Ok, this question seems to be asked regularly, I've searched the forum but can't seem to find the exact setup I am looking for so here it goes....

I have an 89GTA - 5.7 Auto - currently has a ported highflow edelbrock intake, hi-flow runners and a ported plenum, dyno don headers, dual cats and upgraded exhaust, FIC 22lb injectors, custom chip, 3.23 etc. This was all done just over a year ago and I do notice an increase in power - but looking for more power in mid/high range. I am looking to replace the stock heads with either the Brodix IK180 or the newer AFR as cast 195's. I also recently acquired a Superram which will be installed.
This car will not be tracked - just street driven. I understand that I will need to upgrade my torque converter which is not a problem. Don't want to lose too much on the low end side either.

Should I be leaning towards 180cc vs 195? What cams would you recommend?

Appreciate the feedback.

 

Brodix 180s don't have a coolant port drilled in them for temp sending units. That may sway your choice.
You probably won't lose any "low" end, you might gain with better heads. 2800-3800 you 'may' have a loss with a Superram but you won't care when it makes a bunch more power above that.
I'm not the best for cam advice but for street with 3.23 gears, look for a 'tpi intended' cam around 210 220 durations.

 

AFR DONE. You'll never max 195's out, and the port is not too big.

Edit, missed the SuperRam bit. You'll be limited to about 6000rpm. So keep your cam in that range. But a high lift, aggressive lobe will get you a ton under the curve.

 

Thanks for some feedback.

My local engine shop said that they would be able to drill and tap in the ports needed for the coolant if I went with the Brodix.

As for cams - I was looking at the comp 268XFI HR13 (218/224), has a valve lift of .570 - I think the Brodix are rated for .575 and AFR .600. Not sure how this cam/head combo would be with the superram which is why I am asking the questions so I don't screw it up!

I am leaning towards the AFR 195s - just thought it may have been 'too much' for my application.

 

Nah, it isn't too much. There was a thread on it about a year ago, the answers were yes no and maybe but it all boils down bigger heads need to be pretty big before they're a problem. GM fastburns are 210 on street engines. 4.8 and 5.3 lsx's are 200s too. You might have better port velocity on smaller heads but that doesn't mean a whole lot between these 2 choices.

 

Looks like I'll place an order for the AFR's. I'd appreciate more feedback on the cam, if comps 268 would be ok, or I should look at something else.

 

That thread is still going.

But in todays terms, a 195cc port is probably the smallest you should go when considering aftermarket heads. Anything less than that is really for significantly smaller displacements than a 350.

AFR's are extremely efficient and get a lot of work done at low / mid lift.

Even if you are keeping the duration down for TPI/SuperRam, you'll still want a modern lobe profile that ramps up fast to maximize cylinder filling for the most power.

With a SuperRam you could probably comfortably run in the 220° to 225° duration without much issue. Just watch the over-lap and keep that down so you can keep your street manners. You'd probably happiest with a very close to single pattern cam (duration is same on intake as exhaust, aka 215/215, 220/220...etc.). AFR's have good exhaust flow, so ou don't need a split pattern to get good exhaust scavenging.

I would actually talk to custom cam guys vs off the shelf grinds.

 

Second what was already said, afr 195 is fantastic all around head

main thing i like is the valvespring setups they offer, small diameter stiff springs for good modern aggressive lobe cams. 8mm valve stems are light weight. Their standard hyd roller spring would work ok with the smaller xfi grind to 6000-6200. They have an upgrade spring with a bit more pressure. Use a good ls7 type lifter, not the delphi cheap ones, and you’ll be set

 

Honestly if you can get them, good ol GM ls7 lifters and done. Stands up to the high winding high lift cam and spring combo on my 195s.

 

Thanks everyone for your feedback.

I called Comp and based on my setup they recommended the same cam I was considering (268XFI) or alternatively the XR269HR which has the same duration but the lift is 0.500 and LSA @112. I am leaning towards the 268XFI - it has a 0.570 lift with 1.6 rockers, to be safe should I go with 1.5 or 1.52? Would I notice a difference? Will that help with piston to valve clearance?

I also called my local GM parts department and can get GM LS7 lifters - they are AC Delco - not sure if they are the same as Delphi or not, will still look around to see what alternatives are available.

I should have orders placed in the next day or two, AFR heads have a 8-10 week lead time and Comp told me that the cam would not be available until at least mid November due to shortage on blanks.

 

I seriously suggest talking to a few people about a custom ground cam.

they cost the same, but are taylored to your combo.

 

Did you see my completed mods list post? Over the last 20 years I have mostly used AFR heads, the only exception being my C5TTZ where I had used WCCH to increase my stock LS6 heads to 77cc to reduce the compression ratio down to 9.3:1. The reason for that was because I had the motor rebuilt using -2cc dish (valve reliefs) flat top diamond pistons. Rather than change the pistons I just did what they used to call "blower heads". That car made 1000hp, was sold after I put 12K on it and is still running somewhere.

But anyway AFR is really the way to go for heads in my opinion. I used to like World Products too...but AFRs are about the best you can get from a manufacturer. For a 350 AFR 195s are where you want to be, some people that have purchased 180s might comment that the velocities might be faster with the 180s but blah blah, the 195s will give you room to grow in the future too should you decided to rebuild with a 383. The Super Ram is going to help out a lot too.

My build is
AFR 195 CNC
Comp 280XFI
Holley Stealth Ram
30lb Injectors
3000 Edge Stall Converter
Dyno Don Headers
C6 Wheels (26.9" tall)
Car runs great and pulls from 3200-6400 rpms (shift) at WOT, it actually sounds and performs like the way a SBC 350 should, the only thing that would make it better would be if I did a piston swap at the time and bumped the compression ratio up to 10.5:1 or so....someday.

But what I noticed is the soft shift and lack of get from the bottom (due to tire height). To fix this I am installing a Superior Shift kit and Corvette Servo, and 3.73 gears.

I think that with any heads and cam swap that performs in the mid to upper rpms, that gears are a must, especially when using a taller tire that stock (25.5").

 

Thanks for everyone's feedback. I went ahead and ordered the AFR195's - should be here mid to late October. I also ordered the 268XFI which will come at the end of November. I did speak to 2 people at Comp regarding custom grinds - both suggested that for my setup to stick with the 268.

I do have another question, I see that most of you have swapped in higher flowing injectors from the stock 22lbs. I changed my injectors about 18 months ago with the Bosch Gen III's from FIC (no AFPR). Would these still work for me if I got an AFPR and increased the fuel pressure? My goal is to get at least around 320hp+ at the wheels with these mew mods with the superram on top of the existing mods already done. Do I need to swap over to the Bosch 24's or 30's (with an AFPR)? Will the 22lbs limit me?

Thanks.

 

Run higher base pressure, 58-60 psi should do it

 

That's 58psi when measured without the vacuum line correct (with the 22lbs)? Can the stock fuel pump sustain 58psi?

Thanks.

 

You should upgrade to a walbro 255 high pressure deal if not already.

58 psi without vacuum should get those injectors closer to 26 lb hr which will definitely support 320+ whp no problem.

 

Christmas came early!