performer heads for stroker 408

[ljeeper]

I am considering building a 408 stroker, however i am unsure if my heads/cam will support it.

I have the edelbrock performer 60329 head and 2181 performer cam with 1.6 roller rockers.

Head specs: 1.90/1.60 valves, 60cc Chamber, 170cc Intake Runner
Cam specsuration 270/280, Lift .448/.472

Will this support a stroker? what compresion ratio, and/or kit do you recommend? I dont want to change heads ($$).
Is it worth the trouble/cost?

Engine runs strong with great low end power, however i can always use more, esecially al higher rpm.

Engine is mounted in my jeep bolted to a np435/205 dana 60/14bolt 5.38 gears turning 39.5 swampers.

This is NOT a street car. It is 90 offroad (trails, mud, rocks, etc).

BTW. I have always been a ford guy and have the only Ford engine in my 4x4 club (mainly jeeps and Land Cruisers), and i love beating all the chevy swapped rigs all the time.

[BaronVonAutomatc]

Those heads aren't ideal for a 408 inch engine, but they should work okay. Starting from scratch I'd recommend a set of AFR 185s. You'll lose a little up top vs them, whether or not it's $1,400 worth I don't know.

You'll need a bigger cam in a stroker, especially if you want more up top.

[Conanski]

AFR 185's only flow slightly better.. 267/186@ 0.500" versus, 245/170@ 0.500" for the Performer, I'd say you'd have to step up to the AFR 205 for a meaningful gain.

[HemiEater]

I think for what you are doing with it the heads you have are fine... I would just get a little bigger cam than what you have...

[Chuck_Sloggett]

One thing to think about is what compression ratio you will end up with. A 408 with zero deck flat top pistons, 60cc chambers and felpro gaskets will result in a C/R of at least 12:1. -- Chuck

[ljeeper]

Thanks for the replies. It will not be worth for me to change the heads. I was only thinking of stroker and cam shooting for a CR of +/- 9.5.
I forgot to mention i also have the performer intake with 1 inch 4 hole spacer.

Will this be OK, or also need to be swapped?

One other option (less complicated) is to only change the camshaft and hold the stroker/head for next rebuild. Will i see an increase in performance with only a better cam? I basically have the edelbrock performer package that is perfectly matched and supposed to work best.

[HemiEater]

I myself don't like the performer package, I use an automatic so I'm never off idle.

[Conanski]

Originally Posted by ljeeper

One other option (less complicated) is to only change the camshaft and hold the stroker/head for next rebuild. Will i see an increase in performance with only a better cam?

The short answer is yes, but unless you want to take shots in the dark I suggest you get some dyno software and simulate different cams to see how they compare. The Edelbrock cam is designed to produce a broad powerband in a stock motor, but it will restrict the top end some. You have a stroker so the motor can use a longer duration cam to produce more top end without hurting low rpm power much if at all, the trick is finding out what that cam profile is.

[Kemicalburns]

might also look into a custom cam grind, this would be better taylored to your setup.

[bob1987f]

why not a set of 1.7 roller rockers? that will give you more lift from that cam, but youll still keep your power down low with the same duration?? just a thought