1990 aftermarket head options
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 10
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1990 aftermarket head options
76k on my motor and I'm starting to get some oil burning at cold start. Bummer. Anyway, its got me thinking about new head options since I'm assuming its going to be time to rebuild or replace the heads soon. Looking for opinion on CA legal aftermarket heads. Not planning any additional mods at this point other than adding roller rockers. Totally stock at this point.
Whats the hot call? AFR? Trick flow? rebuild the stock? Is there a bolt on Vortec out there?
Whats the hot call? AFR? Trick flow? rebuild the stock? Is there a bolt on Vortec out there?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 7,033
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 590
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From: Boynton Beach, FL
AFR 190cc heads will do the trick. I never had a problem at the CA smog check with mine. As long as you pass the sniffer no one will check. Unless the tech goes looking, one aluminum head looks like another. 
Larry
Larry
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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On a 1990, since you plan to leave it stock or semi-stock, just rebuild the original heads. They are flowing more than your TPI intake can anyway.
If you want to step them up a little, just do the 3-angle valve job and some portwork. Don't expect a huge difference though if you arent touching the intake.
If you want to step them up a little, just do the 3-angle valve job and some portwork. Don't expect a huge difference though if you arent touching the intake.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
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From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Your 1990 heads have good flow and good compression. IMO, just rebuild them, install good RR's, springs etc., and a good street cam while it's opened up. ZZ9 or LPE 211. You can port the hell out of your TPI plenum and runners and get some more flow for $200 at a intake porting service.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Citrus Heights California
ZZ4s are the stock replacement. They will work well with 1.6 RRs, if you want to stay basically stock. If you want more power, Trick flow and AFR makes carb legal heads. The AFR 180s might be a good head for you. TPIS will port your plenum for $100.00. Port your stock manifold and bolt on some high flowing runners. The Vortec are iron heads but they are cheap. You will need a different intake with the Vortec head. That in my opinion makes the Vortec a bad choice.
Last edited by Kool88vette; Jul 23, 2007 at 10:48 PM.
