[wbnapier]

Originally Posted by MatthewKlein

Is iron cheaper to cast than aluminum?

Just from a quick google:
"Aluminum as raw material costs more than iron ore. But when it comes to casting aluminum vs cast iron components, casting aluminum components are cheaper. This is because the most convenient casting method is die casting."

You are wanting a cast iron head because it will be cheaper to produce or because you want it to look original?

You can sand cast aluminum. Die casting is more expensive, but more precise. My experience in this is based on ornamental castings in China which may or may not apply.