081 heads
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: MS
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
081 heads
can 081 heads be used effectively on a daily driver? most ive read say the compression is to high for a DD.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
Mine runs nicely, passed emissions out here in AZ, tuned and have about 30k on
the crank since I put the motor in. If anything, shes eats alittle more gas then the
factory build iirc. There was a few minor issues in the beginning, getting
it tuned solved a good sum of that.
Daily driver wise, my commute was a 28mile highway haul each way.
I like em!
the crank since I put the motor in. If anything, shes eats alittle more gas then the
factory build iirc. There was a few minor issues in the beginning, getting
it tuned solved a good sum of that.
Daily driver wise, my commute was a 28mile highway haul each way.
I like em!
Last edited by TPI; Apr 20, 2009 at 07:39 PM.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
It was very lean, I had a narly ping uptop initially, so I kept it below 3500rpm
during that time. Symptom of not enough fuel, and a single pattern cam more
so than the head choice. Id say it was no worse than 16mpg. After the tune, I
could run her like normal but, it was still around the same neighborhood 18-20.
I got plans for the heads but, no time to work 'em over!
If only I kept the factory l98 cam I could tell you exactly how
it'd run in conjunction with the 081's. Are you staying with the
factory cam?
during that time. Symptom of not enough fuel, and a single pattern cam more
so than the head choice. Id say it was no worse than 16mpg. After the tune, I
could run her like normal but, it was still around the same neighborhood 18-20.
I got plans for the heads but, no time to work 'em over!

If only I kept the factory l98 cam I could tell you exactly how
it'd run in conjunction with the 081's. Are you staying with the
factory cam?
Last edited by TPI; Apr 21, 2009 at 08:13 PM.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
Right on, Should be a nice ride when it is said and done. You wont get that much of
a gain in compression as some people think but, I noticed it. They flow decent,
and even better with a good port and bigger valves, which is a must if going on a 350.
Very streetable though, and great to learn/play around on without worrying about
the monetary value of em too much.
Especially if it is your first time porting. You've seen the 305 head article by
Sitting Bull right? Great visuals to be seen if your going that route.
a gain in compression as some people think but, I noticed it. They flow decent,
and even better with a good port and bigger valves, which is a must if going on a 350.
Very streetable though, and great to learn/play around on without worrying about
the monetary value of em too much.
Especially if it is your first time porting. You've seen the 305 head article by
Sitting Bull right? Great visuals to be seen if your going that route.
Trending Topics
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...-pictures.html
If she does run good and she dont ping uptop then sweet. But, I wouldnt
invest too much cash in them as there are better options out there for TPI
setup.
still cool to know what you can do on a budget!
If she does run good and she dont ping uptop then sweet. But, I wouldnt
invest too much cash in them as there are better options out there for TPI
setup.
still cool to know what you can do on a budget!
Last edited by TPI; Apr 22, 2009 at 02:26 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: MS
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 081 heads
SWEET article! hopefully i will be getting a set of 081s ported/modded here soon. im going to need a tune since i will be removing the AIR system and possibly the EGR. will be using 24# injectors, hooker 2055s w/ full exhaust to tips, new base, AS&m LTR, and will be porting the plenum.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
I knew you'd dig it.
It inspired me when I first came about the forums. Notice that date
of 2001! Hell I wasnt even registered then, but I did enjoy this thread.
Just keep your eye on the detonation, get it tuned pronto especially
if going with the 24 pounders. and, by tune I dont mean learn how to
burn proms yourself... Good shops still work OBDI, just takes alittle
homework to find them.
Ignore all that if you got a shop already.
It inspired me when I first came about the forums. Notice that date
of 2001! Hell I wasnt even registered then, but I did enjoy this thread.
Just keep your eye on the detonation, get it tuned pronto especially
if going with the 24 pounders. and, by tune I dont mean learn how to
burn proms yourself... Good shops still work OBDI, just takes alittle
homework to find them.
Ignore all that if you got a shop already.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
To be precise, 3/4 throttle/WOT in overdrive mostly. Like I said a lean
condition at operating temperature contributed to it more so than anything.
