PRI 2017: Brodix Goes Billet With The BB-3 Xtra Head

Brodix has been in the cylinder head game a long time, and they are constantly looking for new ways to increase performance. To that end, they took their extremely popular BB-3 Xtra 24-degree big-block Chevrolet cylinder head, and remade it entirely out of billet aluminum.

“We took our existing cylinder head, digitized it into CAD files, deleted the water passages, and then machined it out of billet,” says Mark Fretz. “This is a duplicate of the BB-3 Xtra, but in billet form. It’s a stronger piece for guys wanting to go over 40 pounds of boost.”

Not only will this billet cylinder head accept every Brodix BB-3-specific part on the market, but as it is modeled after the BB-3, it’s a conventional big-block Chevy cylinder head, so it is compatible with standard parts.

“We made it to where anything designed for a conventional head would work on it. Rockers, intake manifold, valve covers, pistons, and exhaust manifolds will all match right up,” says Fretz. “If you’re running a conventional-style head, you can switch to this without changing your whole engine setup.”

Completely CNC-machined by definition, the billet BB-3 Xtra comes with 2.350-inch intake valves with an Ampco 45 aluminum-bronze valve seat, and 1.880-inch exhaust valves with a beryllium-copper valve seat, and the combustion chambers are custom cut for your specific bore-size. “We have the customer specify their bore size and we cut the conical chamber to that exact size,” says Fretz. “We can do from a 4.500-inch bore up to 4.625-inch bore.”

Since this is a standard big-block Chevy head, but made from billet, there are no special accessories needed. “Any head gasket will work, out of the box. MLS and copper gaskets are by far the most popular, and there is no need to run any crazy clamp loads on these heads. 75 foot-pounds and you’re good,” Fretz says.

Conventional BBC racers can rejoice knowing that there’s a cylinder head which can accommodate their big-boost needs.

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About the author

Greg Acosta

Greg has spent nineteen years and counting in automotive publishing, with most of his work having a very technical focus. Always interested in how things work, he enjoys sharing his passion for automotive technology with the reader.
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