Adding AFR185's to FMS392

[jeffko]

Mark, I just installed a set of new BDR headers on my 205s without any problem at all.

I recall several guys on here that have 185s on engines from 302 to 393. The 205 is a smaller combustion chamber, raising compression, and the intake valves are bigger. I used -12cc probe pistons in my build for clearance and to keep my compression under 11:1.

[Humbucker]

I'm the guy who bent a pushrod when installing the Keith Craft AFR185's.

All I can figure is one of two possibilities. Operator error or defective pushrods. A friend and I quadruple checked everything before putting the intake back on, so I'm pretty sure it was a bad rod. I ordered the heavier duty pushrods (the Magnums, I believe) and had no problems after that.

In other words, the AFR185's went on with no clearance problems at all.

My engine is a 2002 FMS 392, if that helps any.

By the way, the increase in HP & torque is VERY noticable. It was money well spent.

[Mark Brye]

Humbucker,

What cc heads did you use? Did you get the car dynoed after to see what the improvements are? Also, do I need to change rockers from what the factory FMS motor uses when using the AFR 185's? Sorry for all the questions.

[Humbucker]

The heads are the 58cc versions. No idea what before and after HP ratings are, but believe me, you'll know it when you punch the gas. If you're worried about that, you surely shouldn't be.

As for the roller rockers... All the Keith Craft AFR heads are stud mount, so you'll need the stud mount roller rockers. I chose the Scorpion from Keith and am very happy with them. In my opinion, you should opt for the Magnum pushrods instead of the cheaper hardened for reasons mentioned above in a previous post.

Let me know if you have any more questions. I just did this upgrade a couple months ago, so it's still all fresh in my mind.