Cylinder heads. Stock iron or aluminum?

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[QUOTE=mattgoveiagt]Thanks guys.

The AFRs and TFTWs sound interesting, although I must admit I don't know anything about them. I like the idea of aluminum heads coming CNC ported out of the box, and also being able to use stock valve covers. Any chance of me being able to do both? (ie, AFRs being pre-ported AND able to use stock valve covers.) Or should I think about going with the TFTWs and pocket porting?

That was my dilemma in choosing between the AFR 165's and TFTW. The TFTW are about $200 cheaper and you don't need the tall valve covers saving about $300 or so. The TFTW also comes with 2.02/1.6 valves. The AFR's (Air Flow Research) come completely CNC ported but with 1.94/1.6 valves.

Also, try not to laugh, but what does AFR and TFTW stand for? What is pocket porting? Porting them yourself or what? I've never done machine work, myself.

I bought the TFTW (TrickFlow Twisted Wedge) heads and spent $150 getting them pocket ported. Thats just blending and smoothing the bowl area where the runners meet the valves. Get a pro to do that. Shouldn't cost a whole lot for that.

Lastly, are there any similar options from Ford? I've heard that the GT-40 heads are good, but I don't know if they come CNC ported or let you use stock covers or any nifty stuff like that.

The GT-40X heads are said to be good. I would prefer either the AFR or TFTW over them. They are a little more expensive also (I think - not really sure on that).

(I want to say "air flow research" and "trick flow twisted wedge", but I'm not sure. I looked for AFR heads on summit.com and couldn't find anything, so...)


That was my dilemma as well. I finally did choose the pocket ported TFTW heads. I really don't think you could tell the difference though between the AFR and TFTW heads if you compared their performance side by side.

BTW, I think Summit owns TrickFlow now (not completely sure), so no AFR's there. [\Quote]

Rev