Trick Flow vs. AI Ported 226cc 243's?
 

The trick flows are more money but how do the two compare? By the time I buy 243's and have them rebuilt and ported, the cost of the 2 might be comparable.

Dont trickflows require aftermarket rockers? Even if they dont, I think you can get a set of used 243s and this package http://advancedinduction.com/LSX/AiL...cGMLS2Head.php for about what the Trickflows cost.

I was actually in this same spot;It's the rockers that really kill the deal. The TF heads are great, but from all the posts I have read, you need to spend some $$$$ to get rockers that will not fail and/or give valvetrain stability issues.

dont forget that AI does not come with springs.

FWIW, I just got a pair of 243's to send to AI

^The H/C packages have springs included

I was wondering the same. Been debating the Trickflow 220 as casts vs. AI 226. Anyone know the difference in power?

This^

Cant really compair aftermarket heads vs stock. Iv seen tea does a really great job on the 243s and flow pretty close to aftermarket heads.

What does the op have currently? Do you have any kind of a budget? Intended purpose of the car?

yes, the package does come w springs. im not sure what the savings would be on springs of he went the tf route though

I've installed two sets of Trick Flow heads on my cars. They don't "require" roller rockers, really, but it's highly suggested due to their research in valve deflection caused by large camshafts that tend to push the valve to the side and wear out the guides prematurely. I don't believe installing them without the roller rockers would be a problem, but they're a "do things the right way" kind of company. It is a fact that beyond a certain lift point, the factory rockers begin to push down and to the side which can cause the problems I just described.

- Kevin

I asked Mike from TEA about how TFS heads should be ran. He said not using roller rockers will void your warranty on the heads and he was just rebuilding a few sets because of problems from not running roller rockers.

I was in the same boat, but I was looking at texas speed and AI. I went with them for the following reasons:

- Dont have to try to sell my 853's
- Lots of great results from AI
- Cheaper

I had the 219CC HCR 853 package done. I had to get new locks and retainers for the springs as I didnt have the stock style on my heads. So with cam, pushrods it was right around $2000.

Put the numbers in my sig down, crappy BBK, LPP headers. I bet it will do 450rwhp with a better intake and exhaust.

If you would have powder metal valve guides installed you could safely use stock rockers... I believe it was a 75$ cost to upgrade

what is the benefit to having bronze valve guides anyway?

Well I'm looking to have a car with about 450hp that drives close to stock. My budget is right around $1600 for heads which should get me either the TEA or AI porting.

The trick flows are just better heads. The pm guides are an option. So can use oe oe rockers. Plus the tf will always have better resale value.
tea does some amazing work with the tfs heads. I bought a set of tfs and changed direction. Sold em same day. I needed an rectangle port head.

Thanks Kevin I could not have explained that any better and you are 100% correct. On all the testing we have done running a roller rocker is the best option when getting into the higher lift cams. There are custom shops out there that will install powdered metal guides for you as an option but you will still void any warrenty by running the stock rockers.


Gregg

Haha, thanks. You guys beat it into my head back when I was putting the heads on my SS and GTO. I couldn't be happier with your 225cc CNC heads on my LS2. Made a big gain so I was able to use your smaller Track Max cam (228/230 .585/.585 112LSA) was easy to tune and drives like stock with 450rwhp on stock intake manifold...nice. :burn:

If that is all you want, the LS1 casting will support that if you aren't set on 243's.



BECAUSE... BECAUSE... THEY JUST ARE! :D

Right. I really like the TFS castings, I've worked with many, and have our own CNC'd TFS heads I'm slowly finding time to add to the site/release. However, there are plenty of advantages to running a GM head if it will support the power level you are after (which they easily will for guys wanting 4XXrwhp), including, but not limited to - superior guide life, lighter valves, lower weight, OE fitment, works ideally w/ OE rockers.

I like the TFS heads, have invested in them, and could suggest/push them harder, but the GM head has been attaining the power levels most guys are after since we all got our hands on them. For the $, they're tough to beat. Thanks for your interest! :)

If you look at there site AI now offer a 232 cc for 243's I don't know if there is much advantage from the 226 but its just for the customers that want all the casting gone after porting. I guess...

I "motion" the purchase L92 heads if some is on the fence about factory or going aftermarket.:judge:Yes, need appropriate intake but, money spent seems like a better end product. Yes, I and everyone here can spend your money "better" and faster.LOL