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Hey all, I've been researching the pros and cons of going with a head/cam package like what Lloyd Elliot offers versus AFR heads. One thing that seems to be a source of contention is whether the extra dollars for AFR heads is worth the hp. Elliot's stage II heads are advertised to produce 460 at the crank and the the F-body guys back that claim up. So, with a proper cam, will AFR heads produce more power? Or will they have to be ported? From what I know, it seems that the AFR heads have the potential to produce more power than ported LT1 heads. This package would be going on my current setup, which you can see in the signature.
This thread will turn into a heated debate but IMO the AFR has better port design right outta the box, AND a sweet combusion chamber that the LT1 doesnt have. More efficient=more mpg and power.
I'm sure it will, and it is fun stiring the pot in the effort to gain more knowledge! I too have heard about the better port design, but that doesn't always mean more power out of the box. And to narrow this discussion, these horsepower comparisions should be based off of a stock bottem end.
I'm sure it will, and it is fun stiring the pot in the effort to gain more knowledge! I too have heard about the better port design, but that doesn't always mean more power out of the box. And to narrow this discussion, these horsepower comparisions should be based off of a stock bottem end.
Why not save up the cash and do the port job on the AFR heads?
Look at my signature, and that is with stock heads ported.
I believe John Mackey has the fastest stock bottom end LT1 on here and his is with LT1 heads. (ported)
Although I dont have the Lloyd Elliott package, from what I have seen, it is one of the best values for your dollar. Looking back, if I was going to do another NA stock bottom end motor, that is probably what I would use.
I took my AFR 210's to a local porting specialist and he did not want to port them. He "cleaned them up" and I got some low lift gain, primarily for undercutting the valves. Since the heads are CNC'd, he had no idea of how far he could go without hitting a water jacket and messing them up.
Supposedly the new AFR's are awesome, but other issues that concern me are,, does the plug angle work with anyone headers, and oil return. My older 210's plug angle were ridiculously close to the #4,6,5,7Hooker 2151 headers tubes.
I have not heard if the new AFR does or does or does not remedy these issues.
Price is not a factor in this decision, but to buy the AFRs and have them ported would be about a grand more than going with ported LT1 heads, so for that kind of money I think 10-15 hp would not be worth the extra $$. I'd just rather spend my money smartly. Now, if boost is in the future, I think lowering the compression with the AFRs would be good. Anyone here running the newly designed AFR heads? I do have the Hooker LTs, so it would be nice to know if the plugs will clear.
93 Ragtop, those are really fast 1/4 times. Are you running slicks for those numbers?
Alright, so I called a few of my hot-rod friends who run AFR heads. They said that AFR does not recommend porting their heads. They said they are ready to bolt on as is and any porting can mess with the flow. AFR also says they have the best flow numbers. So, now it comes down to the flow. Does anyone have flow numbers for ported LT1 heads versus AFR?
My ported 190 full cnc heads from www.advancedinduction.com
.300=202.2
.400=244.7
.500=268.9
.550=274.2
.600=275.1
I dont know what AFR out of the box flow but its probably close to my ported heads but they have so much more meat on them for even better flow #s. If you go with LE or any other porter they have matching cams for what there heads flow. On my set up with a very agressive small cam I make 365 rwhp and 350 tq. From my research the guys on f body forums produce higher #s for some reason then do the vettes with same mods. IMOP the LT1 heads are well worth porting unless your going with bigger cubes. I think you can get close to 300cfm out of LT1 heads
My ported 190 full cnc heads from www.advancedinduction.com
.300=202.2
.400=244.7
.500=268.9
.550=274.2
.600=275.1
I dont know what AFR out of the box flow but its probably close to my ported heads but they have so much more meat on them for even better flow #s. If you go with LE or any other porter they have matching cams for what there heads flow. On my set up with a very agressive small cam I make 365 rwhp and 350 tq. From my research the guys on f body forums produce higher #s for some reason then do the vettes with same mods. IMOP the LT1 heads are well worth porting unless your going with bigger cubes. I think you can get close to 300cfm out of LT1 heads
From: Bardstown ( Bourbon capitol of the world ) KY ( The Bluegrass state )
Originally Posted by JimiHendrix
Is that at the wheels or crankshaft....(the 368 hp)?
How much did it cost ya to port and polish your LT-1 heads?
That was at the wheels. I bought a package deal. It came with the lt1 ported and polished heads and a cc306 cam, and my cousin ported and polished my intake. It cost $1200.