TedH

I am studying Dave Vizard's book on SBC Cylinder Head buid & modify.

From what I can see, the DART Iron Eagle appears to flow better, out of the box (as cast), than a thoroughly professionally ported 186 casting (starting with a 165cc intake runner prior to porting). However, as others have noted, that still is shy of the performance of the 180-195cc heads from TFS & AFR (also as-cast).

Is this an accurate statement?

I know this is a "dead-horse" line of discussion but it helps me to relate the DART head performance vs. a fully ported set of 186 close-chamber heads from Chevy. It appears to be a 'step in improvement' between a thoroughly ported (professionally) of Chevy 186 heads and the next-better products from AFR and TFS featuring 180-195-cc intake runners.

One thing I noted, AFR offers the heads in 65 and 75cc chambers. With 75cc chambers, they flow better but drop compression. Too bad the 75's aren't more line 72cc.

beckzach05

Sub'd.

Shark Racer

Here's a good video on YouTube comparing 882s to a set of Iron Eagles. The Iron Eagles would actually come out cheaper and just dominate the worked 882s in performance.



Of course, the video was uploaded by "DartHeads", so take it as you will. Looked like a LOT of work went into those 882s, though.

427Hotrod

I wouldn't spend any real time or $$$ on a set of 186's/882's. Way too many options out there these days.

JIM

TedH

I agree. Mr Vizard goes as far as to say the 882's and pretty much any of the OEM open chamber 76cc heads, while offering some flow potential, have a severe disadvantage to a closed-chamber, better flowing 186 head. And, as you stated, the cost to bring the OEM 186 head to still short of an DART Iron Eagle will still not be as good and cost more.

For the prices and options, it is good to know the aftermarket has delivered.

Unless original equipment is the goal, I don't see the benefit of reviving OEM castings. They are a disadvantage even professionally ported compared to name-brand aftermarket heads.

68post

Don't forget the much better chamber design of most modern heads.
Of course the modern heads have much more porting potential, but cyl head porters do not want to port iron heads anymore !

Les

When I got my AFR 195s I remember talking to somebody there- I can't remember who after several years, but they were well versed on their product. At their recommendation I got the larger chambered heads due to the better flow but had them milled down to hit the comp. ratio that I wanted. You may want to call them to discuss that option.