I am planning on buying a set of afr 185's (emmission legal) heads with 58cc combustion chambers. I plan on putting them onto my stock 351W with later upgrades such as a cam, intake, etc... Will i have to get my pistons notched it is a 1969 motor in a 1969 Mach 1.
Depends on the cam profile, and the intake valve size. With the stock Windsor cam you shouldn't have to worry, with a healthier cam, and 2.02 valves, you'll be playing with fire.
shoot i am planning on putting in a new cam, but i don't know what. I was hoping to get a place that specializes in cams to help me out with my setup. Something that would match my parts. Right now I am at 155 rwhp (I am currently at 5000ft elevation which accounts for the low rwhp, and running holley 4010 600cfm, but that should be fine for my engine, ) which i am hoping to shoot upto 400fwhp with the heads, cam, and intake(I have ordered headers and plan on putting up a 2.5" exhaust system on first so that should help a lot too). Can you recommend any cam that would help me get this without having me notch my pistons??(i am shooting for something that will give me a good bottom end kick and nail me in my seat in higher rpms).
Why not go with a set of heads with smaller 1.94 intakes? The little bit of performance you'll trade off will not be noticeable. Plus you'll not have to worry later on with a cam swap as long as you keep the profile reasonable. The 1.94's will flow a little better by not being shrouded as much by the chamber and cylinder wall.
Allcarfan i don't have any money for heads right now, I am hoping to get some towards middle of summer. How much you selling for anyways?? Could I use the afr 185's and change intake from 2.02 to 1.94 in any way. I have heard nothing but good things about the 185's. If i choose to go with those do you guys know how much it would cost to have my pistons set for the heads?? And where to do this??
You can't put 1.94 valves in heads that are cut for 2.02's, unless you have the seats changed. There are lots of good aluminum heads out there with 1.94 intakes. I've got a set of Canfields that flow just as good as the AFR 185's and they've got 1.94's. Edelbrock, Ford Racing, Brodix, and more all offer heads with 1.94's. To notch your pistons and do it right, they really should be removed from the block first.
Any head other than the twisted wedge with 2.02 valves will require notching. Even 194s will be close if you have a 4 barrel factory windsor motor(they were 11:1). I would get AFR 165s or Performer RPMs if you don't want to touch your pistons.
Are the twisted wedge heads good?? They are cheaper but you get what you pay for. Are they as good as the 185's?? How much would it cost for me to notch my pistons?? Keep in mind mine is a factory H code (2 Barrel) upgraded to a performer 351 manifold.