I'm just wondering if AFR 195 heads will work with stock cast iron exhaust manifolds.
Are the angled spark plugs compatible with stock exhaust manifolds???



Just so you all know, here is why I'm asking.

We have had such good performance gains with other STS Turbo systems I thought it would be fun to build a custom STS turbo system for my IROC.

It would be a single rear mount GT-70 or GT-76 with a front mount Air to Air intercooler. Since I am running the F.A.S.T. engine management, Tuning will be a breeze. It would also have an Electronic Dual stage boost controller and Sequential Methanol injection for when the High Boost is used.

I currently have a custom exhaust with 1 3/4 Hooker Super comps and a custom 4".
I don't like how low the exhaust hangs and want to change a couple of things on my car to back when it was a little less "Tweaked" and more drivable.

After talking with Rick Squires I believe that a set of stock, but highly ported manifolds will work just fine for the rear mount turbo. It will also help keep from melting the spark plug wires so frequently.
I will also be routing the exhaust back to the factory location and will be using a 3" intermediate pipe to go back to the Turbo.

Thanks for the help

What gasket is needed for the AFR 195, fel-pro 1204, 1205, 1206? I have a pair of pro topline pro lightning heads, with intake runner volume at 200cc (I am guessing that the port sizes for both our heads are about the same size), that use fel-pro 1206 gaskets and those are a lot bigger than the stock size ports. I asked my mechanic that put my heads together (I asked him the same question that your asking) and he said I could go with the stock fel-pro 1204 gasket with my heads and a stock manifold. It looked like there were no gaps but that’s just it. My mechanic told me if I decided to do this there is a change that pressure loss could happened due to improper sealing and the result could cause damage to my piston (i.e. burn a hole in the piston). So I decided not to take a change and save up more cash to buy a Mini Ram that will fit the 1206 gasket (When I started my build I waned a Mini Ram, but I also waned my car running as soon as possible). Its costing me more money and I its taking me longer to complete my build now, but I think it is the smart thing to do, and it will save me a lot more cash and time in the long run. I hope this helps.

I think you're going to have a tough time making angle plugs clear the manifold outlet on the driver's side that shoots straight down between 5 & 7. Everything else you might have a fighting chance.

AFR exhaust ports are just like stock but everything sits about 1/4" higher than on a stock head.

AFR also makes the 195s with straight plugs that will stand a better shot at fitting with stock manifolds. But, of course, you probably already own the heads.

Damon,
I have a question for you about angled spark plugs. My heads are for angled spark plugs, do you know if there will be trouble getting the spark plugs in with aftermarket headers (SLP 1 ¾” )? Thanks

What angle do you have? Plain ol' angle or L98 angle? If it's the L98 angle you should be cool. I've heard of issues with the standard angle and 1 3/4 SLP's.

I am not sure what angle they are at, but I do know that my heads are for a small block chevy so if I had to guess I would say they are at the standard angle. Well, I will post back here when I get to that part in my build. But I hope I dont run into any problems.

Thanks for the Information.

It sounds like my best bet may be to go back to the SLP 1-3/4 shorties. I've had them before and had nothing but trouble with leaks. The SLPs flanges were warped from the factory. I even tried to belt sand the flanges flat but because they were Stainless steel they mainly just wore out sanding belts.

The good news is that they would certainly flow better than the manifolds.

Any other Ideas would be appreciated...

I have only used SLP headers with straight plug heads so I can't really help you out there. Might want to call over SLP and ask some questions.

Using my powers of imagination I'm trying to imagine angled plugs and those headers.......... I think you're going to end up with a few plugs pointing straight at some header tubes. But..... remember that dimpling header tubes for plug clearance is a time honored tradition!

hahah, I might be honoring that tradition here shortly!!

Very true!

I had the SLPs at one time, and pretty much had to beat the crap out of them...

Mine fit up with no issues, just had to bend some brake lines out of the way. They are supposed to work with l98 angle heads.