want2drivemy85

I know there are a few 85 owners out there that have changed over from stock heads to other type heads, such as AFR's.
What other heads have been used succesfully? My pockets aren't the deepest right now, and I would like some input from those of you out there that have tried different things. I'm definitely not about to throw down over a grand for heads anytime soon. A set of used heads, probably, would be more likely.
Anyone out there put on 113's and have any luck? How high would the CR be with the 113's on an 85? There are a couple of vortec users out there, but I dont think those would work with the HSR. I could be wrong though.
I have a stealth ram that I am itching to install after I get some other things done to the car, like some decent paint (clearcoat is coming off in large chunks), new shocks, change to a '165, and some more interior work. All of that is quite a bit of loose change.
Yesterday my thermostat gave out on me and that got me thinking about installing some heads.
Input?

rel3rd

I just installed a set of Summit 170's on my 85, and although I have a few bugs to work out, they seem to work pretty well.

$950 for the set.

I went with a .015" thick head gasket, and 62cc combustion chambers to get a free hp upgrade from added compression. You can do the opposite of me with a set of 113's and add a slightly thicker head gasket to still end up with a bump in compression to go with the better heads...Just an idea. I considered both the Vortec heads (but I already had intake), and a set of used 113's. I decided against the 113's for no other reason other than knowing I'd have to freshen them up and whatever else needed to be done before bolting them on...For me it just seemed more cost effective to spend the money on new, as opposed to used, and/or reconditioned...

flyersfan1088

I'm using the Brodix IK200's and love them. I wouldn't go as small as a 170cc runner.

want2drivemy85

rel3rd: I see your point on buying a set of new heads, unfortunately I can't justify the expense on them. How do you like the performance on your heads?

Flyer: The brodix are 200cc heads, right? How do you like them? Are you running them on a stock motor?

Thanks for the input!

vader86

Any head choice depends on what you want out of this motor. You could go with anything: edelbrock, AFR, TFS, Brodix, etc.

65Z01

You should be able to pick up a set of used #113 heads for $400-$500.

Then 2.00/1.56 valves, a 3 or 5 angle valve job, new guides and a little pocket porting with some chamber clean up and you would have a very nice set of heads and not beak the bank.

Doing some careful intake unshrouding, spark plug boss shaping and chamber smoothing would open the volume up a bit too.

want2drivemy85

vader: what I want to do is basically build up to about 400 hp. I know thats a broad statement, but i would like to try to do a 'budget minded' build on the motor. I will be using an HSR, and build around that. No FI and no nitrous, straight n.a. motor. daily driver type.

65z: I think that is an option. I was hoping there were a few poeple with 85's that have tried to use the 'newer' 113 heads. What is your opinion on this? Would the CR be too high, or is it fine?

There arent alot of folks with the HSR, anyone out there using an HSR with 113 heads?

jan-erik

Hi
I have an 85 4+3 also and have thought of changing the heads. I have investigated around and the price vary much. The Vortec we cannot use except if we change the intake manifold because the ports are a bit higher after what i have read.
However, there is a company that has a serie with seemingly good heads. They are also cast iron. That is World Products see the link: http://www.worldcastings.com/
They claim they have the bolt holes that is standard for the car and they even has the heatriser for the EGR. The flow is impressive so after changing the limitations will be in the runners and manifold. The price for a complete set at Summit (if I recall it correctly) 588,- dollar.
Good luck.

vader86

If you buy a set of '113s and have them ported, they will support your power goals. However portwork can run as much as a set of new heads.

Jer

I installed Edelbrock Performer 70cc heads on my '85 (stock is 76cc). Runs great on 91 octane gas here in California and had no problem passing emissions. I also installed an Edelbrock lower intake. Noticed quite a bit of a seat of pants improvement with these mods.

If I were to do it over again, I would just buy a Coast High Performance 383 short block, build it on a stand and drop it in. Seems like it would be about the same amount of work, albeit a bit more dough.

flyersfan1088

No, my motor isn't stock. I have a SuperRam, a healthy TPIS cam, 2800 stall converter, Hooker long tubes, plus a bunch of other more minor things. The closest thing to stock is the cubic inches. The heads were the last thing to go on the car. I went from a consistent 13.4 sec qtr dead hooking the launch to 12.7 spinning the tires halfway through second gear with the only change being the heads. The stock cast iron heads were a major choke factor. BTW, the car is for sale on the Forum.