I have been running TFS TW heads for about 5 years now. I love them, and I would recommend you try these before putting money toward an AFR. These guys are good, but not great. The TFS is great at low RPM and solid at upper RPM. If you want really fast, the TFS R style heads will net you 1.7 hp per cubic feet on gasoline which pretty much puts the AFR's to shame. So do not get caught up in hoopla, spend some time understanding the physics of an engine.
If you blow white smoke do a compression test, and if you have the equipment, do a leak down test as well. Write down the compression numbers and store these for future reference.
Now pull the intake manifold and carefully inspect the intake gasket. I have sucked in a bunch of intake gaskets in my lifetime. If the intake is the problem, great! You are out 20 bucks for a replacement set. Buy a gasket set that is appropriate for your intake manifold and take the time to port your intake manifold to match the intake gasket. This will get you at least 10 horsepower.
If you run a carb, DO NOT POLISH the intake. Polish the intake only if you have fuel injection.
Button up the new gaskets and fire the engine. Remember you will have coolant sitting in your piston rings. It will take two to three minutes to burn this off. So be patient. Run the car at 2,000 to 2,500 RPM for at least 3-5 minutes. If the white smoke is still there, it is time to pull the head because you have a cracked block or a blown head gasket.
If you find a blown head gasket, try the new graphite head gaskets. They seal great, but are hard to clean up if you need to replace these in the future. It is worth the extra cleanup to run these. Call Aldridge Motorsports at 503-284-8484 if you want a set of these. You will love them.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST. IF YOU BLEW A HEAD GASKET YOU ARE RUNNING LEAN. You need to jet up, or carefully inspect your injectors or oxygen sensor. FIX THIS OR YOU WILL BE REPEATING YOUR EFFORTS.
Feel free to email me at
jim_howard_pdx@yahoo.com if you have any other questions or concerns. I am happy to throw in my 27 years of experience in high power engine production.
Go forth and conquer!