madmax442

Looking into a set of Batten heads for my Nascar engine build. I want to know from people that have experience with these and other hp heads like Wise edelbrock etc. I know Battens are finicky and are know for mediocre casting quality and headers have to be made for them but are Battens still King? Do I have BTR take a set of bare Edelbrocks as far as they will go or try a set of Battens?

70cutty

I would get a set of ported Procomps from Smitty.

madmax442

I'd rather spend more money on American products!

67 Cutlass Freak

I had a set of aluminum Battens. They were heavily ported. They were extremely light weight and very fragile. I sent them off to Bill to check them out. He thought the seat areas needed work. These heads came to me with a bunch of stripped threads. I fixxed them all, and sold them for $1600 bare, before I ever got to use them. There's a set of cast iron Battens with intake for sale on ROP right now for $3000 -
http://realoldspower.prophpbb.com/topic5524.html
I would not rule out using the Rocket Racing heads. They look pretty good to me, and have put out some good power. I really think they might have more potential than the E-brocks.

madmax442

Yeah 67 Cutlass Freak I just don't know if I want to pull the trigger on Old technology(although they make a ton of power still!) that might crumble in my hands/pay good money to have Bill Travato tell me they need a **** ton of work only to sink more into them or do I go with a set of Ebrocks for Btr to massage? Maybe the Wise heads as well. I'm on the Fence here!

67 Cutlass Freak

I like the looks of the Wise heads, but until a few sets are going down the track with no problems, they are sort of out of the question for me. Look at this thread for some details-
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...cast-iron.html

70cutty

I didn't know that Wise heads are actually available. I know there has been a lot of talk and controversy (on ROP) but I had no clue that there is a real set for sale.

madmax442

Yes Wise stage 1 heads start at around $2900 bucks!

2blu442

I've got a friend with a set of cast iron batten heads. They're bare, and I believe he told me they're NOS. If your interested I could give him a call to see what he'd want for them.

John

madmax442

Hey 2blu442 I appreciate the offer but I'd prefer aluminum stage 3s. Thank you again for the offer though!

steve442

Amen!!!!! Agree 100%

cutlassefi

If you can get them.
What are your power goals? Blown, N/A?

madmax442

Blown via F2 procharger with 800-1200hp depending on boost levels.

chadman

I have seen and touched a prototype Wise head. Their is no doubt that if these come to market and prove to be a reliable casting that they will indeed be the ultimate Olds head. If you are not in a hurry I would personally wait and see how that pans out.

I personally wouldn't mess with a set of Battens. They haven't been made in forever and the castings are suspect at that. Then try to find a set that hasn't been previously hacked on.

As far as Edelbrocks go, unless your goal is way past 800 HP NA they are your best bet IMO. You can get castings anytime you want them and in the right hands are a very capable head. Smitty has a set of mine as we speak that are getting some work to get them to support some good power.

chadman

Edelbrocks IMO

madmax442

Chadman I agree with you and my wallet agrees with you too but it would be awesome to run a good set of Battens if I found them! IDK. Has the Wise head not been sold? They are listed on their site for sale starting at 28/2900 for stage 1s and call them for pricing on 2/3s.

madmax442

Think I could get the max of 1200hp with a fully worked set of Ebrocks?

chadman

I know Brad had a set on the EMC motor that he did but to my knowledge noone has purchased a set and had them on a running motor to date. If they have they sure are keeping it quiet.

chadman

On boost and good fuel yes.

madmax442

Wow! That mifs me as to why nobody has bought any! If it's a better quality casting and flows as good or better than a Batten head then I'd think Wise wouldn't have any doors left At his shop! Think he's still workin out bugs and hasn't put them into full production?

70cutty

He's been working out bugs for last few years.

madmax442

Well I might just go with 35yo history to top my build. There is an Olds engine builder in Middlesex,NJ by the name of Larry Hansen who has a heavily worked set of Brandywine stage 3 Batten heads. He has 360 cfm on the intake side and 231cfm with no pipe on the exhaust at .800, brand new Jessel roller rockers and Batten dominator intake for sale. He's asking 4k. Any thoughts guys?

Gerald Nickels

Well I read all the post my set of cast iron Batten heads and intake are from BTR ask him how they worked I have all the flow charts but not with me right now and yes I'm asking $3K but I will take offers I have three sets of headers I could box up and ship in a wood crate. If pics are needed I will send them thru my email. gnickels@rocketmail.com
NIKOLDS

madmax442

PM sent to your email

madmax442

I was thinking about my application that aluminum battens would be subjected to. Being that they are of questionable casting quality, can battens survive under extreme boost? I'm talking 30+psi and still remain sealed to the block? I know you can o-ring them but it seams most of the guys running battens are N/A or nitrous. On the other hand the fastest Olds is a twin turbo dragster. Hmmmm

chadman

I would contact Russell Hunt as he has the twin turbo Batten headed dragster. He probably has the most experience with a turbo Olds of anybody. Also their was a guy that had a Pro Charger on a small block Olds with Edelbrocks that ran in the 8's and he drove on the street. It was a black G-body. He used to hang out on ROP but I haven't seen him there in quite some time.

madmax442

Thanks Chadman! I was just thinking out loud and put the cart in front of the horse a bit here! You're right. I need to start talking to engine builders and current guys running proven combos!

Smitty275

Only thing I have to say is that the ProComp is a much sturdier casting that the Edelbrock and ProComp castings are 1/2 the price. That's $750 savings right off the bat.

I do Edelbrock heads also. It's all in what the customer wants.

As for 1200HP with Ebrock/ProComp castings that should be easy pickings.

If you want to do this with Battens you might want to contact the Hunt brothers and see at what point they started having issues with the Batten heads moving around and constantly having to rework them. Re-cut the seats or pull seats, or re-weld the seat area to put seats back in and what not. They've had a heck of a time with them on serious boost.

madmax442

Thanks Smitty! I'll do that!

Gerald Nickels

Mine are still cast iron Battens they will hold up to HP.
Gerald

Gerald Nickels

I still have my Batten heads yes they are O ringed.
Make a good offer over $2200 but shipping all these parts is going to cost.
Gerald

Bernhard

What about the rocket racing head?
What about the Knowlton head?