UPDATE 9-7-07

Classic Inlines is developing an aluminum head for the Big Six (240/300ci) Ford inline six engine. At the present time, we are having the pattern maker re-work the patterns as we were not happy with the results. For some strange reason, they made the head similar to a shoe box, without any form or shape. sine this was unacceptable, the patterns have been shipped and the proto types heads were not cast as planned. As soon as the patterns are re-worked, and acceptable, we will cast three or four heads, machining, and flow test. Information and pictures will be posted as it becomes available. Sorry for the delay, but we felt it was better to delay the project.


UPDATE 12-1-09

We've had a lot of guys asking about the new head, so I thought I'd post an update. Basically the patterns are almost done, however due to the slow economy and poor sales we've been forced to put the head on the back burner for the time being. Once the economy and sales pick up, we'll jump back on it. But who knows when that will be? Sorry.

UPDATE 11-4-10

We just got word that the patterns are done, however the big six cylinder head remains on hold due to the economy. All we can do now is sit and wait, and hope the economy picks up soon.

UPDATE 3-1-2011

We we're hopping to release the big six aluminum cylinder heads by the end of the summer, unfortunately the economy has forced us to keep the project on hold. As much as we'd like to move forward, we simply don't have the funds to do so. Hopefully that will change in the near future, we'll just have to wait and see.

While the patterns are done, we still have a lot of work ahead of us. First we need to cast a couple heads, digitize an old cast iron head, then develop the CNC programming, which is needed to machine the heads. This step alone could take weeks, or even months. Once the prototypes are machined and the dimensions verified, the cylinder heads need to be assembled and tested on a flow bench. Flow testing a new cylinder head is very time consuming and expensive. Each and every port needs to be flow tested, ported, and tested again. However making sure this step is done properly, and not rushed, is crucial to the end result. If the flow test are unacceptable, the patterns are modified and the process starts all over again. Cast, edit programming, machine and assemble, and flow test again. This process continues over and over, until we achieve the desired results, regardless how long it takes.

If and when the flow test are acceptable, we can move on to the next step, which is real-world testing. For this step, we'll cast, machine, and assemble a half dozen cylinder heads, which will be tested under actual driving condition, on a variety of motors, ranging from completely stock to all out race applications. While the main goal is to record changes in performance (HP and TQ) and mileage, we'll also look at installation procedures (or problems), specifications (such as spark plug ranges), and over-all reliability. Once we're confident the bugs have been sorted out, we'll give the thumbs up for the first production run.


UPDATE 4-7-2012

While the cylinders are still on the back-burner, there is some hope at the end of the tunnel as it looks like the economy may be picking up. Our sales have been pretty good over the past three months, and if it continues like this for a few more months, we should be in a position to start working on the cylinder heads again. Keep your fingers crossed.....