Hey Fellas,

So I came across a set of AFR 185cc (58cc Combustion chambers) heads locally. They are the 1492's with Scorpion pedestal roller rockers, upgraded AFR valve springs, and have been freshly decked. The guy selling them said that the machine shop took .005" off of the deck.

The block that I have is a 351w would of a 1994 E150 van, and it is a roller block according the casting #'s. So my initial questions are as follows:

1. The guy is asking $800 for the set, but they have been up for sale for quite some time. Is $800 a good price on that package, or what would you guys try to get them for? I don't want to be insulting but I do want to make sure I'm getting a good deal.

2. Will this setup function properly on my roller 351? I'm assuming I will need to have the pistons flycut to clear the valves as I plan to run a moderately aggressive cam.

3. The the decked head, and the 58cc combustion chambers, what should I expect for a CR?

4. Will the 185's be sufficient for a 351? I would love to go with the 220's to accommodate future growth, but I dont plan to go stroker or forced induction for quite some time.

I keep reading great things about AFR and have a buddy running them on his LS3 and he is a really big fan. Let me know your thoughts!!

 

It would be where I am.. new those things would cost $1500-2000.

Should work fine, and yes definitely check P-V clearance and expect to need custom pushrods.

On an all stock bottom end somewhere around 10:1.

They are a HUGH improvement over stock with the potential to make 400+hp.. about perfect for this displacement IMO.

 

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the excellent info. I'm in the same boat in that the $800 is a good price for whats included, although I've gotta try to get a little discount if possible.

Would the 10:1 be good with aluminum heads? I was reading that 11:1 is pretty ideal, but would most likely require running 93+ octane gas.

 

Nothing wrong with 10:1 CR, aluminum heads can work with higher compression ratios because they wick away heat faster but ultimately the results you get is all about the complete combo. Don't forget that aluminum has a much lower melting temp than iron.. it's actually just above normal combustion temps so detonation is very bad, and that could be a real problem depending upon the cam selected and the final drive ratio and curb weight of the vehicle this motor is going into. IMO unless you are building something for competition you don't want to be pushing the limits of any component.

 

I completely agree Paul. I am shooting for the 400hp range, as I'm aiming for a stout street truck. Will the pedestal mount roller rockers work with this set up?

I apologize for all the questions, this is my first Ford powerplant and I want to make sure I do it right.

 

Do those AFR heads use pedestal mount rockers? I thought they were stud mount.

 

They are the pedestal mount version. And the seller said that they are actually Ford Racing 1.6 Roller Rockers. Seems like the Scorpions and the Ford Racing roller rockers are pretty comparable, at least from my little bit of research so far.

 

Yes Scorpion has a good reputation, you should be good with those.

 

A lot of times you can't fly cut much if any off a stock piston, they just aren't thick enough to cut very deep. Something to check or ask someone who has been there.

 

I've read that and that being cast they could be pretty brittle. I'm checking with a buddy on some Sealed Power slugs to see what kind of price he can get.

 

If you end up changing the pistons I'd get it balanced. The weight would probably be way off.