wieland]

Vic Brass intake manifolds are not 1940. 1940 uses a short steel manifold that has the number 428-40 on it. I believe that brass intakes are 1947.

Jerry

[MJW]

I had Don re-thread my 51 pan heads, most of the original threads were gone so he welded them up and cut new ones. The only disappointment was my own error, I thought they would be air tight when I got them back with the new inserts already installed, turned out I needed to pull the intake and remove the inserts again. The skinny gasket that presses against the head had torn so I made new ones out of some gasket material, I know "goobers" are frowned upon, but I couldn't resist adding a dab of steam fitting sealer to the threads. I also made a special wrench to span the three holes in the perimeter of the inserts for tightening. No leaks yet after two years...Mike

[Chris Haynes]

Vic Brass intake manifolds are not 1940. 1940 uses a short steel manifold that has the number 428-40 on it. I believe that brass intakes are 1947.

Jerry

Jerry,
Here is a 1947. Notice the Parkerized intake? Brass doesn't Parkerize.

[40 Nuck]

1940 was the first year for the large ports (1.5") and manifold. The brass was a one-year only (1940) part as it was found that the brass on brass (bushing on manifold) resulted in leaks, but apparently the brass manifold lasted most, if not all of the model year until it could be replaced. Thanks all for the feedback on vendors ... sounds like I have some solid options, and that there is hope for my O-ring heads.