shotgun_000

I'm looking to buy a set of heads for my buildup. I've posted numerous times on other aspects of the buildup. I just need to decide on the heads.

My Goal
To have enough power to pin my passengers to the back of their seat in sheer horror upon dropping the hammer from a standstill. Top speed is of no concern, as long as it will do at least 85 :D I want to embarass ricers and other various cars at stoplights, if provoked(I know street racing is bad :nono: ) The car is a daily driver.

What I currently have
Freshly rebuilt 87' 350, .030 over
3.70 gears
TH350

What I plan to buy in addition to the heads
Crane Powermax .454/.480, 272/284 adv. duration
Hooker coated 1-3/4 headers (Will buy last)
B&M Holeshot 2000
Edelbrock Performer, or RPM if hood clearance permits

I've checked on a lot of heads. I prefer the Darts, but would also consider the world torquer or sportsman-II heads(Provided the spring problem has been fixed). I would prefer to not spend more than $900 for a completely assembled set of heads, including shipping.

Basically, I need to consider the runner size, and the cc of the combustion chamber. What is the best choice for my setup? I plan to order on this Tuesday, based on you recommendations. Thanks in advance! :seeya

rainman69

Two of them, for a start! :lol:

Seriously, I'd consider Twisted Wedge G2 heads. I hear they're nice on performance and price. :smash:

Twin_Turbo

The G2's are a PITA to setup when it concerns correct pushrod length.

The AFR 190cc heads are in the same price range, I'd get those.

Marck

rpounds

Check out DD2000 with your combo. AFR's are better than anything I've seen . . .

Xracer

With the auto and small cube my vote is for the AFR 180's.

afun'71

My budget is limiting me to a set of Vortec cast irons from GM. Not a bad price at slightly over $400 for the performance you get.

I would be interested in the intake manifold you choose. I would perfer the Air Gap but concerned with fitting under the hood as well. How are you going to determine what will fit?

Ryan77

I plan on using the Trick Flow 23 degree aluminum heads with 66cc combustion chambers. Summit sells them for around $1,200. It's more than you want to spend but I've heard very good reviews about them. I think they claim 67 horsepower, 70 ft/lbs of torque increases by changing from 441 castings on a completely stock 383.

shotgun_000

I was going to go with the Vortecs, but intake choices are limited for me. I will still be using a Q-Jet, and some of the Vortec intakes only support squarebore. Also, the Vortecs are good heads, but they will support only a .450 valve lift. With my cam, I'd have to get the Z28 springs. Also, I think you have to use the self-aligning rockers. All said and done, ordering Vortec heads, with Z28 springs, with the bolt kit, rockers, gaskets, intake, etc. is slightly more expensive than just ordering the heads I'm looking at, which will run out of the box.

As far as intakes, the shop that will do the work has an edelbrock performer. We may test fit it, using clay, and shut the hood. If we think we can go with an RPM, I'll get one of those. The thing to keep in mind is that while an RPM may fit, the air filter height may be compromised to make it fit. By doing so, I feel that this would be more restrictive than just using the performer, with a big filter. But, once this is completed, I'll post the results :seeya

shotgun_000

For those following this thread, here is another alternative I may consider:
Pro Action 180's

http://www.procylinderheads.com/223400080a.asp

The best price of $675 for a complete pair seems hard to beat.
http://enginekits.com/heads/heads1.html

Many people have told me they flow really good. I don't know anything about them, but it may be worth a try.

redwingvette

I am thinking the Performer RPM heads for my setup. I will go with the AFR 190's if I don't use the Performers.