Update: Head Swap Complete

JamesBaumann · Apr 26, 2005

So guys, I finally got my car running again tonight with the new cylinder head. Mods include:

- Ranger Cam & Followers
- Port & Polish
- Shaved 0.50"

I must say, I am very relieved and disappointed at the same time. I am relieved in that the car runs again and now I can sleep again. However, I am a little disappointed in that there was very little power increase. Could this be due to the fact that my exhaust is still stock and restrictive? Or I dont have a proper cold air kit? I would have expected to see atleast a little power increase, but that was not the case. I have a feeling that my ignition timing is way off, which could be something else to check.

Anyhow, I was just wondering what experiences anyone else has had that did these same mods. Did they seem to increase your power dramatically? Thanks for any input.

bhuff30 · Apr 27, 2005

definatly check the ignition timing. If you can still get away with it, you might try 12-14*, but of course detonation will be the deciding factor.
The compression should give you a crisper throttle responce down low, with some extended rpms up top. The porting should give you a fatter and longer power band. But of course, we are talking about the difference between 90hp and maybe 110-120hp so it isn't going to be earth shattering.

stackz · Apr 27, 2005

assuming an n/a engine??

Stinger · Apr 27, 2005

Your engine only flows as well as it's weakest link...I'd guess there is something else in your setup that flows less than the head.

Shawneebear93 · Apr 27, 2005

How much does it cost for the port/polish and shaving or did you do it yourself?

JamesBaumann · Apr 27, 2005

tealtiger93 said:
How much does it cost for the port/polish and shaving or did you do it yourself?

I ported and polished myself. The shaving didnt cost me much. Maybe $50, and we are talking Canadian Dollars.

JamesBaumann · Apr 27, 2005

Stinger said:
Your engine only flows as well as it's weakest link...I'd guess there is something else in your setup that flows less than the head.

I hear your point. I am still using stock, unmodified intakes. That could definitely be it. I have other intakes that are glass beaded and thoroughly polished. I was planning to swap those on when I did the head, but once I got everything apart I felt I had enough on my plate for the time being. I will swap my intakes on a little later. Should I be port matching these intakes? I wasn't going to because somebody on here told me that I would be losing a lot of low end torque. What's your opinion?

I am also using a stock, unmodified exhaust manifold with no exhaust mods with the exception of one deleted catalytic. That'll also hurt my flow. I've got a ranger header that is waiting to be swapped on. Again, same story, I was going to do it when I did my head, but then I decided to leave it for another day.

Anyhow, keeping these things in mind, I still expected to see a little more of a power gain from this mod. I guess I'll set the base ignition timing and see if that helps any.

JamesBaumann · Apr 27, 2005

stackz said:
assuming an n/a engine??

Yes.

Shawneebear93 · Apr 28, 2005

How do you port/polish it? Is it worth the port/polish (since it would be free if I did it) without the shaving?

Dan P. · Apr 28, 2005

I would say go ahead and put the Ranger header on, you will see that the motor will rev faster and that it will have more power in the upper RPMs. Plus there is a 20lb difference between the stock header and the Ranger, ever little bit helps.

Dan

mr_woodster · Apr 28, 2005

shave some wieght on that ledsled, youll feel the difference, or nitrous

bhuff30 · Apr 28, 2005

The exhaust is definatly the restriction here. A long tube with a full 2.5" exhaust would be ideal.

Shawneebear93 · Apr 28, 2005

bhuff30 said:
The exhaust is definatly the restriction here. A long tube with a full 2.5" exhaust would be ideal.

I second that notion.

JamesBaumann · Apr 28, 2005

bhuff30 said:
The exhaust is definatly the restriction here. A long tube with a full 2.5" exhaust would be ideal.

Like I said, I've already got that Ranger header ready to go on. I was thinking 2.25" exhaust all the way back, but you think 2.5" will be better? I was kinda worried about backpressure.

So what was the verdict on the intakes? Am I porting them or not?

Shawneebear93 · Apr 29, 2005

I have 2.5" and I'm happy with it. I can't say for 2.25 thought.

MustangLXT · Apr 30, 2005

I'm interested in Port and Polish on my Head as well, can anyone give me instructions on this?

Shawneebear93 · May 1, 2005

MustangLXT said:
I'm interested in Port and Polish on my Head as well, can anyone give me instructions on this?

I'd like some info concerning this as well.

JamesBaumann · May 1, 2005

Look in the tech articles. There is a link there to a how-to site.

Shawneebear93 · May 1, 2005

Thanks.

Update: Head Swap Complete

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