Professional engine builders creating custom big-block Chevy combinations often need more flexibility than pre-ported cylinder heads offer. Edelbrock now caters directly to those builders with its new Pro-Port DR-17 BBC head casting, designed as a blank canvas for serious port work.

Edelbrock sells the Pro-Port DR-17 (P/N: 615469) strictly as a raw, unported aluminum casting. Instead, Edelbrock targets professional cylinder head porters and engine builders who develop and execute their own custom CNC porting programs created mainly for high-horsepower applications.

The main draw for these cylinder heads lies in the casting itself. Edelbrock produces these heads in its U.S. foundry with intentionally extra-thick walls in critical port and chamber areas.

It provides ample aluminum “meat” for porters to extensively reshape ports to unique dimensions and locations without compromising the casting’s integrity by hitting water jackets. Edelbrock confirms the design specifically supports this level of custom machining.

This particular DR-17 cylinder head features intake ports raised 0.400 inch from the stock location and utilizes a 17-degree intake valve angle as a starting point for the porter.

Additionally, Edelbrock subjects the raw aluminum castings to a Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) process. The treatment improves the aluminum’s density and overall material strength, adding durability that is essential for engines that make huge power.

Buyers receive the bare casting, typically accompanied by uninstalled valve seats and manganese-bronze valve guides. Edelbrock stresses that these heads absolutely require professional preparation.

Shops need to perform all machine work, including porting, valve seat cutting and installation, guide honing/installation, and final assembly before the head becomes usable. With an individual MSRP of $1,734.95, it represents a starting point for a high-end custom cylinder head backed by a 12-month warranty.

For professional engine builders needing complete control over the airflow in maximum-effort big-block Chevy builds, Edelbrock’s Pro-Port DR-17 casting provides that specialized foundation. It offers a robust, HIP-treated aluminum base with the necessary material thickness intentionally left in place for creating truly custom, optimized cylinder heads.

Make sure to keep an eye on this space because we plan to use this Edelbrock Pro-Port head on our upcoming 2025 EngineLabs Giveaway engine! Subscribe to the EngineLabs newsletter so you don’t miss updates on the giveaway mechanics and the official schedule release.