Hey guys, if you remeber my post i have bad valve seals in my old heads which is a 1973 Chevy engine in my 71 camaro rally sport. I thought about getting them redone but couple people get a set of aftermarket heads and I was wondering what yaw thougth about it?? Since I'm 17 and got a decent job I was wondering what is a good set of performance heads?? My engine is a 350 chevy bored .040 over and has 9:5:1 compression!!

Thanks,
MATT!

Do you want aluminum or iron? Iron is cheaper.

some of the good aftermarket heads include the following...


Dart Iron Eagles, Pro Topline's "Pro Lightning" heads, Edelbrock Performer RPM heads, AirFlowResearch heads, Trick Flow's "23 degree" head or Twisted Wedge (G2).

I'm sure I've left some out. Those will get you started.

I'm using the Pro Toplines myself and like them a lot.

What's your budget? Chevrolet Vortec heads are probably the best bang for the buck available. In my opinion, and by some dyno tests in magazines, they are better than any of the older factory castings.

the Vortecs are a good head. They do have some hidden costs though... you need to buy self-aligning rocker arms (little more $$), you need to buy a dedicated vortec style intake (more $$) and centerbolt valve covers. Also, may have to get them machined to accept bigger valvesprings and for screw in studs if you plan on going with a high-lift camshaft.

everything with old cars ends up nickel and diming you! :D

Dart Iron Eagles:

Come in a port configuration to fit every displacement. They are all brand new materials. They all have 2.02/1.60 valves swirl polished valves, bronze guides, screw in studs, guide plates, Comp Cams springs,locks and retainers that are appropriate for the port size. The valve cover rail is about 1/2" higher to aid in oil control and add meat for porting on the intake side. You can port them 'til the die grinder wears out and never hit water. You can mill them about .200" with a bit of care!! And, even the smallest port set will flow better than the best early Chevrolet head!

I dunno, but IMHO for around $1000 I think these are the best deal around. I also think that if you don't have a matching numbers car, then you will always be better off with modern parts vs tricked up early iron!

Paul D.