Just take into consideration the heads/valves in stock form sitting on a bigger
bore. Anything not operating they way it should (like a lean condition) can
potentially provoke the situation.
condition at operating temperature contributed to it more so than anything.
Just take into consideration the heads/valves in stock form sitting on a bigger
bore. Anything not operating they way it should (like a lean condition) can
potentially provoke the situation.
Last edited by TPI; Apr 26, 2009 at 11:30 PM.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
Pretty basic really. Mild port TPI, 24lb ford injectors, the single pattern
hydraulic roller, cant recall exact specs, cam card is around somewhere.
The numbers I listed were not correct. Hedman 1 5/8th shorties w/ AIR.
That's bout it engine related, built to get me to work after I spun a bearing
back then. Behaves nice on the road, a classy ride I like to say.
hydraulic roller, cant recall exact specs, cam card is around somewhere.
The numbers I listed were not correct. Hedman 1 5/8th shorties w/ AIR.
That's bout it engine related, built to get me to work after I spun a bearing
back then. Behaves nice on the road, a classy ride I like to say.
Last edited by TPI; Apr 25, 2009 at 09:37 AM.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: MS
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 081 heads
i hope to be getting a set of 081s ported w/ comp springs, using a crane 104224(214 .452/.465) 112 LSA, may use 1.6 rr's to give it a .482/.496. hooker 2055s w/o AIR, EGR delete(maybe), accel super ram base, AS&M LTR, hooker CATback off a magnaflow hi-flo CAT, ported plenum and 24# injs, and AFPR.
Last edited by navyCM; Apr 24, 2009 at 09:00 AM.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
Im jealous! Especially with your suspension mods listed in your sig.
I chose to keep the AIR/EGR system functional, as it is more of
my commuter more so than a street pounder.
Like the Sitting Bull article mentioned, if you work those heads the
right way, they flow far better than what they are worth in terms
of money.
I chose to keep the AIR/EGR system functional, as it is more of
my commuter more so than a street pounder.
Like the Sitting Bull article mentioned, if you work those heads the
right way, they flow far better than what they are worth in terms
of money.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: MS
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 081 heads
im hoping for a SWEET sleeper street car when im done. nothing super crazy. something to take out a few more ricers and tangle w/ a few of the 4th gens that run around here.
build wont be done till i get home in Aug., but ill post up #'s when im finished.
build wont be done till i get home in Aug., but ill post up #'s when im finished.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: MS
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 081 heads
hope so too first time ill be putting 305 heads on a 350. so i need all the input i can get.
im a seabee actually.
im a seabee actually.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
My goodness, who woulda thought!
Kinda off subject, im working on going diver at the moment..
So, I got a kick out of that. Got a AE buddy serving with the
stennis, hes got a killer ride as well, haha!
As for the 081/416's on a 350, the path is well traveled.
Itll work, how well it runs initially is anyones guess.. Im
going out on a limb here, but guessing that you'll like them.
Kinda off subject, im working on going diver at the moment..
So, I got a kick out of that. Got a AE buddy serving with the
stennis, hes got a killer ride as well, haha!
As for the 081/416's on a 350, the path is well traveled.
Itll work, how well it runs initially is anyones guess.. Im
going out on a limb here, but guessing that you'll like them.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: MS
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 081 heads
so i guess your in the navy as well?
i hope w/ the dual pattern cam i will not have the detonation issue you had.
i hope w/ the dual pattern cam i will not have the detonation issue you had.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
In the enlistment process actually, Im still a tad young.. hehe!
Though I should have been in at 18 if you get my drift.
Its not so much cam choice as it was running condition for
my issue, seems your 2032 is a reasonable cam. Also, my ping
was only at operating temp/closed loop in OD, not like it was
prevalent everywhere I went.
Though I should have been in at 18 if you get my drift.
Its not so much cam choice as it was running condition for
my issue, seems your 2032 is a reasonable cam. Also, my ping
was only at operating temp/closed loop in OD, not like it was
prevalent everywhere I went.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
What I meant was. The car never detonated when cold, it was always
in closed loop. So, when the ECM had command of the engine is where
my problem started. Car was likely going lean to rich in a insufficient manner
and so forth.. ECM adjustments were erratic.. I didnt tune it so Im not
entirely sure.
