AFR Heads, Are they any good?

Blown65 · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 11:25 am Post subject: AFR Heads, Are they any good?

Its time for me to upgrade to a fresh set of heads on my Big Block. I am looking at a set of AFR 357Magnum CNC's. I have never used AFR heads, only Darts. How are these heads generally, (fit and finish wise)? Should there be anything I should watch out for?

Thanks for any opinions and advice

Corey

Big Dave · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:02 pm Post subject:

If we were racing flow benches they flow more than any other 24 degree standard port configuration BBC head. That being said every professional engine builder with name recognition uses Dart or Brodix heads standard port heads (when not using symmetrical port with 15 to 18 degree valve heads). But of course they are not using the heads as received out of the box, but have them CNC'd to their own personal profile.

I plan on using a set of 315 AFR Magnum's on my next 540 BBC build up. I currently have no personal experience with AFR to report to you as yet.

Big Dave

Blown65 · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:42 pm Post subject: AFR Heads

Thanks for the info. I have been researching a little more and found a set of heads that flow even better than the AFR's and they are conventional.

I have never even heard of these but the flow numbers are amazing. I would say these are the highest flowing heads made.

I think I have made up my mind.

www.thebmfstore.com

Big Dave · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:02 pm Post subject:

Most people bad mouth AFR heads but it is usually a case of sour grapes (as I do not know anyone that would not run them if they found a box of heads on their door step). They have a great reputation in sportsman classes, and make lots of power in testing out of the box in car mag testing.

For the longest time RHS used to be the cat's pajamas, but they started CompCams as a sideline and then they let the company slide for lack of focus. AFR has that same rep today, and the highest prices to match that increased demand.

Big Dave

Skunkworkx · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:54 pm Post subject:

AFR seems to have a lot of hype IMO.

I would love to see an apples to apples test by an independent builder.

Big Dave · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:56 pm Post subject:

af2 · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 10:33 pm Post subject:

The only problem is that you have Tony Romo from AFR and Joe Sherman in his front pocket. Not taking away from Joe but I wan't his Dyno!
I say no more. Laughing

squeeezer · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 11:38 pm Post subject:

af2 · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 12:08 am Post subject:

Harold Sutton · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 11:55 am Post subject:

If you have a 598" or larger the AFRs make over 900 H.P. with some compression. One guy here just built a 632 which has BMFs and installed in a Nova. It was just a tick faster than our Chevelle but is 150 lbs. lighter and more aerodynamic. The new Head Hunters by Brodix would be my choice for a new head currently. There is a set of these, in the 332 cc size, over on Racing Junk that can be had for $2500 complete. That head flows 400+ cfm and would make a real drivable smaller engine, like a 540"-555" with lower compression. How heavy is the car, what body style, gear, transmission, etc.? P.S...... How fast are you wanting to go? My son's Chevelle, at 3530 lbs. has been 9.277 @ 146 with a 3.89 gear, powerglide and a 598" with the AFR 357 heads. A good T-400 would be quicker but Rossler is the only on i'd trust to build one that would hold up. We've broken a supposedly good one four times.

Blown65 · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 6:46 pm Post subject: Heads

A little update on the heads search. I just ordered a set of Dart 360 solid heads from Race Flow Development. Complete cnc ported 2.35 Titanuim Intakes, 1.90 Inconel exhausts, triple Nextek springs, completely assembled, just a hair under $5500.0 to my door. I couldn't pass up that deal. Once they are finished they should be around 390CC intakes and flow about 460CFM. I can't wait to bolt these on and see how fast we go.

Updates to follow. Thanks for all the info/help Very Happy

Corey

Big Dave · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 7:35 am Post subject:

I don't know.... Those heads have got to have two maybe three pounds more aluminum in them than the AFR heads. Do you think that the extra breathing ability will offset all that added weight? Surprised

Big Dave

Blown65 · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 9:45 am Post subject: AFR

They are going on a Blown Alcohol engine and I don't run water in the block. Due to the high cylinder pressures I went with the solids for extra reliability. I'm hoping these heads are the last I ever have to purchase while I'm running the conventional bigblock.

Corey

Big Dave · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 1:07 pm Post subject:

Only kidding about the weight Laughing

Out of curiosity had you given any thought to the price difference with a set of Dart Big Chiefs and matching 8-71 manifold? I know it is going to be more but I was wondering just how much more? (figuring about $1,300 each with another $2,500 to $4,000 to upgrade valves and get them ported; I figured maybe a grand or two more for some much deeper breathing heads).

Big Dave

Blown65 · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 1:25 pm Post subject: AFR

I was looking into it but you also have to change pistons(different valve angle) as well as the rockers (Jesel/T&D) new pushrods, etc. It was going to be close to $10,000 bucks once all the parts are here. If it was the only thing I had to change I might have been able to afford it, but I haven't raced this car for a while so the upgrades that I want to do will cost a bit as well. Believe me I was definitely looking at it, but the budget just isn't there.

Corey