how do i tell if my heads are cast iron or aluminum?

the casting number is 14102187, ive searched everything on the net and nothing will tell me.

whats the difference in an intake manifold made for cast iron and one made for aluminum heads?

 

Stick a magnet on the heads. If it is aluminum it wont stick. If its iron, you could decorate your head like your refrigerator.

 

wow i feel really stupid now for two reasons!

1. duh i did graduate high school i should have know that...
2. i couldnt find a magnet for 30 min, and when i gave up all hope i realized that i have used my MAGNETIC pick up tool like 10 times today!

 

There is no difference in how the intake is made.

Throw those heads away. They are "swirlies", from a TBI motor. Eeeeewwwww.

Although, they make OK boat anchors; even provide places for fish to hide in.

 

RB beat me to it. Those are cast iron heads. They are also garbage cast iron heads.

I agree with 70Buick though. The best way to tell without a doubt is to use a magnet.

Of course, if the heads are all rusty, thats a pretty clear sign too.

 

I have 193 castings, and they make great anchors for the boat.

The only difference in an intake as far as bolts go are the center 2 bolt holes drilled at a slightly different angle than the others.

And 70buick, i took my other 193 head, as porting practice (man i killed that thing), studded the wall and hung in in my room. I came home and my gf hung her bras from the pull out studs. So there's more than 1 use...

 

nice