Granted, an unwelded split head would have no inherent beam strength. However, it does seem that it would be possible to regain that strength without the necessity of going through the furnace brazing or welding process.
An oversized intake/exhuast flange matched with a dummy strap bolted to the bosses on the back of the head may be enough. Either could be further strengthened with an inverted L shape to increase web depth.
The top of the split head halves could also be milled flat so that a girdle plate could sit atop the entire arrangement, mounting the valve cover on the girdle.
One of the reasons that omitting the brazing/welding process for the adventurous low-dollar builder might be advantageous is that damage to or over-porting of one of the halves would be much less financially traumatic.
Last edited by DougE; 10/18/10 02:52 PM.
