Engine ideas.
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 175
From: Milwaukee
Car: 92 Firebird, 77 Trans Am SE, 86 Z28
Engine: 5.7 HSR, T/A 6.6, empty
Transmission: T-5, TH350, T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 posi, 3.23 posi, 3.23
Re: Engine ideas.
The FIRST manifold is primarily designed for the pre-87 bolt pattern heads (which is why I got the AFR 195's because if anything, it will fit better). But has the ability to bolt and seal to a Vortec. Any port misalignment (I'm sure there was some) was not noticeable either during assembly or on my dyno numbers using stock Vortec's. I think the variation is minor.
As for the low lift flow on the AFR's..... if it is in fact worse than a Vortec it doesn't seem to show up in any of the dyno charts comparing the two that I have seen. They seem to act almost identically till you get up higher in the RPM where you need that extra flow and then the AFR's just keep climbing while the iron Vortec falls off.
AFR is also now selling "budget, as-cast" versions of their heads - without all the CNC porting, etc. They are inexpensive and outperform a Vortec easily.
https://www.airflowresearch.com/195c...cylinder-head/
$477 each fully assembled with the same high quality parts used in the CNC versions. That's insanely cheap.
GD
As for the low lift flow on the AFR's..... if it is in fact worse than a Vortec it doesn't seem to show up in any of the dyno charts comparing the two that I have seen. They seem to act almost identically till you get up higher in the RPM where you need that extra flow and then the AFR's just keep climbing while the iron Vortec falls off.
AFR is also now selling "budget, as-cast" versions of their heads - without all the CNC porting, etc. They are inexpensive and outperform a Vortec easily.
https://www.airflowresearch.com/195c...cylinder-head/
$477 each fully assembled with the same high quality parts used in the CNC versions. That's insanely cheap.
GD
Supreme Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,916
Likes: 883
From: 53.0907° N, 113.4695° W
Re: Engine ideas.
Lets hope the ports are in the right locations!
https://www.speed-talk.com/forum/vie...hp?f=1&t=60873
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Battle Ground
Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Engine ideas.
Neat thread on post 44, skinny. For as little money as it will cost me I will do a before and after test of the ram air. Can't hurt, might help. So why not?
Supreme Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,916
Likes: 883
From: 53.0907° N, 113.4695° W
Re: Engine ideas.
Indeed.
Despite being a carburetor guy and having a cowl hood (that was intended to used as a source of cold air) I'm intending to build what it takes to incorporate the TPI filter case to that carb.
I absolutely think it's the way to go.
Despite being a carburetor guy and having a cowl hood (that was intended to used as a source of cold air) I'm intending to build what it takes to incorporate the TPI filter case to that carb.
I absolutely think it's the way to go.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Battle Ground
Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Engine ideas.
Been awhile as life has taken me away from the T/A and it has been sitting in the garage, but life is going to let me get back to this project finally. Things I have learned from that time to now...
Money is now less of an issue. Getting this car done right even if it is more expensive is worth the principal investment. I don't want to chop this car to pieces and put it back together again. I would like to drive this car sooner rather than later. The LB9 that is in this car is dead and not worth rebuilding. For the cost and ease to acheive TQ/HP potential a 383 stroker, will be a better drop in option to pair with the planned rebuilt & beefed up 700R4.
https://www.hotrod.com/news/0503em-s...k-engine-build
A really neat 87 octane 383 stroker build.
The continuation of Scott's project:
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...cott-Parkhurst
I like most of the things they did in this build.
Things I want to replicate from this build:
Block/CID: 383 Stroker
383 Kit: https://cnc-motorsports.com/37502vrk...h-pistons.html
AFR Eliminator Heads - Not sure what size would best get me the best low end performance yet for a street car with an occasional autocross session.
Calico CT-2 thermal barrier coating
ARP Professional Stud Kit
Things I want to do differently:
Intake: (I like the look of the long tube runners on a stock TPI.) First TPI has a 1050 CFM TPI system that replicates the look of the original TPI system but delivers much better performance. I am pretty set on using this intake. Most of it will plug and play with the existing electronics but I know the ECM is going to get reprogrammed. They also have intakes that fit across a wide range of platforms so finding one for the 383 Stroker is not an issue.
Exhaust: Hawks 82-92 Camaro/Firebird SBC Stainless 1 & 3/4" Long Tube Headers (Looks like I am going for Straight Plugs on the cylinder heads to work with these headers)
Cam Shaft: Hydraulic Roller Lifter Cam
Compression Ratio: Looking for a lower compression ratio that doesn't quite push the line of detonation on 87 octane as Scott Parkhurst's did. probably looking at the 75CC options on the heads
Money is now less of an issue. Getting this car done right even if it is more expensive is worth the principal investment. I don't want to chop this car to pieces and put it back together again. I would like to drive this car sooner rather than later. The LB9 that is in this car is dead and not worth rebuilding. For the cost and ease to acheive TQ/HP potential a 383 stroker, will be a better drop in option to pair with the planned rebuilt & beefed up 700R4.
https://www.hotrod.com/news/0503em-s...k-engine-build
A really neat 87 octane 383 stroker build.
The continuation of Scott's project:
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...cott-Parkhurst
I like most of the things they did in this build.
Things I want to replicate from this build:
Block/CID: 383 Stroker
383 Kit: https://cnc-motorsports.com/37502vrk...h-pistons.html
AFR Eliminator Heads - Not sure what size would best get me the best low end performance yet for a street car with an occasional autocross session.
Calico CT-2 thermal barrier coating
ARP Professional Stud Kit
Things I want to do differently:
Intake: (I like the look of the long tube runners on a stock TPI.) First TPI has a 1050 CFM TPI system that replicates the look of the original TPI system but delivers much better performance. I am pretty set on using this intake. Most of it will plug and play with the existing electronics but I know the ECM is going to get reprogrammed. They also have intakes that fit across a wide range of platforms so finding one for the 383 Stroker is not an issue.
Exhaust: Hawks 82-92 Camaro/Firebird SBC Stainless 1 & 3/4" Long Tube Headers (Looks like I am going for Straight Plugs on the cylinder heads to work with these headers)
Cam Shaft: Hydraulic Roller Lifter Cam
Compression Ratio: Looking for a lower compression ratio that doesn't quite push the line of detonation on 87 octane as Scott Parkhurst's did. probably looking at the 75CC options on the heads
Last edited by fltche1; Feb 1, 2026 at 02:52 PM.
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