Cut Off Log

Stubby

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Has anyone cut off a log intake and bailed on the project. I have some ideas and I thought it would better to salvage an abandoned head than cut up another one. I have a 68 200 and the intake I will sacrafice has 1.250 ports. I would prefer a head with hardened seats 76 and up?
 
There's a few here who have done it, I have heard a couple say they scrapped the idea. Since the argie, oz, and the southerncross performance heads have come into play, there doesn't seem to be as much interest. But I have one sittin' in my garage just waitin' for a flange to be cnc'd and welded on, but I ain't ready to give it up jest yet.
 
I am also waiting on an Aussie head but when I have an idea I like to see where it takes me.
 
8)

I read this thread and then I took a nap. While I slept I had a dream.

In this dream I took a log head and cut the log off. I then used the intake manifold gasket from a Aussie head to make a template and cut out a 1/4" thick flange.

I then took a air grinder with a medium stone and cleaned up the end of the runners to make a lip on which the flange could rest against. I then test fit and clearanced the flange til it slipped over the runners.

I then took the flange and fitted it over the end of the runners and welded it on.

I then bolted a Aussie 2v intake to the flange.

Then I woke up and realized I dont have the money to experiment with what seems like a good idea.
 
i know that Al has cut off a log, i'm not sure if he ever did anything with it
i think half a dozen other members have done the same, but don't ask me for their names
 
In the 60's there was a USAC Midget that ran a 144 with the log sawed off. Made the pages of Hotrod Mag. They machined the exhaust ports and intake flanges flat and boled a plate between the header and the intake adding 6 motorcycle carbs. Saw the engine out of the car a few years ago at a swap meet here in L.A. Don't know how well it worked.
 
I read this thread and then I took a nap. While I slept I had a dream.

In this dream I took a log head and cut the log off. I then used the intake manifold gasket from a Aussie head to make a template and cut out a 1/4" thick flange.

I then took a air grinder with a medium stone and cleaned up the end of the runners to make a lip on which the flange could rest against. I then test fit and clearanced the flange til it slipped over the runners.

I then took the flange and fitted it over the end of the runners and welded it on.

I then bolted a Aussie 2v intake to the flange.

Then I woke up and realized I dont have the money to experiment with what seems like a good idea.

like this ?
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PICT1440.jpg
 
I have seen pic of these milled flat, and I think that might be the best way to deal with this problem. Even if you have to build headers.
 
I remember someone on here had a 4.0 AMC intake they were going to try to adapt to a log head. And I thought it didn't look like a bad idea.
 
The cut isn't bad, plenty of room to clean up yourself. I'll take some pics. Make me an offer.
 
Why cut the log off? Weld in injecter bongs pointing at each port and if air flow is an issue at a 3x1 intake and put throttle bodies on the log, or add a throttle body to the ends of the log where the freeze pugs are.

I've seen the log cut off successfully, but I think there are easier ways.

Anyway, just a thought from this tired old mind.
 
I know there are easier ways. I am still strugling with easy verses unique. If I wanted to do it the easy way I would drop a SBC 383 in it and save a ton of money and time. Personaly, I like a challenge, I am an old man who likes multiple carbs, fast cars and pretty women. Or was that pretty cars and fast Oh never mind

The thing that motivates me the most is solving problems, and the learning process that goes with it. I have seen alot of threads where people are cutting up heads and the thread dissapears and is forgotten. I understand these people well and I know what it is like to hit a roadblock, (time money family) and have an unfinished project. This looks like a worthy problem to tackle. I have an advantage over most people, because I have a verticle mill and lathe at my disposal. I am also looking forward to the education I will recieve pass or fail. I am positive that everyone that has ever cut up a head has learned alot that they will use whether or not they realise it. When it comes to flow these guys have seen the inside of the log and runners. (those are probably the ones that have bought Aussie heads) When it comes to cutting, grinding, milling, welding, and brazing cast iron they know more than most! Some learn how to do it some learn not to do it, but they both learned!!! Even from an unfinished project, they still learned.

The years I spent building engines helps a little also. I spent years pushing other peoples engines to the limit so they could enjoy it. Now it is my turn.

I also know there is a good chance this head will wind up sitting on my shelf for a couple of years and that thought does not bother me because I will learn from it even if it's just the fact that you shouldn't buy a head that has been cut up.

Putput6, tell me how much is it gonna cost me to figure out that I sould not have bought a cut up head???

Gary Stubbs :)
 
When I saw the first head with the logg cut off I thought it was a great idea. It was milled flat (exh and intake ) and a steel plate was attached. The home made exhaust bolted to the head and that is what held it against the intake. I guess there was a lot of sealer used to seal the intake runners. 6 Motorcycle carbs were attached to the plate. Looked cool. The story on the engine was in hotrod magazine in 60 or 61 and the photo made the cover I think.

Never saw anyothers done like this, but why not. Good luck. If you were closer I'd give you an old 170 head, but shipping would be more then a trip to the local wrecking yard.
 
I was kinda thinking the same, mill the whole thing flat. The article I saw had the plate furnace brazed. That was what fueled the fire in me. Somethng from the old school that has ben long forgotten. If that doesn't pan out I am thinking about milling an aluminum plate and possibly bolting it on with orings. The way headers let the heat out, silicone just might take it. I could possibly use heatsheilds in exhaust ports like Datsun. For you young guys out there thats an old Nissan. :wink: The carbs are already sized for a 170.
 
That is a great site! There was the engine I remembered from hotrod mag and I think it was the one for sale at the L.A. Roadster's show a few years back.

Thanks for the site. It's on my favorites now.
 
I gave up on this head cause I got another engine. This head came off my old engine, worked perfectly fine until piston broke and bent a rod. There's no damage to the head, the piston never hit the head, just ended up in the oil pan in a million pieces :roll: . If you really want the head let me know, but you could probably find one at the local pic and pull for what it would cost to ship one. I'd recommend not going with a cutoff log. I'm waiting for AzCoupe's new head :thumbup: Solving a problem is fun, but having something that'll perform much better and be much less of a headache is what I rather have after going through all the headaches I've had putting this car back together.
 
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