TEA Trick Flow heads initial impression
TEA Trick Flow heads initial impression This past weekend I finally got the car off the jack stands and on the road for about 30 miles. I drove the car real easy just to be sure all was okay. After the drive I double checked everything and I went ahead and change the oil.
TEA Trick Flow factoid – these heads have .050 more PTV clearance over the TEA stage 1.5 5.3 heads. Also these heads have ~10cc smaller intake port and ~6cc smaller exhaust port than my other TEA heads had.
The Trick Flow heads are replacing a great pair of TEA stage 1.5 heads that has put the car in the high 10’s N/A with a TR224 cam and a 230/230 cam so they had a tough act to follow. Brian at TEA said that he thought these heads would be good for 10 or so more RWHP over my other heads. My butt-o-meter says different.
On the street at light throttle I can feel no difference in power which is not surprising in an A4 car with a 4000 stall converter.
There is a stretch of a little traveled road where I do my testing if I cannot get to the track.
My test run is as follows:
From a stop I start out light on the gas to avoid wheel spin letting the transmission shift into 2nd gear and roll heavy into the gas. With my other heads trying to go WOT below 40mph in 2nd gear would result in wheel spin, now with the Trick Flow heads trying to go WOT below 45 - 50mph in 2nd gear results in wheel spin. Getting sideways at 50mph on a dry road is a rush! The car also seems to pull harder in the upper RPMs.
I know my “test” is not a very good determination of how much horsepower I picked up but it is all I have to offer until I get to the track this Friday. My guess is that my 1/8 mile time will be improved by .1 and my ¼ mile will be improved by .15.
John
TEA Trick Flow factoid – these heads have .050 more PTV clearance over the TEA stage 1.5 5.3 heads. Also these heads have ~10cc smaller intake port and ~6cc smaller exhaust port than my other TEA heads had.
The Trick Flow heads are replacing a great pair of TEA stage 1.5 heads that has put the car in the high 10’s N/A with a TR224 cam and a 230/230 cam so they had a tough act to follow. Brian at TEA said that he thought these heads would be good for 10 or so more RWHP over my other heads. My butt-o-meter says different.
On the street at light throttle I can feel no difference in power which is not surprising in an A4 car with a 4000 stall converter.
There is a stretch of a little traveled road where I do my testing if I cannot get to the track.
My test run is as follows:
From a stop I start out light on the gas to avoid wheel spin letting the transmission shift into 2nd gear and roll heavy into the gas. With my other heads trying to go WOT below 40mph in 2nd gear would result in wheel spin, now with the Trick Flow heads trying to go WOT below 45 - 50mph in 2nd gear results in wheel spin. Getting sideways at 50mph on a dry road is a rush! The car also seems to pull harder in the upper RPMs.
I know my “test” is not a very good determination of how much horsepower I picked up but it is all I have to offer until I get to the track this Friday. My guess is that my 1/8 mile time will be improved by .1 and my ¼ mile will be improved by .15.
John
I recently gained 25rwhp only change being my PRC CNC LS6 heads over my old stock LS6 heads. I could not really feel the difference though the dyno confirmed 25 more rwhp. I recently added a Fast 90/90 and I know I gained another 15rwhp at least....Again I cant feel it! I think the only gains I feel are the N2O 100 shots and up. 
Originally Posted by cantdrv65
I recently gained 25rwhp only change being my PRC CNC LS6 heads over my old stock LS6 heads. I could not really feel the difference though the dyno confirmed 25 more rwhp. I recently added a Fast 90/90 and I know I gained another 15rwhp at least....Again I cant feel it! I think the only gains I feel are the N2O 100 shots and up.
Andrew
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
John, glad you're happy with the results. Especially since I've had my eyes on these heads since Jan. and have a pair on order since a couple of weeks ago. Tell me, have the 7.7" pushrods worked well, and do you use the stock rocker arms? Kinda interested for obvious reasons.
Originally Posted by exSSer
John, glad you're happy with the results. Especially since I've had my eyes on these heads since Jan. and have a pair on order since a couple of weeks ago. Tell me, have the 7.7" pushrods worked well, and do you use the stock rocker arms? Kinda interested for obvious reasons.
John
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Originally Posted by MARKSZ71
john u still running your stock shortblock if so that baby is tough
John
Originally Posted by JNorris
I am using the stock rockers. The 7.7" puchrods seem to be fine. The valve train geometry looks fine.
John
John
What is the estimated cost for these?
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by No Juice
Do these have a different valve angle than stock, is that why he asked the question?
What is the estimated cost for these?
What is the estimated cost for these?
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by JZ'sTA
Yep 2400 is the normal price.
Originally Posted by exSSer
The valve angle is 13.5 versus 15deg. of the stock heads. Mine were 2395@ Summit.
Here is a link to some pictures of the Trick Flow heads.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-internal-engine/519140-trick-flow-ls1-head-pictures-inside.html
John
Originally Posted by JaSSon
Does TEA port them? It would be hard for me to get rid of my 1.5s.
Yes, and look for a 225 port soon as well for those wanting a higher flowing head with a Big cam or more cubic inches.
I just recieved a phone call from a leading technical editorial writer that tested the TFS heads on Westechs dyno and with changing heads only he saw 52 HP, which he said is the best they have ever seen simply changing the stock heads for aftermarket. It looks to be a very good product with a ton of versitility in the future. I think when you look at the quality, flow, power and bolt on ability it's a hands down winner among the currently available aftermarket heads on a 5.7 engine. This head actually has BETTER geometry and better piston to valve clearance then a stock head as well. There will be a LS2 version available soon as well as a 402-408 version, the latter version will probably have a +.400" raised valve cover rail as well. The best part is there will be practically no wait time on these as well.