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How much hp from head change

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Old Dec 2, 2006 | 11:50 PM
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Default How much hp from head change

I currently have a mild stroker and am considering buying some new aluminum heads. It currently has a set of pro topline 180 heads with Ferrea valves. I discussed these heads with several people on different forums, and it seems that the port design and mid lift flow on these head are not all that great. So anyway the heads were measured to actually have 68cc chambers and with them my 383 stroker has 9.4 compression, and according to Pat Kelley's DCR caculator I have about 7.79 dynamic compression. I am thinking of purchasing some Dart Pro 1 180 heads for several reasons...(money, dual pattern cam...comp 270HR retro with 1.6 rockers), etc.

FYI: If the dart pro 1's actually had a 64cc chamber..Pat Kelley's DCR calculator puts me at around 8.13-8.28 dynamic compression depending on gasket used.

So to my question...how much of a power difference would there be with just the head change

Thanks
Michael
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Old Dec 2, 2006 | 11:59 PM
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With the 383 stroker , 195cc aluminum heads would be better, the 180cc are good for 350. Not much help on calculating the HP gains.
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 06:52 AM
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You will want to go bigger than 180. 195s would be good with a mild cam. I have AFR 195s on mine and they are a little on the small side. I do run a big solid cam so the 210s would be better but I can't hook up what power I have. HP increase anywhere from 20 to 50 HP. Tough to call HP increase
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 12:26 PM
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You should go to bigger heads, I would not hesitate running a 210cc heads on a 383ci motor, 180's will get you nothing that you will feel over your current setup
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 12:49 PM
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i went with the 64 cc alum edelbrock heads with my new 383 build, (had 2.02 's in stock 76 cc iron heads before, with previous 383)new build dynoed at 431 hp/532 tq,on engine dyno-----------------------

Last edited by carl a; Dec 3, 2006 at 12:52 PM.
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 02:24 PM
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yeah, I debated on asking the question b/c I know it is not easy to answer......unless you build high performance engines all of the time...and still hard not knowing all of the details of this particular engine...Anyway thanks for the help


The only reason I have not considered bigger heads is b/c honestly this is a 100% street car, and with the OD automatic(with 2300 stall) it lugs around in 4th sometimes...I was worried about losing too much low end torque...I mean around 1200 rpm where it lugs every once in a while.


Michael
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 03:14 PM
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I doubt there would be that much of a difference in a 180 pro
top line and a dart 180, the 200 runner dart would still be street
friendly on a 383 and give you more low lift to high lift flow. the 215
runner dart would more then likely start hurting torque down low but
help a little at 6500/7500, you are runnig a modest 270 duration cam
probably making power to 5800 in a 383. If your going to spend money
for new heads go with the 200 dart or just keep what you have.

Last edited by Little Mouse; Dec 3, 2006 at 03:32 PM.
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