AFR 165 Advice

[Rickd]

Spending big bucks on new aluminum heads, and not upgrading your cam at the same time seems kind of inefficient. I'm going through the same exercise right now, using Trick Flow Twisted Wedge heads, a new Racer Brown custom grind cam, and comp cams pro magnum roller rockers. Also a new Speed Demon carb. Was going to go with AFR's but was advised that I would have to slightly modify my exhaust system, compared with not having to make any mods with either TF or Edelbrock.

The new cam is very inexpensive in relation to the investment in the heads, and it will really make those new heads work. You really NEED the new cam if you are going to take advantage of the increased air flow capability of the AFR's. You need to make sure that your intake will provide sufficient airflow for your new heads, and that the cam will provide the power curve to optimize the heads performance. The AFR's and Trick Flows have fairly similar flow rates (from the charts I've seen) and they both provide a nice incremental boost in both intake and exhaust flow up to .50 to .60 lift. So your new cam does not need to be radical. The stock cams in the 302 HP were rollers with 209 duration @ .50 and .444 lift. (that's what I've got). I'm upgrading to a Racer Brown 222 duration @ .50 and .500 lift. The increased duration and lift will allow me to take advantage of the TW's airflow.

Do the research, make sure your intake can feed the heads, and make sure you've got enough cam to take advantage of the heads flow. Then you will be optimizing your motor design in a balanced manner. Then drive the daylights out of it!! Have fun. Rick