Heads for 351W
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Heads for 351W
As I said before, just yanked the 351W out of my 92 F-150 SC 4x4 and sent it to the mechanic for a fresh rebuild. Gonna put a slightly beefier cam in it for me as well as a fresh rebuild, everything new except the block, crank, and rods. I'm also gonna put on some shorties and some sort of better than stock exhaust.
Question is: Are Edelbrock performer heads any good? I want a decent set of aluminum heads that will give me some good bolt-on HP.
OR
Would I be better going with a set of aftermarket cast iron heads? And if so, which ones? how much?
He says to completely re-do the stock heads (no mods), would be $460. I would rather take that money and put it toward some good heads.
Oh, I want to spend no more than $1200 on heads.
Thanks.
Question is: Are Edelbrock performer heads any good? I want a decent set of aluminum heads that will give me some good bolt-on HP.
OR
Would I be better going with a set of aftermarket cast iron heads? And if so, which ones? how much?
He says to completely re-do the stock heads (no mods), would be $460. I would rather take that money and put it toward some good heads.
Oh, I want to spend no more than $1200 on heads.
Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
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The stock heads with a good three angle valve job should do you just fine, unless your looking for 300+ HP, then go with the aftermarket heads. I just can't see spending that much $$$ on heads if not needed.
Good Luck,
Ron
Good Luck,
Ron
Posting Guru
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From: Northern California
I personally would go for a set of Edelbrocks for about 1100 rather than 460 for the same thing you started with (hp). Thats only a little over a 600 investment for a pretty good HP gain. No suce thing as too much horsepower!!
I have a set of the Edelbrocks, no complaints.
I have a set of the Edelbrocks, no complaints.
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Thanks for the info guys. I agree 94F150-408. I am looking for 300+ hp. I can't see spending $460 and get disappointed, then turn around and have to spend an additional $1100 to get what I wanted in the first place.
I will look at the AFR-185's though. Oh, the edlebrock's come with 190 or 202 valves. I know 202 would be too much for basically a stock engine, but how would the 190s do? I take it the AFR-185s have 185 valves?
I will look at the AFR-185's though. Oh, the edlebrock's come with 190 or 202 valves. I know 202 would be too much for basically a stock engine, but how would the 190s do? I take it the AFR-185s have 185 valves?
Posting Guru
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From: Independence, MO
No. actualy the 185 means the have 185cc intake runners. to small and you are restricted, to big and you have no velocity. hope this helps. the AFR 185's are an excelent choice for a 351W. DW
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From: NC
I would also look at World Products for an inexpensive head that has more flow capability than stock. I believe you can get the 180 cc model from Summit for a low price. The AFR 185 is a hard head to pass up at a good price though.
On our trucks we typically need more velocity (smaller ports) than we do higher volume (larger ports). Any decent aftermarket head will be better than most of the stock offerings, save the GT-40 heads. Those are good "out of the box."
Dan Q
On our trucks we typically need more velocity (smaller ports) than we do higher volume (larger ports). Any decent aftermarket head will be better than most of the stock offerings, save the GT-40 heads. Those are good "out of the box."
Dan Q
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Posting Guru
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From: Northern California
AFR's have got great ratings, hows the price on them?? You wont go wrong with any of the above mentioned aluminum heads, but it's always better to save a few more dimes and get the best!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Springfield, VA
I also am looking at "upgrading" my basically stock 351W to give me a little more umph. I have been thinking about a 408 stroker setup, but not sure about the heads. The machine shop that I am going to use says that the best are the GT-40 heads for my truck. I want the greater rwhp, but also since my truck is 4wd, I want the torque up there for pushing snow and going off road. The only problem I know of is that the truck is speed density, and I really don't want to convert it to MAF if I don't have to. Any suggestions? The tranny is an E4OD and I have 4.56's and a Ford Posi in rear, LS in Front. I already have the Motorsport headers, and a full performance exhaust from headers back, to include race cat converter.
Senior User
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From: tampa bay area
A 408 stroker is going to need a bunch more than GT40's could provide. You would need to look at heads such as the GT40X, AFR 185 or 205, etc. Regular GT40's would leave the motor gasping for air.
Speed density is probably going to be a big issue on this. I know there are stand alone EFI systems that would work. Others here may know easier and cheaper ways than that.
Speed density is probably going to be a big issue on this. I know there are stand alone EFI systems that would work. Others here may know easier and cheaper ways than that.
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jommer
YOu mentioned 300+hp, I don't know how far the + means, but if its more like 350, there is a company that post on another website, they will port/polish a set of E7's and provide a flow sheet, new valves, springs, the works for $575 + shipping (cheaper with stock valves), you do have to supply a core. So if you only want 350hp then that might save you $625 roughly. With that said, I can't argue with the recommendation to go with the afr's. Good luck with your decision
Here are a couple of possible good deals on heads, given they are what they say they are, some might argue they are a bit much, but the money you save might give you and excuse to stroke it
. Either way its something to look at, good luck
http://www.corral.net/forums/showthr...hreadid=426006
http://www.corral.net/forums/showthr...hreadid=425941
http://www.corral.net/forums/showthr...hreadid=411215
YOu mentioned 300+hp, I don't know how far the + means, but if its more like 350, there is a company that post on another website, they will port/polish a set of E7's and provide a flow sheet, new valves, springs, the works for $575 + shipping (cheaper with stock valves), you do have to supply a core. So if you only want 350hp then that might save you $625 roughly. With that said, I can't argue with the recommendation to go with the afr's. Good luck with your decision
Here are a couple of possible good deals on heads, given they are what they say they are, some might argue they are a bit much, but the money you save might give you and excuse to stroke it
. Either way its something to look at, good luckhttp://www.corral.net/forums/showthr...hreadid=426006
http://www.corral.net/forums/showthr...hreadid=425941
http://www.corral.net/forums/showthr...hreadid=411215
Last edited by jwtaylor; Jan 9, 2004 at 08:40 AM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sunny Florida
If you choose aluminum heads you should increase the compression since aluminum heads get rid of the heat quicker.
For a long life motor I would go with cast iron rosh heads or something like that. I have read the cast iron heads can produce more HP.
For a long life motor I would go with cast iron rosh heads or something like that. I have read the cast iron heads can produce more HP.
Posting Guru
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From: Northern California
Keep your compression in-line with the gasoline you wish to use. Higher compression will require higher octane, and possible detonation issues.
I have never had any longevity issues with aluminum heads, neither have most of the automobile manufacturers, as they use aluminum heads on numerous engine choices.
I have never had any longevity issues with aluminum heads, neither have most of the automobile manufacturers, as they use aluminum heads on numerous engine choices.
Last edited by 94F150-408; Jan 10, 2004 at 11:46 AM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sunny Florida
With aluminum heads the heat is lower and this will allow you to still run low octane gas with higher compression.
With cast heads you're lucky to run 10 to 1 compression and aluminum heads you can run 11 to 1 on 87 octane.
With cast heads you're lucky to run 10 to 1 compression and aluminum heads you can run 11 to 1 on 87 octane.