H/c/i Questions And Opinions

[A5literMan]

I ended up getting TFS 170 heads and I have a few follow up questions as I piece together the rest of the package...

-I bought the assembled heads which have the 1.46" valvesprings. When purchasing roller rockers, should I consider upgrading to the larger 7/16" studs and purchasing corresponding rockers, or will the included 3/8" stud be ok given the capabilities of my valvesprings? As I mentioned before I may at least explore the idea of a custom cam. So I guess I want to know if I should worry about the weak link--the springs or the studs? (Or am I being crazy?)

-As for the roller rockers, is there any stud mount rocker that is exceptionally good or bad? Ie something I must have or must avoid? Steel vs Aluminum? Any brands? I've noticed the Trick Flow 3/8" set as well as the Comp Cams 17043-16 set. Both are aluminum and bother are 1.6 ratio.

-For lifters, are the FRPP ones offered on Latemodel Restoration good parts? They offer a standard version ($123) and a performance version ($199). Is there any real life difference? Any other brands? I assume I should change these when I do everything else, but if that's not the case let me know.

-For the timing chain, is the Comp Cams Magnum chain listed on LRS ($40) for some reason inferior to the FRPP ones which cost more than double?

Thanks

Comp cams roller rockers,FRPP timing chain and standard roller lifters are my recommendations.

 

[FoxMustangLvr]

I ended up getting TFS 170 heads and I have a few follow up questions as I piece together the rest of the package...

-I bought the assembled heads which have the 1.46" valvesprings. When purchasing roller rockers, should I consider upgrading to the larger 7/16" studs and purchasing corresponding rockers, or will the included 3/8" stud be ok given the capabilities of my valvesprings? As I mentioned before I may at least explore the idea of a custom cam. So I guess I want to know if I should worry about the weak link--the springs or the studs? (Or am I being crazy?)

-As for the roller rockers, is there any stud mount rocker that is exceptionally good or bad? Ie something I must have or must avoid? Steel vs Aluminum? Any brands? I've noticed the Trick Flow 3/8" set as well as the Comp Cams 17043-16 set. Both are aluminum and bother are 1.6 ratio.

-For lifters, are the FRPP ones offered on Latemodel Restoration good parts? They offer a standard version ($123) and a performance version ($199). Is there any real life difference? Any other brands? I assume I should change these when I do everything else, but if that's not the case let me know.

-For the timing chain, is the Comp Cams Magnum chain listed on LRS ($40) for some reason inferior to the FRPP ones which cost more than double?

Thanks

If you bought the TFS 170cc heads brand new and already assembled with valves and springs then you have a good out of the box head to bolt on and not worry about. Leave the studs alone, nothing wrong with 3/8" with what your goals are. If you go custom cam just let them know you intend to use the factory TFS setup for springs so they don't get too crazy or you'll be buying new springs, locks & retainers with that custom cam for lots of $$$. If that's the case you should have ordered a bare set of heads and saved some dough.

 

[Boosted92LX]

If you plan on boosting it and really want a pro m I know a guy selling an unused one of these at 2/3 new price..

http://www.promracing.com/mass-air-meters/3-slot-style-pro-tube.html

 

[NOS1543]

If you plan on boosting it and really want a pro m I know a guy selling an unused one of these at 2/3 new price..

http://www.promracing.com/mass-air-meters/3-slot-style-pro-tube.html

Thanks, as of now that's not in the plans. This one will be getting the engine work, paint, then possibly (someday) a 5 lug conversion. I don't think I'll take it much farther than that.

 

[NOS1543]

You are pretty much building the same combo I have. I have tfs 170s stage 1 cam tfs 1.6 rockers cobra intake and shorties. I put down 271 to the wheels. Port the cobra or go with another intake and go longtubes. Those are my two biggest regrets. Start saving for a new transmission too

Interesting. I was figuring this combo, based on what we've all discussed here so far, would be around 300hp. I've been clear that I don't really care about the number so much but 30hp less is quite a bit--10%. Is the Cobra intake that much of a choke? I already have it and really want to keep it, but if it's going to hurt me that much I'm not so sure.

Anything else missing from your combo? Injectors, MAF, custom tune?

 

[deathb4dismount]

Interesting. I was figuring this combo, based on what we've all discussed here so far, would be around 300hp. I've been clear that I don't really care about the number so much but 30hp less is quite a bit--10%. Is the Cobra intake that much of a choke? I already have it and really want to keep it, but if it's going to hurt me that much I'm not so sure.

Anything else missing from your combo? Injectors, MAF, custom tune?

I have a complete setup with all the supporting mods. Depending on who you ask 271 is "around" 300 and it is right in the ball park of what it "should make", albeit at the lower end. Overall, I am happy with the car and how it drives, it is plenty of fun. Remember 300 is just a number, I have driven cars with more power that have felt and actually were slower.

As for the cobra intake, yes it is a big bottleneck and the shorties don't help either. If I ported or swapped to a better flowing intake and swapped in longtubes, I think I could pick up another 20 hp conservatively speaking, so say 291, which will put you much closer to your 300 number. So take my advice swap to a better intake and go long tubes.