Budget aftermarket heads?
#1
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Budget aftermarket heads?
I just found out the heads from my 305 tpi aren't going to be good for my 350 tpi. I know you get what you pay for with heads, but I'm looking for better than stock options that work well with my 2032 crane cam that aren't ridiculously expensive. I have NO IDEA what I'm looking at. Any input on these? Any better options? Or should I just suck it up and get some higher quality heads?
https://www.flotekheads.com/store/Sm...4cc-p130678684
https://promaxxperformance.com/product/maxx-200-sbc/
https://www.flotekheads.com/store/Sm...4cc-p130678684
https://promaxxperformance.com/product/maxx-200-sbc/
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ZsTransAm (10-24-2020)
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z 305 LB9 AT Convertible
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: AT
Re: Budget aftermarket heads?
I might need a set. How does one know Corvette L98 heads, when viewed? Head number, etc., please. How about a source, for quality new or rebuild Corvette L98 heads? Machine shops in N ca get about $ 700.00 to go through a set of heads. Thanks, anyone.
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ZsTransAm (10-24-2020)
#4
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Re: Budget aftermarket heads?
I don't think you can beat the AFR Enforcer as-cast heads. AFR quality machine work and hardware for $477 each:
https://www.airflowresearch.com/195c...cylinder-head/
Blow the doors off some old L98 head from the 80's and no rebuilding required.
GD
https://www.airflowresearch.com/195c...cylinder-head/
Blow the doors off some old L98 head from the 80's and no rebuilding required.
GD
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ZsTransAm (10-24-2020)
#5
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Re: Budget aftermarket heads?
Alum L98/Vette heads/ZZ4 heads casting number ends in 113. ...and of course they're aluminum. ....for me, I don't think you can beat the Vortec heads for a solid budget build. Even with the cost of the manifold, and even though it's not the greatest flowing manifold ever cast, it's still a great combo for fun low end torquey, TPI burnout fun. You do have to watch your max lift if you don't wanna rebuild/mod the valvetrain, and sure...price does add up if you do, but I think it's such a good combo.
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ZsTransAm (10-24-2020)
#6
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Re: Budget aftermarket heads?
By the time you rebuild a set of Vortec heads, upgrade them for lift and screw in studs, buy the $400 tpi base adapter..... you will have spent more than what the Enforcers cost and you won't have aluminium heads. Vortec heads can be prone to cracking, and I rather prefer AFR's choice of spark plug - crush gasket style instead of tapered seat.
GD
GD
Last edited by GeneralDisorder; 10-23-2020 at 04:53 PM.
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ZsTransAm (10-24-2020)
#7
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Re: Budget aftermarket heads?
By the time you rebuild a set of Vortec heads, upgrade them for lift and screw in studs, buy the $400 tpi base adapter..... you will have spent more than what the Enforcers cost and you won't have aluminium heads. Vortec heads can be prone to cracking, and I rather prefer ARF's choice of spark plug - crush gasket style instead of tapered seat.
GD
GD
if you find a set of vortecs that arent cracked for couple hundred bucks, it will be 300-500$ in machine work, valve job to bring them into ready to run condition plus the rare vortec base thats expensive.
same thing with L98 113’s. They arent great heads stock anyway just save you 40-50 lbs. they bring 300-400$ still and again machine work cleaning inspection and valve job moneys
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ZsTransAm (10-24-2020)
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Re: Budget aftermarket heads?
I just found 2 sets of vortecs local to me for under $500. One rebuilt and ready to higher lift, and one set brand new OEM. 2032 mignt not require the machine work...and if you're on a budget...
........BUT STILL.....looked at those AFR's. Under $1000 for an assembled pair. Geez...that's pretty hard to say no to!
........BUT STILL.....looked at those AFR's. Under $1000 for an assembled pair. Geez...that's pretty hard to say no to!
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ZsTransAm (10-24-2020)
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ZsTransAm (10-24-2020)
#10
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Re: Budget aftermarket heads?
WOW I had no idea afr had a budget option! Now my question is 185cc with a 59cc combustion chamber or 195cc with the 64cc combustion chamber. From searching the forums some people are saying 185 would be a better fit for power in the lower rpm range since I have stock intake and runners. I couldn't find anything comparing the the combustion chambers, but looks like stock they're 64cc. The 195cc is $100 cheaper a set, but what do you think would be best for my engine? In case its relevant, I do have headers and 3" exhaust so flow should be good on that end. Also how can I tell for sure that my pistons won't hit my heads?
Last edited by ZsTransAm; 10-24-2020 at 02:55 PM.
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ZsTransAm (10-24-2020)
#12
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Re: Budget aftermarket heads?
From the website the SBC only has a 195cc version,the 185 is for the Ford engine and is 59cc. Anyone know whats better for headers angle or straight plug?
#13
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Re: Budget aftermarket heads?
PRC makes affordable heads that flow like Brodix. We use them on a 355 drag car and they’re amazing. I have a set of aluminum PRC’s ready to replace my dart irons on another 355.
Last edited by Jacobaxeman; 10-26-2020 at 05:57 PM.
#15
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Re: Budget aftermarket heads?
My AFR heads are straight plug and fit just fine with my Dyno Don headers and y-pipe. Including that the y-pipe still fits fine with the raised exhaust port. You do need to wrap the headers and provide insulation boots for the plug wires though.
GD
GD
#16
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Thread Starter
Re: Budget aftermarket heads?
A couple more questions for those more knowledgeable than me. I read someone on another thread talking about 'drilling the intake' for these heads.... what does mean and is it really something that will need to be done? Is there anything else that will need to be done to make them fit? AFR recommends head bolts, head stud kit, and head bolt washers. Is this all more necessary than recommended?
I expect to pull the trigger on the 195 enforcer heads with this next paycheck. Thanks
I expect to pull the trigger on the 195 enforcer heads with this next paycheck. Thanks
#17
Supreme Member
Re: Budget aftermarket heads?
A couple more questions for those more knowledgeable than me. I read someone on another thread talking about 'drilling the intake' for these heads.... what does mean and is it really something that will need to be done? Is there anything else that will need to be done to make them fit? AFR recommends head bolts, head stud kit, and head bolt washers. Is this all more necessary than recommended?
I expect to pull the trigger on the 195 enforcer heads with this next paycheck. Thanks
I expect to pull the trigger on the 195 enforcer heads with this next paycheck. Thanks
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ZsTransAm (11-11-2020)
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ZsTransAm (11-11-2020)
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