My head choice dilema...

RobertD · 06-09-2001, 02:45 PM

So we had a discussion about heads...GT-40's and 40Ps. I had narrowed down my choices between these two. I got a couple of replies for TW heads.

The Edelbrocks and cast iron varieties seem to be the heads of choice with AOD owners. The TW w/5 speeds. I had originally thought the P's would help me retain some low end so that my car didn't feel so sluggish out on the streets. The smaller valves created more velocity down low and it would help me retain torque. I looked at the numbers and the Edelbrocks flow about the same as P's up to about .3 lift. After this, it's all Edelbrock. The TW out flow both all over the board, but have larger valves. I don't want a race engine, but a nice running 5-liter with plenty of pull and some good HP (Say...320+ HP). The setup will be:

.030 over block
Cobra intake
Mild cam (depending on head choice)
***Heads of choice***
24 lb injectors
190-lph fuel pump
76 m mass air
65 mm TB
3.27 rear
Off road exhaust, 2 chamber flows
AOD w/ Transgo shift kit

All in a full weight 91 GT. I want the car to be streetable, reliable and, again, not be sluggish down under. That is why I decided on the P's. The Edelbrocks flow the same amount of air on the intake(total from .1 to .5 lift), but are 40 lbs lighter and flow more exhaust! I don't have the cash or time to re-do this combo twice. I need to get it right the first time. You have steered me right before, and I trust your judgement.

I have done so much reading and studying that it's driving me mad. I need to hear more experiences...

------------------
Robert
91GT; 88 ASC McLaren #709

NOS_Notch · 06-10-2001, 01:40 AM

are you planning on replacing your headers w/ "p" only headers?
i would go w/ the edelbrocks.
You can find them used for the price of new "p" heads.

------------------
4.10's,long tubes & 75 shot...Goes 12.50's
Check it out at http://www.burnouts.stangnet.com

11's coming soon!!!!
Heads,intake and cam are all here

86GT · 06-10-2001, 10:04 AM

I agree with NOS_Notch. Go with the Edelbrocks, I'm happy with my set, and don't let the number games fool you. They flow well enough out of the box, and even better with only a SMALL amount of touch ups. And you can use you're existing headers, etc. with them.

Skyman · 06-11-2001, 03:53 AM

I have the TFS TW with a E-303 cam, and I have more power than the tires can handle at 2500rpm and above. There is tons of lowend.

Sky

------------------
-1989 Saleen Mustang #406- TFS Heads, E-303, edelbrock intake,70MM TB, 73mm MAF, off road H, headers and 3chamber flows.
12.55@107mph
50-175 Nitrous Works WET Kit just added.

Mach 1 · 06-11-2001, 08:01 AM

Get the edelbrocks, you wont be disapointed. Excellent quality, light weight, and exactly what your looking for.

------------------
1993 GT/AOD
'93 Mustang GT

SLOWPONY · 06-11-2001, 08:43 AM

Go with the T/W heads, they flow the most at low lifts (E-Cam) than the Edelbrocks. I run the Edelbrocks and if I had to buy another set of heads I would buy the Victor JR's or a set of the T/W.

SaleenGTS · 06-11-2001, 08:56 AM

The edelbrocks are mediocre heads.....they flow around 235-240/175-180. IMO waste of money when you can get a set of TFS TW's for $1000 that flow 250-255/190-195. Edelbrocks are overpriced too.

------------------
Dustin
Saleenized 89 GT,428 rwhp,TFS Street Heat Intake,TFS TW Heads,TFS #2 cam,BD-11A 9 psi,FRPP 1.6 rr's,BBK 70mm TB,Pro-M 75mm Bullet,MSD 6BTM, FMS 9mm wires,BBK longtubes,BBK Short H-pipe,American Thunder cat back,3.55's

12.3@119

DirtKing · 06-11-2001, 06:44 PM

afr 165 kick *** ...especially at the low lift on a mild motor!

------------------
88LX notch, Speedpro EFI Procharged!

exgmguy · 06-11-2001, 07:01 PM

You will make plenty of torque with the TFS heads. Mine are ported, along with a heavily ported GT-40 lower. (Fel-pro 1262) On the dyno I was making about 275 lbs of torque by 2800 rpm. 310 lbs by 3400.

