tech guys: h/c/i opinions and questions

1991notchbackLX

Active Member
Dec 25, 2007
1,483
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48
New York
so tax returns are coming in a week and i'm about ready to order the h/c/i setup i want to run this summer... not looking to make a ridiculous amount of power, just looking to have a clean, fun, relatively quick notch with street manners, hoping for ~300 hp

(stock bottom end w/ 48k miles) what do you guys think about AFR 185 heads, holley systemax intake, and jay allen custom cam grind? (i already have 24lb injectors and 76mm MAF and 70mm TB and walbro pump ready to go in)

am i better off piecing together a setup like this or just buying a top end kit? will the AFR heads bolt up to my BBK long tubes? should i step up to a king cobra clutch? what's the meaning of life? any help would be appreciated

-Chris
 
I will be honest with you if you never plan for any kind of Forced Induction I would NOT get AFR 185cc heads. You will have to notch your pistons. A 302 dos not flow enough air to get the full potiental of those heads. AFR 165cc would be better for you. I made the mistake of getting AFR 185cc heads for my NA 302 and I wasnt impressed with the heads at first since I paid 1400 bucks for them BUT I am now supercharged so I am VERY VERY happy I got them now. Yes AFR are direct replacement heads everything bolts right up that another reason I do like them. I have long tubes and everything lines right up. If you buy AFRs be sure to get the emissions leagl version they have a better resale value if you ever want to sell them. As far as clutch I would upgrade if I was you BUT I have a stock clutch and I am putting at this moment 460 rwhp with no clutch issues yet, but I am not saying that a stock clutch will do. I do plan to upgrade to a centerforce clutch.
 
For stock pistons, I like AFR 165cc cylinder heads.

If you do not have the cylinder heads already, you may want to check out a dealer for them.

Ed Curtis @ www.flowtechinduction.com sells the AFR heads. He will match the valvetrain for your camshaft and engine requirements. He is a custom camshaft guy as well. I was happy with his service.

Good Luck in which ever way you choose:nice:
 
You already wanted to go with Jay for the cam....
Stick with that decision, and let Jay specify the heads and intake for your goals.......


There should be a Jay link in my sig...
jason
 
You already wanted to go with Jay for the cam....
Stick with that decision, and let Jay specify the heads and intake for your goals.......


There should be a Jay link in my sig...
jason

Well said. The 185's with notched Pistons will work VERY well on your 302, though. I put together a combo like that not too long ago, works extremely well! Not my car so I won't give any details :)
 
I prefer the camshaft to have a little more freedom, instead of the design of the camshaft being restricted by the 2.02" valve radial width.

If you are willing to do a little grinding on the pistons to get a little more freedom, have at it!
 
Just as Jason siad, Jay (Camshaft Innovations) can set you up with the cam and Twist Wedge heads, with the right springs for the cam, and you can still run the 2.02 for a package deal.