pimpss96

So my 396 Impala SS has been sitting in hibernation much longer than I care to admit. I finally made the move to get her back on the road and have some fun again. Trying to get back on the road on somewhat of a budget, and by that I mean I would like to use one of the options already in my collection.

Specs on the short block are as follows:
3.875 Cola Forged Crank
6.0 Oliver Billet Rods
Oliver Billet factory 4 bolt mains
JE Flat tops w 5cc valve reliefs
Pistons are sitting .005 in the hole.

So, my last go round, my build was EXTREMELY mild, and it worked fine. Stock LT4 castings with a anemic 218/228 (or so, been WAY too long to remember these specs) cam.

Now I've got the engine tore down, and I'm at a bit of a crossroad. Where to go with the heads now. Along the way, about 7 years ago, I picked up a set of pre-eliminator AFR 210 58cc LTx heads.

So...budget and performance/$$$ spent, what should I do? All options will include matching cam and ported LT4 intake. I am listing these options based what I am finding it will cost to get back up and running (just in the heads).

1) Run the AFR's as they sit. Remember, these are pre-eliminator heads. Can't find much on the performance side of these anymore. (Free.99) 11.26:1 static compression ratio.

2) Sell the AFR's, port the LT4's. (~$500 investment after sale of AFR's) 11.8:1 static compression ratio

3) Send the AFR's off to be cleaned up. I am told there really isn't a ton of extra work that can be done to these other than a clean-up, so I have no idea what the payoff will be. ($750) 11.01:1-11.26:1 static compression ratio (depending on cleanup)


I know the AFR's have gotten a mixed review over the years. I'm looking at them now as a sunk cost, so I don't really care what they DID cost me. Casting for casting, which is the better route at this point?

Injuneer

I would ask Lloyd Elliott and AI what they think they can do with the AFR's, and how they would compare with their version of the LT4s. Then look at what they claim for the current Trick FLows, and see if they would be worth the added cost.

I know "back in the day" (late 1990's) I had a buddy with seemingly unlimited deep pockets, and he tried the AFR's and dumped them in the trash. Went to Lingenfelter LT4's and finally to Canfields, with major modifications. The Canfields netted 1,125HP at the flywheel with 20+ # of boost.

pimpss96

The issue with the AFR's, while they flow pretty good out of the box, can't really be ported by either LE or AI. Neither has a CNC program for the specific layout of the AFR. LE said they could "clean them up" and smooth out some edges, but not sure the gain would be worth the investment.

MachinistOne

I've always been a big fan of AFR's products, it's a heavy casting to start with, so given to the right porter, you'll end up with some big flow numbers and a more rigid casting.

Are the AFR heads used?

pimpss96

Yes they are...with VERY low miles, and they are now for sale. The 58cc chambers won't work with my new set-up/limitations, sadly.