Thing is you have to buy good rocker arms and 6.700 inch hardened pushrods. You should get this stuff with any head though.

------------------
1988 Mustang GT
12.0 @ 122
1992 BadAzz Wrangler
1993 Explorer

Unit 5302 · 06-11-2001, 07:39 PM

If you are trying to decide amongst all heads, the TFS Twisted Wedge are an easy choice. A steep flow curve, along with small combustion chambers, great flow rates, and a killer price on a set of aluminum heads.

The TFS heads will blast the GT-40 series out of the water.

Edelbrock makes quality heads, but the old myths around the Twisted Wedge taking out valve guides is finally coming to a fizzle. Lot's of people run them with NO problems.

So here's what you are left with. Great flow velocity and huge numbers with a quality name brand head for hundreds cheaper than the competition. That's what the Twisted Wedges deliever.

RobertD · 06-12-2001, 08:53 PM

So everyone agrees on the TW heads? I always thought that the larger intake valve would keep me from making low end torque. Does the low lift flow make up for it?

------------------
Robert
91GT; 88 ASC McLaren #709

SaleenGTS · 06-12-2001, 09:15 PM

Mine made more low end Tq than stock headed mustangs do.

------------------
Dustin
Saleenized 89 GT,428 rwhp,TFS Street Heat Intake,TFS TW Heads,TFS #2 cam,BD-11A 9 psi,FRPP 1.6 rr's,BBK 70mm TB,Pro-M 75mm Bullet,MSD 6BTM, FMS 9mm wires,BBK longtubes,BBK Short H-pipe,American Thunder cat back,3.55's

12.3@119

Mach 1 · 06-13-2001, 02:23 PM

Unit....when did TFS add you to thier marketing payroll?

------------------
1993 GT/AOD
'93 Mustang GT

jimberg · 06-13-2001, 03:14 PM

GT-40Ps weigh a lot more (50-70lbs) than comparable aluminum heads. You can't just compare flow numbers with flow numbers. What is it, 100 lbs cost you a tenth in the quarter? It's also weight in the front which is where you don't want it.

You can run more timing advance with aluminum heads since they dissipate heat better than iron heads.

Unit's right about the TFS heads. They're the best bang for the buck.

As far as torque goes, it depends on the cam and the length of your intake runners. TFS TW heads have no problems with low end torque and are great at the high end.

------------------
351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

TJR · 06-13-2001, 06:50 PM

jimberg....About timing with aluminum heads. Has anyone here with aluminum heads played with timing on a dyno? I've heard people say you can run more with aluminum heads (which is probably true), but does that mean you'll make more power? I'm not trying to say that it is right/wrong to run more timing, but do you really need to since the design of an aluminum head is a lot more efficient than say the E7TE castings? Due to efficiency, I have been told that they need less timing. Of course this is all speculation. I have no proof either way, but I would like to see some dyno runs with a set of aluminum heads with timing at 10, 12, 14, 16, etc...to see what the differences in power are. Does anyone else have thoughts on this?

Back to the original topic....RobertD, I think you would be happy with any of the choices that were mentioned. I was thinking of going with Canfields (54cc chambers), but am now considering the Trick Flow TWs. But whatever you choose, in my opinion, will be better than stock.

------------------
1989 lx notch
89,000 miles
bolt-ons,stock heads/cam
60'- 2.07, 8.90@78, 13.93@99

Hozer 88GTConv · 01-16-2005, 12:23 PM

Another vote for TW's...
Man, do I love them! Especially w/ 3.73's, but my neighbors for some reason don't appreciate them nearly as much.

SaleenGTS · 06-13-2001, 07:40 PM

I ran best with 18*. I tryed it at 16* and ran a run about 8 hp less.

------------------
Dustin
Saleenized 89 GT,428 rwhp,TFS Street Heat Intake,TFS TW Heads,TFS #2 cam,BD-11A 9 psi,FRPP 1.6 rr's,BBK 70mm TB,Pro-M 75mm Bullet,MSD 6BTM, FMS 9mm wires,BBK longtubes,BBK Short H-pipe,American Thunder cat back,3.55's

12.3@119

TJR · 06-13-2001, 10:04 PM

Dustin....those results are pretty interesting. Was the gain seen throughout the entire curve or just at the peak? Also, how close was p/v clearance with the cam?

