Red Maserati Head with 12 bolt VC?

[J&H Ryan]

Does anyone know what these are? Are they prototype? I've seen pics of ones that have different script, painted red, and they have 12 bolts holding the VC down, instead of the normal 7. Are these and their different heads worth anything more or less than the black ones you see and which one would you use if you had the choice?

[4 l-bodies]

I believe all the pre-production masi heads had the slightly smaller valves. Rick D. could probably fill you in on the pre-production masi stuff best. Personally, unless it is complete, and I mean really complete, I would be pretty shy of any pre-production stuff.
Todd

[GLHNSLHT2]

Guy I know with a prototype head has 7 bolts for his VC.

[J&H Ryan]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y160/BooGTS/IMAG1188.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y160/BooGTS/IMAG1189.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y160/BooGTS/IMAG1196.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y160/BooGTS/IMAG1197.jpg

[4 l-bodies]

With those twelve bolts... Imagine a masi valve cover gasket that actually could seal (haha). Cool stuff! Always liked the Maserati red valve covers. That would definitely be a conversation piece. Is that 12 or 14 bolts? Looks like two in the center on each end.
Todd

[turbovanman²]

Where do you guys find this stuff? :confused:

One day, I'll own a Masi powered van, :nod:

[J&H Ryan]

14 bolts, I can't count...

[2.216VTurbo]

First one I've seen. It's cool and sexy:love:Is that a B&G Chrysler piece? Never even laid eyes one like that at Diogo's place and he's the Guru of 16V Masi stuff:thumb:

[GLHNSLHT2]

wasn't there one of those valve covers on the Craigslist add for the motor in Atlanta on a crate in a warehouse in July???? But it was black.

[johnl]

Wow, new to me.

[Reaper1]

That is VERY pre-production. Looks like it might have been a test mule. It doesn't have the rear oil drain on the back of the head (boss looks like it's there). Looks like pressure and EGT taps on the exhaust manifold. Also, the flanges for the manifold are connected. I don't think this is the case with production ones. The VC looks like it has ears on it possibly for timing belt cover? EGR block-off plate! Is there another water inlet/outlet on the side of the head?

Rick and I were discussing pre-production valve covers and heads again the other day. It seems that he's found that there were many variants using different valve covers and different valve cover gaskets. You'd have to have the matching head, VC, and VC gasket in order to even start to think about running it.

The pre-pro heads are cool, but unless you have EVERYTHING to go with it, they are just nice to look at. Even if you DO have everything, getting replacement gaskets and parts is impossible unless you can make them yourself.

I do think that's the first time I've seen a red Masi VC, though. It does look neat. The only reason I wouldn't do it to my own is because I don't want it to look like a TIII!! ;)

[daver]

Hmm, interesting. Looks similar to the pre-production Masi stuff with the "Chrysler by Detomaso" just in red and with the scripting changed to the later "by Maserati". Looks like they hadn't finalized the location for the oil cap either yet.

[J&H Ryan]

I was being sort of shy about them, but these are mine. They are complete with the blocks and all, just not attached obviously. I can get some pics. One day I intend to build up a car with one of these. Sounds like I should use the black one and just keep the red one as a conversation piece? I don't know anything about masi engines other than I knew I wanted to do it over another TIII car for the next build. Or if these don't work, I picked up a complete never run prototype TIII as well :)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y160/BooGTS/IMAG1190.jpg

[Reaper1]

I was being sort of shy about them, but these are mine. They are complete with the blocks and all, just not attached obviously. I can get some pics. One day I intend to build up a car with one of these. Sounds like I should use the black one and just keep the red one as a conversation piece? I don't know anything about masi engines other than I knew I wanted to do it over another TIII car for the next build. Or if these don't work, I picked up a complete never run prototype TIII as well :)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y160/BooGTS/IMAG1190.jpg

I for one would LOVE to have pictures of those engines. I know Rick Diogo probably would as well. He can also tell you MUCH more about the preproduction head and he has the parts to get your production head kicking some major butt!

[J&H Ryan]

Anyone have Ricks email at least? I don't even know his name on here.

[GLHNSLHT2]

rick@rdiperformance.com


www.rdiperformance.com

[J&H Ryan]

Got a PM too, thanks. Basically I should use the more production head for performance, but the other one will make for a spare/wall art. Rick hadn't seen a VC exactly like that before. I haven't gotten around to cleaning them up and taking more pics.

[Reaper1]

When you do, PLEASE post them!! :D