Frequently Asked Questions

WHY SHOULD I PURCHASE BRODIX PRODUCTS THROUGH AN AUTHORIZED BRODIX DEALER INSTEAD OF BUYING DIRECT FROM BRODIX?
  • BRODIX started selling to small engine builders and racers at the local level. As company started to grow their dealer network was born through these channels. By maintaining this philosophy, their dealer network has grown to almost 500 warehouse distributors worldwide.
HOW CAN I IDENTIFY THE MODEL OF THE BRODIX HEAD THAT I HAVE?
  • BRODIX started numbering small block heads in April of 1979; an alpha-numeric system was started with A 1 in August of 1979. Big block heads started with numbers only in April of 1984, but changed to alpha-numeric starting with BB 1 in August of 1984. The stamping is usually located on the end of the casting above the accessory bolt area just below the valve cover rail. Company have stamped some heads on the exhaust side of the head as well. The numbering system only identifies the casting model and the year the head was made. Check out Guide Page for details.
Brodix - Identification
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY BRODIX HEADS HAVE BEEN PORTED?
BRODIX - Chamber
  • BRODIX heads have a sand cast finish inside and out. If the majority of your intake ports, exhaust ports, and combustion chambers still have the rough texture, they have not been ported. If the heads have been CNC ported, there may be some cutting lines visible on the sharp radius turns in the ports. If the heads have been hand ported, the surface will be very smooth and profiled in all areas including the combustion chambers.
WHAT SIZE ARE MY COMBUSTION CHAMBERS?
  • The only thing BRODIX can recommend is to have the cc of your heads measured. After the heads leave facility, it is impossible to determine what size they are. Engine builders mill and cut the heads to fit specific applications and the original cc measurements are changed.
WHAT TYPE OF SPARK PLUGS SHOULD I USE IN MY BRODIX HEADS?
  • The spark plug design required in all BRODIX heads is the same. You need a 14 mm x 1.25 thread pitch with .750 thread reach and a gasket seat. Company do not take into consideration nitrous use or boosted applications. You should determine your exact heat range needs based on tuning and “reading” the spark plugs upon initial engine use.
HOW MUCH HAVE THE EXHAUST PORTS BEEN RAISED ON MY BRODIX HEADS?
  • On BRODIX small block heads the exhaust ports have been raised approximately .500 in., and on the big block heads the exhaust ports have been raised approximately .600 in. The only heads that have a stock exhaust height are the Race-Rite® Big Block Series.
WHEN YOUR HEADS ARE ANGLE MILLED DO YOU CORRECT ANY OTHER SURFACE?
  • Yes. BRODIX re-correct the intake face angle back to stock so you will be able to use a standard intake manifold. Company also re-spot face the head bolt holes to a parallel angle with the deck surface.
HOW CAN I DETERMINE WHAT VALVE SPRINGS MY BRODIX HEADS HAVE ON THEM?
  • On a new set of BRODIX cylinder heads there should be a red tag tied to one of the valve springs on each head. The information on the tag will inform you of the seat pressure, open pressure, maximum valve lift recommended, type of cam to which the springs are matched (e.g. hydraulic roller, solid, street roller, roller, hydraulic), and the installed height of the head.
HOW DO I DETERMINE IF I HAVE A 40/60 CENTERLINE BRODIX HEAD?
  • You can determine the centerline of your BRODIX head by measuring the distance between the two center exhaust valves. If you nave a standard centerline the measurement should be 2.354 in., and the 40/60 measurement should be 2.234 in.
DO I NEED OFFSET ROCKERS ON A BRODIX CYLINDER HEAD THAT HAS A 40/60 VALVE CENTERLINE?
  • When BRODIX moves the valves in a 40/60 centerline head, we move the rocker stud location the same amount. Usually you can use a standard stud mount rocker arm and a 40/60 stud girdle. If your head has had extensive porting done there is a good chance you will need offset rockers, and this should be determined by the engine builder upon installation.
IF I HAVE A -10 HEAD WITH A 40/60 CENTERLINE AND I UPGRADE TO AN -11 X HEAD WITH A 40/60 CENTERLINE, WILL I HAVE TO BUY NEW ROCKER ARMS, PISTONS, OR INTAKE MANIFOLD?
  • The -10 and -11 X BRODIX heads should use the same components if both heads have a 40/60 centerline. You will need to verify the amount of modifications that have been done to both castings in order to ensure the proper fit of components you will be transferring.
SHOULD I CHANGE THE VALVE LASH SETTING WHEN I USE A BRODIX HEAD?
  • Yes. If you are setting the valve lash on a BRODIX aluminum head when the engine is cold you will need to set it .004 tighter than what the cam card dictates. If you are trying to set the valve lash on a hot engine you will need to follow the cam card exactly.
DOES BRODIX OFFER CNC PORTING ON INTAKE MANIFOLDS?
  • Company have a CNC port match program on several of their intake manifolds, but they do not offer a fully CNC ported manifold at this time.
DO YOU RECOMMEND STEAM HOLES ON BRODIX HEADS?
  • No, the BRODIX water jacket is more efficient than previous heads. Just make sure all holes are properly lined up and drilled in head gaskets to efficiently pass water.
WHAT IS THE BOLT TORQUE SEQUENCE FOR SMALL BLOCK AND BIG BLOCK CYLINDER HEADS?
BRODIX - Head Bolt Sequence
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT BRODIX COMPANY?
  • For company Information and to learn about BRODIX ®, please visit the About Page.