I am torn between three different heads. I am trying to take into consideration the price vs. performance comparison, and whether or not I would definitely have to flycut the pistons. I wont be milling any of these heads. I am running a G5X3 cam on a 114 LSA. Take that into consideration.

1. Patriot Stage 2 5.3 heads. (great price,mixed reviews, not sure about flycutting)

2. PRC Stage 2 5.3 heads (medium price, havent heard many reviews,not sure about flycutting)

3. AFR 205's (Highest priced, consistent great reviews, told by LG that no flycutting is needed if heads arent milled.)

-I am also wondering if any of these heads come with any hardware, or gaskets.....anyone know? If any sponsors could help too, that would be great. Thanks!

Edit: I've been using the search function a lot. I know we dont need yet another "Which head is best" thread.

 

if you have the $$ go for the AFRs.

 

Thanks for the input. I see you are running PP heads. How do you like them?

 

What are the specs on that cam? You should look at TEA heads too. Really good bang for the buck.

 

The specs were never released to the public. I will check out the TEA's too. Thanks.

Anyone know if the TEA's are milled from the manufacturer? Thanks for posting!

 

Damn man I am in the middle of the damn near same debate, other than I was looking at the AFR 225 heads, but luckily the 66cc havent released yet!

 

Well, at least I'm not alone in this dilemna....lol

 

You have the LG cam, so go with the LG AFR 205's IMO its the best matched set up for thoes cams hands down.

 

Go with the AFR's if you have the cash. I did and am happy with my choice.

 

I think it depends on what your goals are.

If you want to spare no expense and have the ultimate performing machine, the AFR's are the way to go.

If you are looking at having a nice respectable street car or bracket racer I would look at the PRC or PP heads. I've been impressed with the comments on the PRC heads (so impressed I ordered a set). I'm still skiddish about the PP quality/reliability, but PP seems to be doing all the right things to make a solid/reliable product. PP continues to win the price wars.

Once you have your goals defined, call each of these manufacturers and talk with them about their products and how they compare to each other. You might even call a sponsor or two to see how they compare. TSP sells both AFR and PRC heads. Speed Inc sells both AFR and PP heads. All of these sponors are great to deal with.

Good luck.

 

My vette is a "gentleman's cruiser" that I want to take to about 430-440 RWHP. It will never be tracked but will be driven spiritedly on the street - occassionally. (daily) If i was looking for every last hp I probably go with the AFR's or ET's. Since I'm not, I'm going with the PP. Great price for a good product.

 

AFR 205s will be about 20 rwhp above most of the budget heads out there. This is a case of where spending the extra dollars up front pays big dividends in the long run. If you get yourself some budget heads, think about how much you're going to wind up spending to get the lost 20 rwhp back. Most likely it will come from adding mods that hurt idle quality, fuel economy, and driveability. Think about that when investing in your cruiser.

 

You made some really valid points.

 

You can either just spend the money for the AFR's now, or "think" you are saving money, get cheaper ones just to get the AFR's later. So, by my own stupid logic, if you buy the AFR's, your saving money.

Dave

 

The AFR 225 62cc will have a better resale value because it can be used with all LSX engine combinations from 346 to 454. Simply use different piston designs to lower compression ratio with big cubic inch motors if need be.

 

I beg to differ. We've installed AFR 205's, and we've installed PRC 2.5's. AFR's make respectable power, but you're not going to see them make 20 RWHP over a PRC head. I have an honest 205 flow sheet if anyone is interested. We've flowed a lot of different heads against our stage 2.5's, and our heads are leaving with better flow numbers (10+ cfm at .600" lift consistently). It will equate to better power and performance, but we'll have some comparison numbers shortly for everyone to see. Our new SAM graduate spends 5 hours of additional work on each set of cylinder heads that come off of the CNC machine to ensure that the cylinder heads perform like they should. Anyone that is ever in the West Texas area should feel free to stop by to not only check out our facility but to also personally watch flow comparisons of various heads. It's hard to dispute test numbers that are performed in front of you.

Anyone that's interested in the PRC cylinder heads should feel free to give us a call with any questions or concerns.

Trevor

 

Check with ET Performance to see what they have. I think they were saying something about not having to flycut pistons with their heads and big cams.

 

I was in the same exact debate as you. But then, Chesty Puller and Carlos Hathcock came to me in a dream one night and told me to go with Absolute Speed 5.3 heads, since no flycutting is required with my cam choice. That was the deciding factor for me. Plus, They flow very well and I got an outstanding deal on them.

Sgt Rindt S/F

 

Patrick,
Your cam 231/ 234, .644/.598 lift is begging for the new 62cc AFR 225's. I think you would be very surprised at how little drivability will be effected.

OH YEA, also add 3.73-4.10 ring and pinion. Good day

 

Nittany...I'm calling in a shop in hopes to pick up a set of the ET Performance new casting 225's. I'd go All Pro if they had a CNC Program going on.

Charlie