Head Porting
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,357
From: Santa Ana CA
Twenty-odd years ago Flow Technology did the heads on my '64 as well as the intake manifold, and their work is outstanding. At the time, the heads were $300 and included: cut and hog from 1.94/1.50 to 2.02/1.60, new valves and inserts, install hardened exhaust seats, pocket porting, 3-angle valve job, and gasket matching.
Was $25 to later gasket match a Performer RPM.
I believe that these were the guys, but check and see if it is still them (and don't count on these prices anymore).
http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_j7bztz
Was $25 to later gasket match a Performer RPM.
I believe that these were the guys, but check and see if it is still them (and don't count on these prices anymore).
http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_j7bztz
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
I had my heads done by Adams metelizing in Lancaster Ca, they were Sportsman II and the guy that ported them (Toby) said he can make them flow better than he can make Edelbrock RPM heads flow... I believe him... i have 436tq and over 440hp at the rear wheels on my 383.... there number is 661 942-9538 ask for Mark, and tell them Paul sent you... my heads were Ported, polished and portmatched... good luck... Paul
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 39
From: Fremont CA
Funny this thread should come up, I'm getting ready to bolt these on to the 355 for my wife's 70 LT-1 Vette and NO the date codes don't match. I could have had a nice set of aluminum heads for the time and $$$ I have tied up in these but, they look right on an LT-1 motor
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 39
From: Fremont CA
Combustion chambers still need a little work, then I'll have to finanlize the valve job (Sunnen VGS20 machine with carbide cutter), and then the fun job of equalizing combustion chamber volumes can begin (hope I don't break another 100cc burret while doing that job.)
The exhaust port roof is raised about 0.080-0.100" and should flow pretty well. These heads have been treated to hardened exhaust seats, Manley severe duty 2.05"int/1.60"ehx valves. Springs will be Comp Cams "beehive" with tool steel retainers which weigh about 2grams each more than a set of titanium retainers.
The exhaust port roof is raised about 0.080-0.100" and should flow pretty well. These heads have been treated to hardened exhaust seats, Manley severe duty 2.05"int/1.60"ehx valves. Springs will be Comp Cams "beehive" with tool steel retainers which weigh about 2grams each more than a set of titanium retainers.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
You might try Dr J's in Anaheim. http://www.j-performance.com/index.p...d=16&Itemid=30
I havent had any personal dealings with him, but he seems to have a decent online reputation.
I havent had any personal dealings with him, but he seems to have a decent online reputation.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,024
Likes: 2,266
From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
Unless you're just married to them for numbers or something...you might get some pricing and then look into buying a set of CNC heads. There is great stuff available out there!
JIM
JIM
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,384
Likes: 6,408
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
For the cost of paying somebody who knows what they're doing to fully port and build your heads, you can buy a really nice set of heads that don't need any porting to flow the same or better. For the cheap cost of paying somebody who doesn't know what they're doing, you can get yourself a pair of trashed heads that flow worse than stock, and then you can buy yourself a really nice set of heads to replace them.
Unless you want the car to appear stock, or you're running it in a class requiring the use of stock castings, there is little financial advantage to porting, unless you're doing it yourself, you know what you're doing, and your time has no value.
Lars
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 39
From: Fremont CA
For the cost of paying somebody who knows what they're doing to fully port and build your heads, you can buy a really nice set of heads that don't need any porting to flow the same or better. For the cheap cost of paying somebody who doesn't know what they're doing, you can get yourself a pair of trashed heads that flow worse than stock, and then you can buy yourself a really nice set of heads to replace them.
Unless you want the car to appear stock, or you're running it in a class requiring the use of stock castings, there is little financial advantage to porting, unless you're doing it yourself, you know what you're doing, and your time has no value.
Lars
PRICELESS!
Last edited by Solid LT1; May 4, 2010 at 11:08 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Ask around at Barona or Cal Speedway drag strips.
I've seen some fast cars with head work done by Spring Valley auto machine but can't find thier listing now - maybe out of business.
Best way i know of is to go the drag strip and ask the guys with the faster cars who does thier machine work.
Not local but great prices on head work: Performance Chevy Products, 2995 W Whitton Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017, (602) 254-9586.
What kind's heads? Most stock type iron Chevy heads respond very well to just a cheap $200 pocket port with a 3 angle vlv job - Performance Chevy Products will pocket port, unshroud vlvs,, and 3 angle for less.
(Try an 0.015" steel shim gasket too.) Something like 2/3 the gain of a full port job maybe. Well it depends on the head also. Vortec heads don't inprove much from a pocket port if at all - they need bigger valves, vlv unshrouding and bowl work around the guide - $$$$.Hope this helps ya,
cardo0
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
When I first built my motor, the heads were done at Total Performance in Santee. They lasted five years and 20K miles before busting a spring and being replaced by AFR 195's
Wanna buy some ported & polished cast heads with a bad spring?
Wanna buy some ported & polished cast heads with a bad spring?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
I agree with Lars completely. I didn't buy good heads when I built the motor and had to in later and fix it.
