RHS vs. Dart Pro 1 195 vs. Vic jr's vs. high ports

[txstang84]

I've looked for the past several hours for threads pertaining directly to the heads mentioned above in actual drivability/hp comparisons...didn't come up with much.

If any of you guys on here have any of these heads on a 331 (N/A or power adder) please post some numbers. I thought I had it narrowed down which head I wanted, but I figured, it warranted more research.

any help is appreciated.

 

[Grn92LX]

What is RHS?

I would use the victor jr's based off the results i've seen. I've seen a dude who made 445rwhp with unported jr's on a n/a 347 and another who made 425rwhp with some light clean up on his heads.

Driveability is effected by the camshaft. My cam is pretty healthy and drives awesome.

 

[txstang84]

RHS=racing head service...they used to be called pro topline. They are now owned by Comp Cams, which is no doubt the reason the price jumped up from $1000/set to $1500/set

Yeah, I know driveability will be affected based on different combos, but I was just looking for some real combos with those heads and some real numbers, not just cfm...sometimes the flow numbers are a little...deceptive.

I had originally intended the vic jr's, as they would be a definite step up from my rpms. But, now seeing the high ports coming back into style, I had entertained the thought of dropping on a set of those, since Fox Lake offers an assembled set for $1200...I'll be buying new headers anyway to support a blown 331-oh, and scratch the powerdyne from my sig, I'll eventually run with either a T trim or a Novi 2000 more than likely.

The engine will be N/A for a short while with the eddy rpms. I've already got a 274XE cam for it, so I know it'll effect the low end a little...But, I'll probably end up buying a TFS track heat or R intake to go with the new heads and huffer and ditch the cobra intake I've got.

 

[Rick 91GT]

You have heads listed that are like comparing apples to oranges... The Vic Jr's are far different then a Highport.

 

[txstang84]

Rick, I was hoping you'd chime in on that one-sorry for the late reply, was busier than a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest yesterday. I guess perhaps I need a refresher in the differences of these heads. From what I'd been led to believe. The high ports and vic jr's are both capable of some really good hp at only minimal cost of low end, they use the same valve angle, only the high ports have, well, higher ports making a requirement for different headers, which I'll be getting larger ones anyway.

I've noticed that the ports on the vic jr's are bigger on the intake side by almost 20cc (unless you're buying the CNC'd version of the high port), and they also use a different style combustion chamber compared to the TFS's. But, I wasn't aware that they were that different in power production, or range.

I welcome the education on this one-I know they're both excellent high flowing heads at a great price, but apparently there's more that I'm not familiar with than what I am...please advise

 

[Rick 91GT]

Yes the highport has the inline style valves BUT...they are moved around a good bit, valve placement is different and the ports on those heads work very well as cast. This is the head everyone has tried to copy over the years but Trickflow patented them well.

From what I have seen with the out of box Vic Jr's, they are usually no where near the advertised numbers, the TFS heads are pretty damn close. The Vic Jr's respond very well to some clean up work, light bowl work and a comp valve job which helps them get closer to the advertised flow numbers but afterall that is just flow numbers.

I think you will see better results with the 2.02 intake valve on a small bore, especially since they have been moved around. The 2.05 on the Vic Jr will be shrouded on a smaller bore, you can compensate with a cam profile to make them work.

I personally would pick the Highport over the Vic Jr in almost all cases, and when ported or reworked the Highport will shine and go way past the Vic Jr. I am also a huge fan on the AFR heads, although they are more expensive they have never dissapointed me on any combo. Rasing the exhaust port really helps, most head porters will always try to take the roof up higher on a non rasied port head even on a raised port head, it helps them flow! Just don't put a header on that will reduce down and kill them, header selection is important!

Either head will require new valve springs for any custom cam that has a asymetrical lobe....

 

[txstang84]

Doh! I knew I was forgetting something-I remember reading about the patented valve placement before. This new info is helping me make up my mind. I know the TFS's have always had a good rep, as well as AFR's, but for some reason, I tend to think the 185's would end up limiting me after I bolt on the blower as opposed to the TFS's, and AFR 205's are a solid $450 more.

As for header selection-I'd initially seen a MAC header for the high ports with a 1 3/4" primary and 3" collector that caught my eye...they were only $350, but I'm betting many people would tell me NOOOOOOO!!! DON'T USE MAC! lol, I'm sure by the time that I swap the heads and throw on the blower, I'll have enough saved for a good set of headers.

Thanks Rick, much appreciated!

btw, by asymmetrical lobe, you mean quick open, slow close, right?

 

[Rick 91GT]

Yes...well sometimes

The issue with all no adpater plate type headers is they buckle down so you can get the bolt in, this kills the flow. Although expensive a Kooks header or other customer header with adapter plates (unless you have the wide bolt pattern, AFR 225, or a rotated pattern TFS-R)) is worth it when you go 1.75" or larger

 

[txstang84]

gotcha, point well made.

As for the headers, does Hooker make any decent ones for them? Last time I looked, the low end Kooks headers were about $650...and I'd heard a couple people have issues with having to "clearance" their motor mounts to get them to fit.

I don't mind spending more to get a quality product that works in concert with given components. I've heard tale of how some people will "port" the header flange to match up to the port, but I'm sure that procedure has intrinsic problems. If anyone offers the large bolt pattern headers so I don't have to use adapter plate, I'd take a look at them.