My first thought converter lockup was giving me the guff, as it
only would ping under 3/4 load in OD. But, nope ..wasted time
screwing around looking for something that wasnt the problem.
in closed loop. So, when the ECM had command of the engine is where
my problem started. Car was likely going lean to rich in a insufficient manner
and so forth.. ECM adjustments were erratic.. I didnt tune it so Im not
entirely sure.
My first thought converter lockup was giving me the guff, as it
only would ping under 3/4 load in OD. But, nope ..wasted time
screwing around looking for something that wasnt the problem.
Last edited by TPI; Apr 27, 2009 at 08:11 AM.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
But, with white plugs ..Im inclined to say it was starving for fuel.
Then again, it could have been rich during a certain load speed
and super lean at another. Hence, why setting the proper injector
bin value is vital when adding larger or even smaller injectors, a AFPR
alone is a crude way to regulate fuel delivery.
Shes gotta be smooth, especially with the higher compression
over factory and stock valves of the 081's.
Then again, it could have been rich during a certain load speed
and super lean at another. Hence, why setting the proper injector
bin value is vital when adding larger or even smaller injectors, a AFPR
alone is a crude way to regulate fuel delivery.
Shes gotta be smooth, especially with the higher compression
over factory and stock valves of the 081's.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
Imagine how hot it gets though, valves are gunna chatter
if your redlining the beast, even fumes light up like a dry
bush prematurely, which is what ping is.. spark knock/premature detonation.
I also noticed the car likes 87 octane more so than 91,
anomaly? Im not sure, I wont argue with cheaper gas.
if your redlining the beast, even fumes light up like a dry
bush prematurely, which is what ping is.. spark knock/premature detonation.
I also noticed the car likes 87 octane more so than 91,
anomaly? Im not sure, I wont argue with cheaper gas.
Last edited by TPI; Apr 30, 2009 at 04:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: MS
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 081 heads
well it looks like the deal i got for the heads is going to go through. ive been considering using a thicker head gasket to bring the CR down a bit to hopefully avoid any problems.
regardless its getting a dyno tune...
regardless its getting a dyno tune...
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
Congrats, hope you got a bargain!
Please let the board know how you made out with the combo,
As you might see, the topic has come up quite a bit the last few days!
Please let the board know how you made out with the combo,
As you might see, the topic has come up quite a bit the last few days!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: MS
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 081 heads
ive been talking w/ southbay about some injectors and they have recommended a 27# inj. i was planning on going w/ a 24#.
in your guys experience and from what i listed above as the mods going to be used, which would be a better selection?
they guessed i would be pushing 350-400 HP and i thought that sounded like quite a high number for my planned mods. even for @ the flywheel...
in your guys experience and from what i listed above as the mods going to be used, which would be a better selection?
they guessed i would be pushing 350-400 HP and i thought that sounded like quite a high number for my planned mods. even for @ the flywheel...
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
A 350 will be able to use the fuel, and with it tuned it should be good.
I know a few guys run 30# on a n/a TPI motor, I think it is pretty smart
considering if you change something, youll have enough injector for whatever.
Ive hear some guys kick themselves because they bought 24#
but figured out down the road 30's would have been the best bet.
With the 10:5:1 compression, the 2032 cam, and you work those 081's,
I would imagine you getting roughly 300BHP with a ported/aftermarket
tuned port. I dont foresee a problem with 27# on your engine!
You guys agree?
I know a few guys run 30# on a n/a TPI motor, I think it is pretty smart
considering if you change something, youll have enough injector for whatever.
Ive hear some guys kick themselves because they bought 24#
but figured out down the road 30's would have been the best bet.
With the 10:5:1 compression, the 2032 cam, and you work those 081's,
I would imagine you getting roughly 300BHP with a ported/aftermarket
tuned port. I dont foresee a problem with 27# on your engine!
You guys agree?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: MS
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 081 heads
300BWHP sounds like alot to me. i didnt think this set up would get me into those numbers. dont get me wrong im not complaining.
need to make sure of the correct injectors dont want to have to buy 2 sets.
anyone else have and opinion???????????
need to make sure of the correct injectors dont want to have to buy 2 sets.
anyone else have and opinion???????????