------------------
1989 lx notch
89,000 miles
bolt-ons,stock heads/cam
60'- 2.07, 8.90@78, 13.93@99

XR1stang · 06-13-2001, 11:09 PM

Go TFS you won't be disappointed. BUT make sure you measure the pushrods, and then get the correct ones. If not you WILL have problems.

XR1stang
loves his TFS heads

SaleenGTS · 06-14-2001, 08:40 AM

TJR-
The power curve was greater throughout the whole band, BUT it peaked at 8 hp more....I noticed a great improvement in throttle response too.

P/V clearance was fine....they say TFS TW heads can go up ti .540 lift ot 290 duration, but I'd always use the clay method just incase.

------------------
Dustin
Saleenized 89 GT,428 rwhp,TFS Street Heat Intake,TFS TW Heads,TFS #2 cam,BD-11A 9 psi,FRPP 1.6 rr's,BBK 70mm TB,Pro-M 75mm Bullet,MSD 6BTM, FMS 9mm wires,BBK longtubes,BBK Short H-pipe,American Thunder cat back,3.55's

12.3@119

06-09-2001, 02:45 PM	#1
RobertD Registered Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: El Paso, Texas, USA Posts: 170	My head choice dilema... So we had a discussion about heads...GT-40's and 40Ps. I had narrowed down my choices between these two. I got a couple of replies for TW heads. The Edelbrocks and cast iron varieties seem to be the heads of choice with AOD owners. The TW w/5 speeds. I had originally thought the P's would help me retain some low end so that my car didn't feel so sluggish out on the streets. The smaller valves created more velocity down low and it would help me retain torque. I looked at the numbers and the Edelbrocks flow about the same as P's up to about .3 lift. After this, it's all Edelbrock. The TW out flow both all over the board, but have larger valves. I don't want a race engine, but a nice running 5-liter with plenty of pull and some good HP (Say...320+ HP). The setup will be: .030 over block Cobra intake Mild cam (depending on head choice) *Heads of choice* 24 lb injectors 190-lph fuel pump 76 m mass air 65 mm TB 3.27 rear Off road exhaust, 2 chamber flows AOD w/ Transgo shift kit All in a full weight 91 GT. I want the car to be streetable, reliable and, again, not be sluggish down under. That is why I decided on the P's. The Edelbrocks flow the same amount of air on the intake(total from .1 to .5 lift), but are 40 lbs lighter and flow more exhaust! I don't have the cash or time to re-do this combo twice. I need to get it right the first time. You have steered me right before, and I trust your judgement. I have done so much reading and studying that it's driving me mad. I need to hear more experiences... ------------------ Robert 91GT; 88 ASC McLaren #709

01-16-2005, 12:23 PM	#16
Hozer 88GTConv Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 706	Re: My head choice dilema... Another vote for TW's... Man, do I love them! Especially w/ 3.73's, but my neighbors for some reason don't appreciate them nearly as much. __________________ 1988 GT Convertible 331 10:1 TW heads, GT-40 intake, MSD, TRW flattops, B Cam w/ 1.7's, MAC exhaust, 24's, 70 TB, 76 MAF, 3.73's, Pro 5.0, Koni's, Anderson PMS, Wideband 02, yatta, yatta... One week with new motor, two speeding tickets...joy

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Major dilema or easy choice?	Fox Body	Blue Oval Lounge	5	10-29-2002 08:45 PM
what head ?	faststang90	Windsor Power	3	09-08-2002 07:17 PM
Anyone ever used the ultra seal 5751 silicor head gaskets yet?	11secondGT	Windsor Power	0	08-06-2002 10:23 PM
Best head choice for present and future?	weagle	Windsor Power	5	05-23-2001 05:35 PM
Head gasket choice for AFR 165's on N/A combo	cojonepony	Windsor Power	1	03-28-2001 08:30 PM

06-10-2001, 01:40 AM	#2
NOS_Notch Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Fresno,CA. USA Posts: 384	are you planning on replacing your headers w/ "p" only headers? i would go w/ the edelbrocks. You can find them used for the price of new "p" heads. ------------------ 4.10's,long tubes & 75 shot...Goes 12.50's Check it out at http://www.burnouts.stangnet.com 11's coming soon!!!! Heads,intake and cam are all here

06-10-2001, 10:04 AM	#3
86GT Sniffed too much n20 Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Ont, Canada Posts: 1,018	I agree with NOS_Notch. Go with the Edelbrocks, I'm happy with my set, and don't let the number games fool you. They flow well enough out of the box, and even better with only a SMALL amount of touch ups. And you can use you're existing headers, etc. with them.

