Vote - heads or cam
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 16
From: Little Elm TX
Re: Vote - heads or cam (65Z01)
I think its well known the heads are probably the single most important power maker. However, without a well matched cam, you can waste a good set of heads. The same goes true with a cam, without some decent heads you stand the chance of under utilizing those valves opening up quicker and higher. So I think its obvious, both go hand in hand. If you could some how only afford one, I think I would probably do the cam.... less far to go into the engine next time as Nathan pointed out. But in my opinion, while you have the motor apart, at least buy one of those $ 100 head porting kits and smooth a couple of the angles out, and maybe port match.... you could probably find another 10-20 hp doing this.... not bad for $ 100 and a day or two of elbow grease.
Nathan, as a note, there is probably around 50,000 5 axis CNC Machining centers in the USA capable of doing 5 axis head work..... most are not porting heads and instead doing other work.... but the machines are everywhere, and of all different sizes and shapes. (We have 4 or 5 in our showroom)
good luck with your modifications.
Beach Bum
Nathan, as a note, there is probably around 50,000 5 axis CNC Machining centers in the USA capable of doing 5 axis head work..... most are not porting heads and instead doing other work.... but the machines are everywhere, and of all different sizes and shapes. (We have 4 or 5 in our showroom)
good luck with your modifications.
Beach Bum
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: Vote - heads or cam (Beach Bum)
Nathan, as a note, there is probably around 50,000 5 axis CNC Machining centers in the USA capable of doing 5 axis head work..... most are not porting heads and instead doing other work.... but the machines are everywhere, and of all different sizes and shapes. (We have 4 or 5 in our showroom)
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 16
From: Little Elm TX
Re: Vote - heads or cam (Nathan Plemons)
Well actually there are probably hundreds doing head work too.... but I couldn't prove that. But TPIS has one, CNC cylinder heads, AFR, Brodix, TEA as you mentioned, and so on.... not to mention virtually all NASCAR teams, NHRA teams all have access to them, etc.....
But maybe they have 1 of 3 of a certain Machine tool model or something.... dunno, but regardless doing 5 axis head work is nice and convenient, but primarily for them, not us.... meaning all that means is that they don't have to spend a lot of time with a grinder in hand and gauge. In theory every port is going to have the same port too.... but for anybody who has worked on CNC machines for a living knows better....
gotta go,
cheers,
Beach
But maybe they have 1 of 3 of a certain Machine tool model or something.... dunno, but regardless doing 5 axis head work is nice and convenient, but primarily for them, not us.... meaning all that means is that they don't have to spend a lot of time with a grinder in hand and gauge. In theory every port is going to have the same port too.... but for anybody who has worked on CNC machines for a living knows better....
gotta go,
cheers,
Beach
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
Likes: 11
From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Vote - heads or cam (jay17)
NEVER LOOK AT MODS AS STAND ALONES.
They must be looked at as packages.
They must be looked at as packages.
