First off, my setup includes a procharged 403(-ish)ci motor. My previous setup made 760rwhp on my street tune (93 + meth) last spring after my powertrain swap. The only big changes, other than a complete piston/ring swap, is selling my AFR 225 heads for something different.

When I started all of this, I juggled around the idea of just having my AFRs worked over to see what I could gain, and then I quickly got into the price range of just buying a new set of heads. Before selling the AFRs, I got my eye set on a pair of MAST 245s cathedral port heads... after hearing about the long wait time, I was slowly pushed away and started looking elsewhere.

I have since been redirected toward a set of World Products 255 Cathedral heads. I heard they had a history of bad castings or poor CNC work, but they have changed which ever it was that was causing problems so they're actaully back up in quality.

The closer the time comes to purchasing heads, I am becoming more and more torn on which head to go with. I have searched until my fingers are blue, but I haven't found anyone with a similar setup so I can't see the real difference or even results from either.

Don't get me wrong, I understand there is a pretty substantial price difference between the two (~$2200 vs ~$2600 [bare = 15% difference]), but I am just looking for the best 'bang for my $'.

For the people that will say neither will be a good choice and go with a set of rectangular port heads, I would rather stick with some cathedral heads so I can re-use my intake manifold (FAST 102), roller rockers and previous cam (234/242 .650/.650 112LSA on a 108ICL). FWIW, I really liked how well this car drove on the street, and it also averaged over 22mpg on a 2k mile trip. Even with my poor driving skills, it managed a 10.14@144 with my car weighing in at 3700# without me in it.

Also, are there any power-proven heads that I am overlooking for my setup?

 

Call Richard at WCCH he will take the time to talk to you about the best head for your set-up.

 

Thanks, I'll try to give him a call tomorrow.

 

I am curious about this as well. Very similar setup here. I'm running unported 317's @ 12 lbs. Obviously on my particular setup ANY ported head especially an AFR or Trickflow is going to pick up power no matter what, but I wonder about how much it would gain and if I want to try and push these heads any further.

 

What kind of power are you making right now? It looks somewhat similar to my 'old' setup...

 

Any others suggestions?

I called WCCH and left a message with the woman who answered the phone last week, but I have yet to hear anything back. I have called a couple times since then but it either rang and rang, or it went to their messaging system...

 

Give Tony Mamo a call at AFR. Bob

 

That's like searching for the Holy Grail!LOL

I called Tony a few times and go no answer. Its best to just email him or PM him on here.

I was quoted 3850 for a set of new 230's with the upgraded springs and hollow valves for boost. Plus, they will be "Mamofied" with his special touch. Hope that gives you an idea of what you're going to pay.

 

If I got rid of my AFR 225's, I would probably look at ALLPRO heads.

 

Made that call too. I'll tell you like koolrays told me on here. "It will make you cry, but you will only cry once"

It was way more for the All Pro 12* compared to the AFR's

 

I will give him a call... Thanks.

Thanks for the info. I coudn't imagine I would pick up very much going from AFR 225s to AFR 230s, but I could be wrong!

I think that most of the ALLPRO heads and the bigger side of the spectrum require something comparable to a LS7 bore diameter, which I am far from with this block.

HAHA!

Yeah, they are a pricey head for sure.

 

What do you want to do? near stock 225's will do 8's w/88mm easy.

What size turbo?

Just get stock AFR 245's with spring upgrade from Tony.
He can stick a bigger spring than the 8019 on there.

 

I was advised by Tony to not go that route. Something about valve too heavy and boost on the backside of it will just make it more uncontrollable no matter the spring. Solid would make it a different story though.

He told this to me and 98z28cobrakiller on here.

To racerbill: If you get the smaller valves in the All-Pro's LSW 12's it might work considering LS3 heads have 2.16/ 1.6 valves and they work on 4 inch bores.

I was quoted 5 grand for the heads from All-Pro.

 

Please read the first post... No turbo and street driven (actual street driven, not what most claim to be street driven). "8's" is very subjective. My car is full weight, and it is mandatory to be reliable and comfortable for the long road trips.

I have heard the same thing about the AFR 245s as silverbillet mentions below.

Thanks! I have actaully been tossing around the idea of running a set of L92s (trying to decide on who to get to work them over). I know I will pick up peak flow, but I was also concerned about street driving characteristics with such a large runner.

 

I would run the LSA's over L92's. The LSA's have a better deck but then there is that wing thing in the runner, so you will have to get them ported.

I would personally just go back with the AFR's and go with 230's with the stronger spring. The port is a better design than your old 225's plus if you can get Tony to touch them it would be an added benefit.

 

I have a couple friends that run the LSAs, and they really like them. I have been tossing around the idea of drinking the kool-aid too, lol.

 

do it!

funny richard never got back to you, must be busy

that guy is great as is his work, i have his ported LSAs

i am just a pee-on and he talked with me on the phone forever

 

I'd hope so... it's been almost a month, lol. I plan to give him a call when I get some other things lined out since I picked up a new toy to distract me even more.

 

Just as an update, I spoke with the crew over at WCCH, and they were full of great information and guidance. I think I might be giving the LSA heads a chance on my build...