L98 Aluminum Heads
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Wichita KS
L98 Aluminum Heads
Are these heads worth working over or is it better to go with an aftermarket set. I haven't decided on the super ram or the mini ram yet and will it make adifference on which heads. I was reading a book by Lingenfelter and he has nothing but praise for the L98 heads but I would like to entertain your thoughts and experiences. TIA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,516
Likes: 0
From: Lockport NY
Re: L98 Aluminum Heads (scorp508)
It seems to be $1500 to have them worked, or $1500 to get the same aftermarket heads. :)
...But the OEM heads would probably find their way into my station wagon, then I'd need a TPI setup, too... :crazy:
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,733
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Re: L98 Aluminum Heads (robblk90)
IMHO aftermarket are the way to go. There have been many improvements in design over the years. With stock heads you can open them up, but then you are done. After market heads have enough extra metal to improve them again if you desire to do so. They also have a thicker deck that improves their gasket clamping ability in case you run high compression, nitros, or forced induction.
By the time you set up stock heads you are most of the way to a good set of aftermarket, and you still have a 12 year old set of heads!
By the time you set up stock heads you are most of the way to a good set of aftermarket, and you still have a 12 year old set of heads!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: L98 Aluminum Heads (robblk90)
I've read that those stock heads flow to about 350hp and pocket ported with usual valve work will flow over 400hp. I have data showing a 25-30hp gain from TPIS Stage II (#113 heads); you've got mail.
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Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,184
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
Re: L98 Aluminum Heads (robblk90)
Now that I´ve done a set of L98 Al heads and worked them over, I should have gone with something like the twisted wedges. In my case the fact that they are Cal smog legal still is a big point but also the relocated spark hole and relocated intake valve location. Hindsight is always 20/20 huh? :crazy: :D
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 2
From: Hillsboro OR
Re: L98 Aluminum Heads (robblk90)
I would only rework the stock heads if you are going to do the porting yourself or need stock number heads for some reason. AFR makes a 180 cc head that flows almost as well as their 190s so there is no reason to stick with stock heads in an attempt to get smaller intake ports.
Trick flow do pretty well for about 900 bucks.
[Modified by AquaMetallic94LT1, 11:58 PM 12/9/2001]
Trick flow do pretty well for about 900 bucks.
[Modified by AquaMetallic94LT1, 11:58 PM 12/9/2001]
