AFR 165 Heads For A 302HO

[JoeyB]

Ok, I've been doing a lot of reasurch and trying to decided which set of heads to put on my 1991 302HO. I've got a Weiand intake, 600cfm holley, stage 1 tick flow cam, and an MSD ignition. I have come to the conculsion that the AFR heads are probably the heads of choice for me. You can use your stock rocker arms (upgrade later when you have more money...), stock valve covers, and still get around 50 to 75 more HP. Anyone using these? Do you like them or not? I'm not trying to start the classic head war (which heads are better) but more on the lines if your using the AFR 165 heads do you like them or not? Thanks for your input.

 

[Mac]

I've got a set but haven't installed them yet. Just swapped in longer studs to fit the bigger rockers (had them from another project). Look real good. All the test show them to be one of the best performing ones but maybe not the best bank for the buck. Never heard a bad word about them
Dave

 

[JoeyB]

I've heard the Trick Flow heads are the bang for your buck heads but you cannot use your stock rocker arms or valve covers, and you need longer push rods right out of the gate. By the time you add all of that up your cost is the same as the AFR heads. I'm very interested to know how good the AFR heads really are. I did read an article in a mustang magazine saying they got almost a 90HP gain using the AFR heads and a 1991 stock 302HO motor. Problem, you cannot always believe what you read. Would be sweet if that's true.

 

[baddad457]

If those 165's use pedestal rockers, then yes, you can use your stock rockers. ANY aftermarket head is going to outshine the stock heads. Just some are better than others and everyone's got their own opinion. I went with Canfield's equivalent to 165's and coudn't be happier. The kicker was the price............$1100 on ebay from a divorcee.

 

[JoeyB]

They do use pedestal rockers which I can upgrade later. Could you use the stock 302HO pistons with the Canfield heads?

 

[baddad457]

Yes they work with stock pistons. I ran these heads on a stock short block with a B303 cam and 1.7 Cobra rockers.

 

[JoeyB]

Sweet. Thanks for the info.

 

[Mac]

Not sure if this is the test from that Mustang mag or not but good comparisons of the different heads.
Dave
http://airflowresearch.com/articles/ultimate/Group1/Part2/A-P1.htm

 

[Teddyzee]

My two cents, I would recommend stud mount rockers on whatever heads you purchase.
Just makes getting the geometry easier.
Roller rockers can be purchased used very inexpensively.

I'm still using pedestal rockers on my GT40's of course.


Either of the heads you mention should give a great kick.

 

[JoeyB]

Hey Mac...thanks for the article. That's not the one a read, but I think this is a better article.

Teddyzee I agree with you on the rockers but that means a little more money. Hell at this point what does that matter I blasted past my budget a long time ago. I went from building a fun little truck as a daily driver to redoing the entire thing.

 

[mini274]

Craigslist is amazing too check out these trick flows comes with everything you need

http://evansville.craigslist.org/pts/1877434895.html
their 170s tho didnt know if you wanted to stick with 165s

 

[JoeyB]

Thanks for the link. That's a sweet deal. I'm think 165 is where I want to be. The 170's might be a little much but for that price.....hummmm

 

[Mac]

Teddyzee I agree with you on the rockers but that means a little more money. Hell at this point what does that matter I blasted past my budget a long time ago. I went from building a fun little truck as a daily driver to redoing the entire thing.

Budget, we don't need no sticking budget! Those 165's I got were for the stud mounted rockers. I'd do it once and be done with it. Not fun taking it back down just to replace the rockers.
Dave

 

[JoeyB]

Good point. Do it right the first time. You'll never go wrong with that type pf mind. Hell, what's a few more hundred dollars right? My kids aren't going to college for another 12 years

 

[JoeyB]

Well I ended up ordering the Trick Flow 170 heads with Harland Sharp roller rockers.. I'm pretty excited to hook it all up. I hope the Trick Flows are as good as The AFR's.