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
Oh, I meant base horse at the crank! Id like to think around
265-275 at the wheels give or take, mine feels stronger than stock
by a good portion.. with unworked heads!
and yes please, someone with some injector experience chime in here!
I really cant argree or disagree w/ southbay with confidence on the
27#er's.
After rereading the thread, an AS&M LTR MAF TPI setup, crane 2032, ported 081's,
tuned with a nice exhaust would produce better numbers than factory id hope!
Sheesh, I want your car.
265-275 at the wheels give or take, mine feels stronger than stock
by a good portion.. with unworked heads!
and yes please, someone with some injector experience chime in here!
I really cant argree or disagree w/ southbay with confidence on the
27#er's.
After rereading the thread, an AS&M LTR MAF TPI setup, crane 2032, ported 081's,
tuned with a nice exhaust would produce better numbers than factory id hope!
Sheesh, I want your car.
Last edited by TPI; May 20, 2009 at 08:15 AM.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,531
Likes: 1
From: sunny so cal.
Car: 1990
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: 081 heads
come back safe. when i saw your CM i thought you were a commander but now i see its construction mechanic. that means part time you are blue water and the other part you are boots in the dirt. take care - cant wait so see your build.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: MS
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 081 heads
more like full time boots in the dirt, a dirt sailor i like to say.
i cant wait to get home and start the build! i know my numbers will be better than stock. porting the plenum to the AS&Ms, porting the Accel base to the AS&Ms, w/ massively ported 081s, Crane 2032 cam, 1.6 Pro-comp full rollers, Hooker 2055s w/ hi-flo Magnaflow CAT, and a Hooker CAT-back on a fresh bottom end rebuild better get me alot better numbers than stock, w/ hopefully a dyno tune but a chip tune none the less.
not sure about 300 bwhp though, it'd be nice though.
still need opinions on the 27#ers...
i cant wait to get home and start the build! i know my numbers will be better than stock. porting the plenum to the AS&Ms, porting the Accel base to the AS&Ms, w/ massively ported 081s, Crane 2032 cam, 1.6 Pro-comp full rollers, Hooker 2055s w/ hi-flo Magnaflow CAT, and a Hooker CAT-back on a fresh bottom end rebuild better get me alot better numbers than stock, w/ hopefully a dyno tune but a chip tune none the less.
not sure about 300 bwhp though, it'd be nice though.
still need opinions on the 27#ers...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: MS
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 081 heads
just got an email form southbay. they are recommending 30#ers now since i will be running a AFPR. not saying they are wrong, i just dont want to buy what i dont need.
anyone else got any insight on this.
anyone else got any insight on this.
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
Supreme Member

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: 081 heads
I dunno man, since nobody chimed in.. The most prudent move is sticking
with the 24's. The 30's just seem to be a little excessive for a daily driver.
Youll be driving it at moderate RPM so, I dont see a substantial benefit.
with the 24's. The 30's just seem to be a little excessive for a daily driver.
Youll be driving it at moderate RPM so, I dont see a substantial benefit.
Last edited by TPI; May 28, 2009 at 07:18 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: MS
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 081 heads
i thought the 30s were kinda big for a DD. i may go w/ the 27s. im still waiting on an email back from them.
i dont know if the car will run well enough on the stockers to get a good dyno tune. they were asking for a HP number to accuratly recommend a set.
i dont know if the car will run well enough on the stockers to get a good dyno tune. they were asking for a HP number to accuratly recommend a set.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (9)
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 2
From: Raleigh, NC
Car: 1988 Flame Red Trans am GTA
Engine: Forged 355 4 Bolt, FIRST TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: ls1 torsen 3.42 gear
Re: 081 heads
i dont know why you guys are running that much injector...... i built a completely new hotcammed 355 forged engine and im running 24 pounders with an afpr of course....
Thread Starter
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: MS
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 081 heads
not running any injector yet trying to find the correct one. the 27# and above where recommendations from southbay.



