Which Heads to buy? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Vicster · 11-06-2020, 04:35 AM

I am starting a new engine build for my ZL1.

I am torn between AFR 260 and Trick Flow LS3 255 6 bolt heads. I know there are more expensive heads out there but these 2 seem to be the best bang for the buck. They will be going on a 427ci LS w/ a 2650 Magnuson Supercharger.
So wanted to get some input before I buy, their web sites are no help as the test benches are set up differently.

tartagliazl1 · 11-06-2020, 05:27 AM

if I had to choose from the 2 in the poll, I would go with the AFR heads. There are other heads in the same price range of those two. Texas speed prc heads, Frankenstein heads. If your talking best bang for the buck, just have your lsa heads ported they flow very well. Best heads are the Mast heads.

larry_g · 11-06-2020, 06:11 AM

I have the AFR heads, but only because they came with the block I bought, so I didn't do any research. There's no doubt in my mind that they flow well as I'm making over 680 whp on 8 pounds of boost.

The only downside I've found is that the valves are spaced different than LS heads so they require their own rocker rail. I didn't like the angle and contact patch of the LS rockers at the valve tip so I went aftermarket. There are limited options so I ended up with Yella Terra as they have a setup specific to the AFR heads.

Again, I'm really happy with the results but keep in mind that one choice can affect other requirements.

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Vicster · 11-06-2020, 07:33 AM

Thanks for the input, this is a complete engine build. I am selling the engine in the car. So the Texas Speed ported heads on the engine go with it...

I figured I would go with the Crower rocker assy. as it has gotten great reviews.

I am leaning towards the AFR heads as I can order them with Inconel exhaust valves.

View Poll Results: Which heads?
AFR 260 LS3 Heads	6	85.71%
Trick Flow 255 LS3 Heads	1	14.29%
Voters: 7. You may not vote on this poll

11-06-2020, 04:35 AM	#1
Vicster 1000hp is NEVER Enough! Drives: 13' ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Seattle Posts: 655 View My Garage	Which Heads to buy? I am starting a new engine build for my ZL1. I am torn between AFR 260 and Trick Flow LS3 255 6 bolt heads. I know there are more expensive heads out there but these 2 seem to be the best bang for the buck. They will be going on a 427ci LS w/ a 2650 Magnuson Supercharger. So wanted to get some input before I buy, their web sites are no help as the test benches are set up differently.

11-06-2020, 05:27 AM	#2
tartagliazl1 Drives: 2013 zl1 vert Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rochester, New york Posts: 961	if I had to choose from the 2 in the poll, I would go with the AFR heads. There are other heads in the same price range of those two. Texas speed prc heads, Frankenstein heads. If your talking best bang for the buck, just have your lsa heads ported they flow very well. Best heads are the Mast heads. __________________ 22% lower/ 2.5 upper/ 2” headers/ cat delete/ x-pipe/ 2 gallon x tank/ 100-3 pump/ fic 1300/ dsx aux kit/ 103mm throttle body/ RPM 5” intake/ meth kit/ prometh lid injection/FI interchiller/ 160* stat/ ngk-7/ msd wires/ elite catch can/ tsp cam/ Che trunnions/ ported supercharger/ 1/2” lid spacer/ brick mod/BMR toe and trailing arms/ 751hp 757 tq SAE @17.3lb on a loaded dyno.

11-06-2020, 06:11 AM	#3
larry_g Drives: 2014 1SS/1LE Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 826	I have the AFR heads, but only because they came with the block I bought, so I didn't do any research. There's no doubt in my mind that they flow well as I'm making over 680 whp on 8 pounds of boost. The only downside I've found is that the valves are spaced different than LS heads so they require their own rocker rail. I didn't like the angle and contact patch of the LS rockers at the valve tip so I went aftermarket. There are limited options so I ended up with Yella Terra as they have a setup specific to the AFR heads. Again, I'm really happy with the results but keep in mind that one choice can affect other requirements. Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk __________________ 830 WHP 700 WTQ, Whipple 2.9 @ 13lbs Boost, Flex Fuel Tune by Blevins Tuning, LSA SBE, 3.5 GripTec, ATI LS3 Damper, AFR 260cc Mongoose, ARP Studs, Yella Terra Ultralites, Johnson 2110R, BTR PDS Stage 3, Melling 10355, Improved Racing Baffle, ID1050X, DSX Triple Fuel Pump, RotoFab CAI, NW 103mm TB, Stainless Works 1-7/8" LTH to 3" Speed Eng w/ X-pipe to NPP, Powermaster 9509 XS, Detroit Speed Motor Mounts, MGW, Monster LT1-S, ZL1 Calipers, DBA Rotors & Pads, Bilstein B6 Struts & Shocks, BMR 1.25" Drop Springs & Adj Rear Bar, Pegasus Solid Bushings, Z/28 Wheels, other misc parts.

11-06-2020, 07:33 AM	#4
Vicster 1000hp is NEVER Enough! Drives: 13' ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Seattle Posts: 655 View My Garage	THANKS! Thanks for the input, this is a complete engine build. I am selling the engine in the car. So the Texas Speed ported heads on the engine go with it... I figured I would go with the Crower rocker assy. as it has gotten great reviews. I am leaning towards the AFR heads as I can order them with Inconel exhaust valves. Last edited by Vicster; 11-07-2020 at 01:11 AM.