Just as title states. What are the best set of heads to compliment hotcam?

I know that the trick flows are 195 cc, but I want more...i think.

I working on the assumption that the higher the cc's the more hp I will make.

More questions:

1) Can you have too much head for a cam?

2) Will higher numbers regarding intake/exhaust cc's = more hp in regard to heads?

I like to work with a nice cost-benefit ratio (no nitrous suggestions please). With this said, I dont want to spend $500 to get an extra 10ccs which will net only 5 hp.

Thanks,

Pride

 

1. Heads that are sized properly for the motor will make the most hp. You would want all the airflow you can get. The only issue you can run into is running too big of a head.

So if you had a 350 ci motor and afr 195's it would make peak power around 6k, 6.5k. If you had a set of 220's on it it would peak at 8k. It would be a total dog until 5k plus. the 220's would just be way too big and would need lots of rpms to make any power.

Things like port velocity, and other complicated things i have no clue about are very important too. So flow numbers dont mean everything, dont be fooled by them. I would really stay with ported stock castings. They will be the best for you setup, dont bother with the TFS heads. Call llyod elliot.

Find something used, a set of le2's would really be nice and should make around 400rwhp if you have all the supporting mods.

If you can spend between 900-1200 you should be able to find a great set. Also your not going to need the best springs because the hotcam wont eat them like other grinds.

 

large cc's will also lower compression which = power loss

ported stockers would be your best bet, a hotcam isn't gonna see a huge benefit from any aftermarket casting

 

Thanks guys!! Responses were great. But unfortunately I have another question. Ported stockers vs shelf bought aluminum heads. Basically is there noticable benefits of aluminum heads as opposed to stock cast iron heads? stressing the noticable.

thanks,

pride

 

fbodys and corvettes have aluminum heads stock

but to answer your question, aluminum disapates heat better and is easier to work with. plus if you trash the heads somehow they're worth alot more at the scrapyard

 

You're a little confused there. He is talking about runner size which really has no effect on compression. A larger cc combustion chamber would decrease compression. But I do agree that ported stock heads are the way to go, so long as there aluminum. The hotcam isn't really that big so you dont need to go too crazy. If you go with ported heads I would look into an LE cam too since there matched to the heads. If you already have the hotcam in your car it might not be worth it but if you are waiting to put the cam and heads in together then I would at least consider.

 

The original question is too difficult to answer without some major partisan wars being fired up.

Best what? Most HP? Most Torque? Best drivability? Best MPG?

My suggestion is take a look at your most reasonable variables prior to embarking on a build-up. How much money are you budgeting for heads...cost no object? Do you want a 1,500HP monster? I'm sure someone can set up your LT1 if you've got enough money.

Here are you basic options:

1) Do nothing. Use your stock heads as is and you'll probably see about 300RWHP.
2) Port stockers. Hog 'em out. You could probably get another 40-50 depending on other factors, like headers, Throttle-body, and other mods. All you have to do is pay for the machine work and cross your fingers and hope nothing goes wrong.
3) Purchase some LT4-type heads (LE, GMPP, etc) and add an LT4 manifold (GM, Edelbrock) and Throttle-body. You'd net about 340RWHP and a good dyno-tune.
4) Go with the LT4 castings and hog them out, adding another roll of 100's to an already $2K investment.

You need to figure out your next steps.

 

the best bang for your buck would be a set of ported stock heads. I wouldnt go with an aftermarket casting. No need.

 

I'd shoot my car if it made 300rwhp cam only

 

I thought 94 z's had cast iron heads...oops. Well let me try and answer some of your questions.

Hotcam is already in car...so there want be a cam swoop until there is a complete rebuild.

Current power is somewhere between 315 to 325 rwhp and 325 to 340 tq...had a sick opti when I had it dyno and it was breaking up, plus had some timing pulled bc at the time I was running nitrous. So power is a "I dont know".

What I want is a mid to low 7 sec car in the 1/8th and a high 11 sec car in the 1/4.

I dont know if you saw but I posted in the forced induction forum a few weeks ago. I had a guy pricing me a blower setup....final price 9k to be safe. But i changed my mind. I decided that I should just keep doing it bit by bit instead of throwing everything into one basket. Because nothing with cars goes as planed, and im young and ive got time.

So now I decided on just a h/c setup and a nice set of draglites on all for corners. Bad news...unfortunately I've got a cam (might not be ideal but its already in there so its staying). Now im just looking for a nice set of heads to compliment it. I want results. I dont care about hp, tq, or mpg. I want track times not dyno numbers.

So from you guys i've heard three suggestions: stockers ported, lt4's, lt4's ported. Out of the three I would assume stockers ported would have the best cost-benefit ratio.

I think what Im gonna do is contact llyod and see what he recommends for the cam i have. Do you guys recommend anything else, or have any specs that the heads should be ported to?

Thanks,

Pride

 

Also...sorry

But I've always heard that the stock throttle body was sufficient until hp numbers exceeding 500 fwhp.

Also I have shorty headers, I'm willing to swoop but Im looking at spending another $700 on headers+install (I have no shop or tools at school). Will long vs short really make that much of a difference...I mean really?

And instead of swooping cams, can't i just move up to 1.7 rrs to get the extra lift, thus extra hp?

thanks,

Pride

 

The springs that come with the Hot-cam are border line as it is. So no 1.7 rr's if those are the springs you have. As mentioned, talk to Lloyd. He's a great guy and loves to help people out with any and all questions.
As far as the TB, I had mine ported to a 52mm for $150. And don't forget to ask Lloyd about the shortys, he'll give you a # on how much HP they will cost you.

By the way, mine have 195cc intake runners with upgraded valves. Their around 5 years old, back before Llyod had stages. Cam is (about) the same size as a Hot cam. Good luck and let us know what he recommends.

 

I have crane springs, locks, and retainers which I think are good to over .6 lift...I think.

Does anyone know what the lift would be on 1.7 rr with a hotcam? What would be required to run the 1.7rrs? any disadvantages?

I know I would need some new valve covers to be height permitting. Other than that is there anything? spring recommendations?

Thanks,

Pride

 

Take your .525 lift, divide by 1.6, multiply by 1.7. Have your lift come from the lobes, not the rockers. Puts extra strain on the valve guides. Especially if your wear pattern on the valve from the roller (rocker) isn't perfect. Lloyd will set you up with the proper springs.