[Stuart]

This was posted in the Lobby in the Craigslist ad discussion, I thought it was worth saving the text and pictures here for future reference. The ad is from the Bremerton, Washington area.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/p...319320022.html

Built in 1959, Developmental aluminum heads built by Mickey Thompson and GM. Originally built for the Challenger that broke the worlds speed record, one way on Bonneville Salt Flats, in 1959. These heads are ported to the max, intake valves were ground into the aluminum, when I got them. Had seats installed, and bronze guides, was going to do stainless valves, but didn't get that far. Heads were also CC'd. Had Hilborn fuel injection on top of these heads on a blown up Pontiac motor in California desert, some of Mickey Thompson's old friends.

This Hilborn fuel injection comes with these developmental aluminum heads, it is 1965 Hilborn. I called Hilborn, sent me a copy of the order sheet. Jack Merkel automotive of New York ordered it in 65 for a giant Pontiac motor, for a client. Merkel was a world title holder with his Hemi Willys. Heads can be purchased separately for $10,000.
Fuel injection will not be sold separate. Both for $13,500.
Call for more info, CALLS ONLY, CASH ONLY Mark

[Stuart]

Here are the pictures of the Hilborn fuel injection.

[Drag Star Le Mans]

Thanks for saving these pictures Stuart. I know the guy who owns this set up and posted picture of them years ago. These are cool!!!

[Jack Gifford]

One side of the bathtub chambers is missing. I wonder if they were cast that way? Or did Mickey simply mill it away. as he did with all his early Pontiac heads?

[Drag Star Le Mans]

Here is a link to my post about these from 2017. The pictures were taken in 2011

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=806505

[Jack Gifford]

Originally Posted by Drag Star Le Mans

... from 2017...
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=806505

As I said back in 2017, I have no reason to believe Mickey used anything but iron heads on Challenger engines.

[Drag Star Le Mans]

Jack, Who do you think would have their hands on heads like this?

[Jack Gifford]

I don't doubt that Mickey may have built this engine. I was just responding to some comments made about Challenger engines.
In '62 many hot rodders were into Pontiac engines, so I can't guess who may have built it.

[tom s]

I have owned a few sets of these heads.No one really ran them in the 60s as they had small valves and used the 55-60 water pattern so intake selection was limited.Some us have been around pontiac for a very long time,how many engines have you actually seen them on?I have seen 2 and one I owned.Rare is not always desirable.Tom

[PONTIAC LARRY]

these would be cool on a 59 389 build for 55-57 Poncho !

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by tom s

I have owned a few sets of these heads.No one really ran them in the 60s as they had small valves and used the 55-60 water pattern so intake selection was limited.Some us have been around pontiac for a very long time,how many engines have you actually seen them on?I have seen 2 and one I owned.Rare is not always desirable.Tom

That is SO true. Sometimes things become rare for a reason. Nobody wanted them and/or they didn't work as desired. Sometimes in the case of complete cars, they just become cool decades later. Plymouth Superbird comes to mind. Dealers couldn't give them away when new. I passed on a decent 440-6 one in 1978 for $1500.00. Thought is was a rattle trap, pile of junk after a test drive. Jumped back in my 66 Ventura and drove away. That doesn't look too smart today.