06-11-2001, 03:53 AM	#4
Skyman I need 110mph Trap Speed! Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: So, CA Posts: 4,315	I have the TFS TW with a E-303 cam, and I have more power than the tires can handle at 2500rpm and above. There is tons of lowend. Sky ------------------ -1989 Saleen Mustang #406- TFS Heads, E-303, edelbrock intake,70MM TB, 73mm MAF, off road H, headers and 3chamber flows. 12.55@107mph 50-175 Nitrous Works WET Kit just added.

06-11-2001, 08:01 AM	#5
Mach 1 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,866	Get the edelbrocks, you wont be disapointed. Excellent quality, light weight, and exactly what your looking for. ------------------ 1993 GT/AOD '93 Mustang GT

06-11-2001, 08:43 AM	#6
SLOWPONY Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: detroit,mi Posts: 27	Go with the T/W heads, they flow the most at low lifts (E-Cam) than the Edelbrocks. I run the Edelbrocks and if I had to buy another set of heads I would buy the Victor JR's or a set of the T/W.

06-11-2001, 08:56 AM	#7
SaleenGTS RICE taste like Chicken Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 687	The edelbrocks are mediocre heads.....they flow around 235-240/175-180. IMO waste of money when you can get a set of TFS TW's for $1000 that flow 250-255/190-195. Edelbrocks are overpriced too. ------------------ Dustin Saleenized 89 GT,428 rwhp,TFS Street Heat Intake,TFS TW Heads,TFS #2 cam,BD-11A 9 psi,FRPP 1.6 rr's,BBK 70mm TB,Pro-M 75mm Bullet,MSD 6BTM, FMS 9mm wires,BBK longtubes,BBK Short H-pipe,American Thunder cat back,3.55's 12.3@119

06-11-2001, 06:44 PM	#8
DirtKing Registered Member Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: brooklyn center,mn,USA Posts: 169	afr 165 kick *** ...especially at the low lift on a mild motor! ------------------ 88LX notch, Speedpro EFI Procharged!

06-11-2001, 07:01 PM	#9
exgmguy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: Utica, Michigan Posts: 2,631	You will make plenty of torque with the TFS heads. Mine are ported, along with a heavily ported GT-40 lower. (Fel-pro 1262) On the dyno I was making about 275 lbs of torque by 2800 rpm. 310 lbs by 3400. Thing is you have to buy good rocker arms and 6.700 inch hardened pushrods. You should get this stuff with any head though. ------------------ 1988 Mustang GT 12.0 @ 122 1992 BadAzz Wrangler 1993 Explorer

06-11-2001, 07:39 PM	#10
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	If you are trying to decide amongst all heads, the TFS Twisted Wedge are an easy choice. A steep flow curve, along with small combustion chambers, great flow rates, and a killer price on a set of aluminum heads. The TFS heads will blast the GT-40 series out of the water. Edelbrock makes quality heads, but the old myths around the Twisted Wedge taking out valve guides is finally coming to a fizzle. Lot's of people run them with NO problems. So here's what you are left with. Great flow velocity and huge numbers with a quality name brand head for hundreds cheaper than the competition. That's what the Twisted Wedges deliever.

