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Difference these heads will make?

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Old Jan 3, 2007 | 06:32 PM
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Default Difference these heads will make?

I've been thinking about replacing my heads for over a year now. I keep going back and forth but love the juggle.... I learn something every time i get the "itch" that makes this coming true all the more practical. Say I go from 72cc heads with 165cc intakes and baby 1.94/1.5 valves (Irong eagle SS heads) to a set of Dart Pro 1 alluminum heads with 200cc intakes, 64cc chambers, and 2.05/1.6 valves. I don't want to get overly into the vehicles components, but it has forged flat tops in an old two bolt main bored .030, a Holley 650 DP, and a crane cam (http://www.cranecams.com/?show=brows...tType=camshaft)

Aside from rough HP gains, do you guys think I'll feel a noticable difference after installation? How about low/mid/high? Do you think I'm right in my assumption that based on the given data my heads are the weakest link? Assuming so, how do I determine which gasket to use to achieve the "perfect" compression ratio without smacking the piston against the head?
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Old Jan 3, 2007 | 06:39 PM
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Brandon, I don't know where your compression is at currently but I'm using Dart IE 180's with 64cc chambers on my 355.
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Old Jan 3, 2007 | 06:47 PM
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Well, all things considered, if your using flat tops Id say your compression is probably close to mine.

I guess what I'm trying to get from all this is some type of assurance I'll be happy with the car when I'm done.... which of course no one can say. I have a full MSD ignition, but it still seems slow down low, and doesn't have the top end I believe it is capable of... all this w/ a 3.55 rear and 700r4 tranny. I want it to squeal the tires when i punch the gas and hopefully cover the 1/4 in the low 13's. I realize that might sound a bit blunt, but if I can have a good reliable classic that runs at or slightly above 13 flat, capable of always lighting em up from the stop, and gets 15+mpg then I'm set!
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Old Jan 3, 2007 | 08:14 PM
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Use a compression calulator to see what the smaller combustion chambers will do to you. Just plug in what you have now and then what you are thinking about. If pump gas is a concern do not supass a 8.2 - 8.3 dcr.
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Old Jan 3, 2007 | 08:31 PM
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Use a compression calulator to see what the smaller combustion chambers will do to you. Just plug in what you have now and then what you are thinking about. If pump gas is a concern do not supass a 8.2 - 8.3 dcr.
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Old Jan 3, 2007 | 08:41 PM
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You will make more power with a solid lifter cam rather than the hydraulic. The heads are great, now give it a camshaft.
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Old Jan 3, 2007 | 10:05 PM
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The 200's are for a race motor, 180 is supposed to be the stuff for street.
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Old Jan 4, 2007 | 08:07 AM
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Originally Posted by BrandonS
I've been thinking about replacing my heads for over a year now. I keep going back and forth but love the juggle.... I learn something every time i get the "itch" that makes this coming true all the more practical. Say I go from 72cc heads with 165cc intakes and baby 1.94/1.5 valves (Irong eagle SS heads) to a set of Dart Pro 1 alluminum heads with 200cc intakes, 64cc chambers, and 2.05/1.6 valves. I don't want to get overly into the vehicles components, but it has forged flat tops in an old two bolt main bored .030, a Holley 650 DP, and a crane cam (http://www.cranecams.com/?show=brows...tType=camshaft)

Aside from rough HP gains, do you guys think I'll feel a noticable difference after installation? How about low/mid/high? Do you think I'm right in my assumption that based on the given data my heads are the weakest link? Assuming so, how do I determine which gasket to use to achieve the "perfect" compression ratio without smacking the piston against the head?
That is an old Cam Dynamics Energizer 284 design. Crane bought out Cam Dynamics many years ago. Single pattern design that works better on heads that have good balanced intake/exhaust flow ratio. I ran that one with a set of worked over 64cc double hump fuelie heads, 3.73 gears and a Muncie 4 speed. It ran real well.

I would get the 64cc 180 Iron Eagles if you think you want to upgrade. Check your DCR as you may be getting close to the limit. Figure on using the .015" Fel-Pro steel shim racing gasket if at all possible. You want to shoot for about .040" head to piston top clearance so the quench stays nice and tight. That along with the heart shaped chambers on the Iron Eagles will help make the engine less octane sensitive.

Iron Cross makes a good suggestion about a solid lifter cam. You might look into that if you think that would work for you.

-Mark.
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Old Jan 4, 2007 | 08:33 AM
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I think it will take more than that to get you into a "flat 13" 1/4 mile.
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Old Jan 4, 2007 | 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by BrandonS
Aside from rough HP gains, do you guys think I'll feel a noticable difference after installation? How about low/mid/high? Do you think I'm right in my assumption that based on the given data my heads are the weakest link? Assuming so, how do I determine which gasket to use to achieve the "perfect" compression ratio without smacking the piston against the head?
You will feel a difference. I switched from 170cc S/R Torquers to 195cc Trick Flows. There was no difference in low rpm power/torque, but the mid and higher rpm were significantly stronger. The seat of the pants feel past 4000 rpm was a night and day difference. While power use to level off by about 5000 rpm before, I now constantly hit my rev limiter at 6200 while still pulling hard. I picked up 70 rwhp as the smaller heads were really holding me back.
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Old Jan 4, 2007 | 11:52 AM
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From: Felton De
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Ok, well, at least I have something to work with. 180cc iron eagles and a solid cam. I was really hoping to avoid installing a new cam. We'll see. I know I would benifet lots, but I was trying to do this myself, and heads I figured were within my ability, a cam might be stretching it, at least for now. Thanks for the input though.
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Old Jan 4, 2007 | 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by BrandonS
Ok, well, at least I have something to work with. 180cc iron eagles and a solid cam. I was really hoping to avoid installing a new cam. We'll see. I know I would benifet lots, but I was trying to do this myself, and heads I figured were within my ability, a cam might be stretching it, at least for now. Thanks for the input though.
If you can change heads then changing a cam is no biggie. Just a few more bolts and you are there.

The main thing is that in order to get faster, you are going to need more RPMs. The solid lifter cam will get you where you want to go. The hydraulic cam you have runs pretty well but a solid cam combo has more potential.

-Mark.
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