06-12-2001, 08:53 PM	#11
RobertD Registered Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: El Paso, Texas, USA Posts: 170	So everyone agrees on the TW heads? I always thought that the larger intake valve would keep me from making low end torque. Does the low lift flow make up for it? ------------------ Robert 91GT; 88 ASC McLaren #709

06-12-2001, 09:15 PM	#12
SaleenGTS RICE taste like Chicken Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 687	Mine made more low end Tq than stock headed mustangs do. ------------------ Dustin Saleenized 89 GT,428 rwhp,TFS Street Heat Intake,TFS TW Heads,TFS #2 cam,BD-11A 9 psi,FRPP 1.6 rr's,BBK 70mm TB,Pro-M 75mm Bullet,MSD 6BTM, FMS 9mm wires,BBK longtubes,BBK Short H-pipe,American Thunder cat back,3.55's 12.3@119

06-13-2001, 02:23 PM	#13
Mach 1 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,866	Unit....when did TFS add you to thier marketing payroll? ------------------ 1993 GT/AOD '93 Mustang GT

06-13-2001, 03:14 PM	#14
jimberg Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Rogers, MN Posts: 2,089	GT-40Ps weigh a lot more (50-70lbs) than comparable aluminum heads. You can't just compare flow numbers with flow numbers. What is it, 100 lbs cost you a tenth in the quarter? It's also weight in the front which is where you don't want it. You can run more timing advance with aluminum heads since they dissipate heat better than iron heads. Unit's right about the TFS heads. They're the best bang for the buck. As far as torque goes, it depends on the cam and the length of your intake runners. TFS TW heads have no problems with low end torque and are great at the high end. ------------------ 351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

06-13-2001, 06:50 PM	#15
TJR Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Bowling Green, OH Posts: 270	jimberg....About timing with aluminum heads. Has anyone here with aluminum heads played with timing on a dyno? I've heard people say you can run more with aluminum heads (which is probably true), but does that mean you'll make more power? I'm not trying to say that it is right/wrong to run more timing, but do you really need to since the design of an aluminum head is a lot more efficient than say the E7TE castings? Due to efficiency, I have been told that they need less timing. Of course this is all speculation. I have no proof either way, but I would like to see some dyno runs with a set of aluminum heads with timing at 10, 12, 14, 16, etc...to see what the differences in power are. Does anyone else have thoughts on this? Back to the original topic....RobertD, I think you would be happy with any of the choices that were mentioned. I was thinking of going with Canfields (54cc chambers), but am now considering the Trick Flow TWs. But whatever you choose, in my opinion, will be better than stock. ------------------ 1989 lx notch 89,000 miles bolt-ons,stock heads/cam 60'- 2.07, 8.90@78, 13.93@99

06-13-2001, 07:40 PM	#17
SaleenGTS RICE taste like Chicken Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 687	I ran best with 18. I tryed it at 16 and ran a run about 8 hp less. ------------------ Dustin Saleenized 89 GT,428 rwhp,TFS Street Heat Intake,TFS TW Heads,TFS #2 cam,BD-11A 9 psi,FRPP 1.6 rr's,BBK 70mm TB,Pro-M 75mm Bullet,MSD 6BTM, FMS 9mm wires,BBK longtubes,BBK Short H-pipe,American Thunder cat back,3.55's 12.3@119

06-13-2001, 10:04 PM	#18
TJR Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Bowling Green, OH Posts: 270	Dustin....those results are pretty interesting. Was the gain seen throughout the entire curve or just at the peak? Also, how close was p/v clearance with the cam? ------------------ 1989 lx notch 89,000 miles bolt-ons,stock heads/cam 60'- 2.07, 8.90@78, 13.93@99

06-13-2001, 11:09 PM	#19
XR1stang Registered Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 205	Go TFS you won't be disappointed. BUT make sure you measure the pushrods, and then get the correct ones. If not you WILL have problems. XR1stang loves his TFS heads

06-14-2001, 08:40 AM	#20
SaleenGTS RICE taste like Chicken Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 687	TJR- The power curve was greater throughout the whole band, BUT it peaked at 8 hp more....I noticed a great improvement in throttle response too. P/V clearance was fine....they say TFS TW heads can go up ti .540 lift ot 290 duration, but I'd always use the clay method just incase. ------------------ Dustin Saleenized 89 GT,428 rwhp,TFS Street Heat Intake,TFS TW Heads,TFS #2 cam,BD-11A 9 psi,FRPP 1.6 rr's,BBK 70mm TB,Pro-M 75mm Bullet,MSD 6BTM, FMS 9mm wires,BBK longtubes,BBK Short H-pipe,American Thunder cat back,3.55's 12.3@119